RCS enhances its income by selling rain barrels, rain water diverters, river maps and conservation kits. RCS also sells raffle tickets each summer for a kayak and a rain barrel, with the drawing being held at Old Farm Days in Fluvanna County each fall.

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Scheier Natural Area

Woolen Mills Dam

Rain Barrel Installation Instructions

  1. First, attach the spigot to rain barrel. Place one of the washers on the end of the spigot and slide the spigot into the hole below the label. Reach into to barrel and place the second washer over the threaded end of the spigot. Thread the nut on the end of the spigot and hand tight.

  2. Take the L-shaped elbow (overflow fitting) and screw it into the pre-threaded hole on the top, right hand side, of the barrel.

  3. Select a downspout that is easily accessible.

  4. Level the ground where the barrel will sit. If needed use bricks or pressure treated 2x4s or 2x6s. (Caution: our barrel should be placed on a level surface or it may tip over upon filling, causing bodily harm or property damage. If your rain barrel is elevated, make certain that it is secure so that it cannot tip over.)

  5. Remove the elbow and run-off pipe from the end of the downspout. If you are using a Save the Rain Diverter™ follow directions on diverter. Draw a line on the downspout 9” above the top of the barrel. Move the barrel away. Use a hacksaw and cut the downspout at t he line. Note: if a downspout bracket is below your cut, remove the bracket and place it above the cut. Squeeze or crimp the downspout end, so that the elbow will fit over it.

  6. Squeeze or crimp the downspout end so the elbow will fit over it. Attach the elbow to the downspout and move the barrel back against the house, so that the end of the elbow is over the center of the lid. Rain water will now flow out of the elbow and down onto the cover of your rain barrel and drain into the barrel.

  7. To insure a long life for your barrel clean it out occasionally to eliminate clogs and other debris from building up inside your barrel.

  8. In the winter: Remove spigot and drain plug. Empty barrel and store in basement, garage or under porch. If barrel must remain outside turn it upside down and secure it with a concrete block or bungee cord.