Downspout Diverter Clogging? How to Clear and Prevent It for Good
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/25/2025 to
If your rain barrel suddenly stopped filling or water’s backing up near your foundation, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common frustrations I hear from customers. You install a downspout diverter to collect rainwater, save money,
Set Up a Gravity-Fed Irrigation System from Your Rain Barrel
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/22/2025 to
Photo Source -> Reddit Do you want save money, cut your water usage, and make your garden more sustainable? More and more gardeners are tapping into rainwater harvesting as a smart, eco-friendly way to keep their plants
Rainwater Harvesting for Pressure Washing
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/21/2025 to
Let’s face it, if you’re the kind of person who’s invested in collecting rainwater, you’re probably also the kind of person who wants to get the most bang for your barrel. But here’s the big question I get all the time: Can you use
Rainwater Harvesting for Livestock: Safety & Strategy
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/20/2025 to
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting runoff from a catchment surface (typically a roof), filtering it, and storing it in a tank or cistern for later use. On farms, this system is often adapted to serve both irrigation and animal
What Size Downspout Diverter Do I Need?
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/19/2025 to
You’ve got a rain barrel (or you’re finally planning to make the leap), but now you’re staring at your downspout, wondering what in the world fits where. Let me tell you, this is where a lot of folks go wrong. Pick the wrong size
Pros and Cons of Gutter Guards: Are They Worth It?
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/17/2025 to
Gutter guards aren’t magic. But when they’re chosen wisely and installed properly, they can be a solid first line of defense against the nonstop mess that nature dumps on your roof. A Quick Primer on Gutter Guards Gutter guards
Can I Redirect My Downspout 90 Degrees? [FULL GUIDE]
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/14/2025 to
You’ve probably stared at that downspout jutting out the wrong direction and thought, “Can I just turn this thing 90 degrees and be done with it?” The short answer is, yes, you can . But like most things in the world of water
Pole Barn Drainage: How to Keep Water Out
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/13/2025 to
If you’ve ever watched a $30,000 concrete slab buckle like cardboard after a storm, you already know, drainage is not optional. I’ve been in this industry for 20 years, and time and time again, I’ve seen smart people spend big on
How Rainwater Harvesting Can Reduce Your Water Bill
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/11/2025 to
A few days ago, I wrote about general ways to lower your water bill. I shared tips like fixing leaks, installing a second water meter, and or redirecting your sump pump. However, my favorite way to lower your water bill is to harvest
Is Rainwater Harvesting Legal in Illinois? Collection Laws
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/8/2025 to
Yes, rainwater harvesting is legal in Illinois. While the state has no comprehensive regulations, it encourages rainwater reuse for non-potable purposes. Local codes may vary, so residents should check with municipal authorities before
Is It Legal to Collect Rainwater in Oregon? What You Need to Know
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/6/2025 to
Yes, it is legal to collect rainwater in Oregon. You can legally collect rainwater from your rooftop without a permit. Oregon law (House Bill 2080, 2009) explicitly allows rooftop rainwater harvesting for personal, non-potable use.
How to Reduce Wastewater Charges & Lower Your Bill
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/5/2025 to
You opened your utility bill and your jaw dropped. Somehow, your sewer charges are nearly as high, or even higher , than your water usage. It feels like you're paying twice for the same gallon. And the worst part? You’re not even sure where
Low Maintenance Rain Garden Plants
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/4/2025 to
When most homeowners think "low maintenance," they're imagining a garden that thrives on neglect —a space that doesn’t need constant watering, fussing, or a weekend spent pruning. In the context of a rain garden, low maintenance means
How Many Gallons Of Water In A Barrel
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/2/2025 to
Have you ever bought something labeled one thing, only to find out later it’s not quite what you expected? Welcome to the world of rain barrels. That “55-gallon drum” you see everywhere? Spoiler alert—it might not actually hold 55
Spray Paint That Sticks to Plastic Rain Barrels
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/1/2025 to
Painting a plastic rain barrel sounds simple, but if you use the wrong paint or skip a step, you’ll end up with a cracked, flaking, gummy mess that looks like a third-grade art project gone sideways. I’ve seen folks spend an afternoon