Click a tab below to read a listing of frequently asked questions.

• GENERAL

• • Why would I need a rain barrel? What are the benefits of rainwater harvesting?

  • Anyone who grows indoor or outdoor plants can benefit from a rain barrel. About 40% of a typical household's water use goes to watering lawns and gardens, which make rain barrels a convenient way to collect and provide free water during periods of draught and water restrictions. Rain barrels can also help save money on water or electricity bills. The collected water is healthier for plants because it contains no chlorine or added salts.
    
    Using rain barrels can reduce your eco footprint. Harvesting rainwater reduces runoff, excess water that flows across the surface of the land when it rains or snows, which can lead to flooding and erosion. Runoff can carry pesticides, fertilizers and other contaminants, leading to pollution of streams, lakes and rivers.

  • What makes Fiskars Rainwater Harvesting Systems different than other manufactured or homemade rain barrels?

  • Fiskars’ version is more than just another rain barrel – it’s a complete and worry-free system. All 4 barrel models come with a rain barrel and cover, a threaded spigot and a downspout connector kit, which includes a 2”x3” and a 3”x4” downspout diverter, a connector hose, connector and installation guide. Fiskars offers a range of attractive smart designs in neutral and stylish colors, so you don’t have to choose between function and aesthetics.

  What else can I use my rainwater for besides my lawn and garden? Is there anything I should not use the collected water for?

  • Collected rain water can be used for container and indoor plants, car, bike and boat washing, rinsing outdoor furniture or lawn tools and rinsing other items like muddy shoes. Water from a rain barrel is not suitable for human or animal consumption.

  • Why is the water collected in my rain barrel good for my garden?

  • Water collected in rain barrels contains no chlorine or added salts. Additionally, rainwater does not “shock” plants the way cold water from a garden hose does.

  • My roof is small. Is it worth trying collecting rain in a rain barrel?

  • Yes! A roof area of only 1000 square feet can provide approximately 600 gallons of water during a 1 inch rainfall. Water running off a 500 square foot roof will fill up a 57 gallon barrel in less than an hour in a 2/10 inch rainfall.

  • Are there any restrictions or laws about harvesting rain water or using rain barrels?

  • Some states and municipalities have rainwater harvesting laws. Be sure to check local regulations before installing and using a rain harvesting system.

  • Can I paint my rain barrel?

  • Yes, paints made for Polyethylene plastic will work. Check with your local hardware or home store for the best options.

  • Can I paint my diverter?

  • Yes, look for paints made for Polypropylene plastic..

  • Are Fiskars rain barrels recyclable?

  • Yes. Fiskars rain barrels are made of recyclable Polyethylene.

  • Are the other parts of the Rainwater Harvesting System, like the diverter and spigot, recyclable?

  • Yes, the entire Rainwater Harvesting System is recyclable.

  • What are the dimensions of the rain barrels? How much do they weigh without water?

  • 	Rotational Molded	Injection Molded
    Name Capacity Weight Width Depth Height	Salsa Tuscany 58 gallon 57 gallon 18.95 lbs. 18.10 lbs. 23.25 inches 24.50 inches 26.50 inches 26.50 inches 40.00 inches 39.75 inches	Waubesa Holden 48 gallon 48 gallon 15.90 lbs. 13.03 lbs. 20.00 inches 23.50 inches 28.50 inches 27.38 inches 34.75 inches 35.00 inches

  • What should I consider when choosing a rain barrel size and style?

  • Style and color choices are based on personal preference. Fiskars rain barrels are designed to compliment your home’s exterior and finish. The difference in the amount of water you will collect in the 48, 57 and 58 gallons is not significant.

  • Does Fiskars offer a warranty on rain barrels?

  • Yes, Fiskars offers a 3 Year Limited Warranty on all Rainwater Harvesting Systems.
    
    Fiskars Brands, Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that its Rain Barrel products are free from defects in materials and workmanship appearing under normal use within three (3) years after the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage to Rain Barrel products caused by abuse, acts of God, your failure to follow product instructions, mishandling or unauthorized repair. THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES; AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. IN NO EVENT WILL FISKARS BRANDS, INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation and/or the above exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. As its sole responsibility and your sole remedy for any warranted defect, Fiskars Brands, Inc. will replace any Rain Barrel containing a warranted defect, free of charge, with proof of purchase and notification within a reasonable period of time (but no longer than 6 months) following the discovery of such defect. For warranty service, email rainwater@fiskars.com or call 1-866-348-5661.

  • What is DiverterPro™?

  • DiverterPro™ is Fiskars’ new rainwater diverter that features a removable filter to capture debris and transparent door to see if cleaning is needed. DiverterPro™ has an improved capture rate during heavier rains and is easy to clean and winterize. DiverterPro™, available January 2010, includes a 3”x4” diverter, 2”x3” couplers, spigot, connector hose, connector and filter.

• SAFETY AND HEALTH

• • How can I keep my children and pets safe?

  • To prevent children and pets from harm, always keep the safety-snap rain barrel cover on your barrel. Make sure the barrel is positioned so that it cannot be easily overturned. Never permit children to play in, on or near a rain barrel or climb above, onto or into rain barrel. Do not allow humans or pets to drink water from a rain barrel.

  • How do I keep mosquitoes and other pests out of my barrel?

  • To keep out pests, always keep the safety-snap cover on the rain barrel. Mosquitoes will gather wherever there is open standing water. Also make sure to keep your barrel free of organic material, which also may lead to unpleasant odors. If mosquitoes are a concern, try mosquito dunks or donuts which use a time release process to kill mosquito larvae, but do not cause harm to people, plants, animals or the environment when used correctly. Make sure to thoroughly read and follow the directions. Dunks or donuts are not a means to purify the water; rain barrel water should not be consumed.

  • How do I prevent algae and odors?

  • Make sure to keep your barrel free of organic material as the decomposition causes odors. Regularly dispensing your collected rain water will help prevent growth and odors in your barrel.

• INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

• • How do I install and maintain a Fiskars rain barrel?

  • Please refer to the Installation Guide.

  • Where can I find a hole saw or spade drill bit, and how much do they cost?

  • You can find these at your local hardware, DIY or home center stores. The cost ranges from $5.00 to $20.00.

  • Can I drill the hole without using the tools mentioned?

  • The tools outlined in the guide are the best used for the installation steps. You need a 1 inch hole exactly in order for the hose connector to seat and seal properly.

  • What do I do if I have questions or concerns regarding installation?

  • You can call 1-866-348-5661 or email rainwater@fiskars.com with any rain barrel questions.

  • Can I install the diverter if my gutter downspouts are not the standard 2”x3” or 3”x4”?

  • Do not install the diverter if your gutters are not 2”x3” or 3”x4.” Consult your local hardware store for adapter options.

  • Can I attach a hose to my rain barrel?

  • Yes, the threaded spigot allows for hose attachment.

  • What is the best way to cut my downspout?

  • It can be difficult to saw through thin-walled tubes, such as a downspout, because the saw teeth snag instead of cutting smoothly. A good trick is to use the saw blade backwards – for a properly set-up hacksaw (blade teeth point away from handle) – this means cutting on the pull stroke instead of on the push stroke.

  • What is the best way to attach the diverter to my downspout?

  • Be patient during installation and be sure to follow the Installation Guide. Gutter downspouts vary in size slightly and it will take some adjusting to insert the downspout section into the diverter. It will be a tight fit, but this is necessary for proper function.

  • How do I know if my gutters are heated or not?

  • If you do not know whether you have heated gutters, check with the housing contractor or an electrician. If a downspout contains heating cables, there is a potential electrocution or fire hazard during installation. Make sure you know before you begin.

  • Can I connect multiple rain barrels together?

  • Yes, Fiskars offers a rain barrel Connector Kit to ‘daisy-chain’ multiple barrels together for additional storage.

  • I would like to use multiple barrels, but I don’t have room to connect 2 barrels together. Can I install 2 rain barrels on one downspout diverter?

  • Yes. Our new DiverterPro™, available January 2010, allows for the installation rain barrels on both sides of downspout at once.

  • Where is the best place to position my rain barrel?

  • Your rain barrel can be installed on either side of your downspout, within one meter. For greatest convenience, install your rain barrel at a downspout nearest to where you will be using your water, such as your garden. It is important to place your barrel on firm and level ground so the barrel will not sink into the ground when it is full or when the ground is wet. Cement pavers or other platforms can be used, but may not be necessary if the area under your barrel is firm and level. Remember, when the barrel is full, the 52 gallon unit can weigh around 450lbs.

  • What do I do with my rain barrel in the winter?

  • Winterize your barrel when temperatures are below 41F (5C). To do so:
    

    1. Completely drain your rain barrel.
    
    
    2. Remove the diverter connector from the rain barrel by unscrewing the white nut from the connector and remover the connector assembly with the hose attached. Thread the white nut back onto the connector assembly.
    
    
    3. Tie the hose assembly to your downspout so the hose is directed upwards.
    
    
    4. If storing outside, turn the rain barrel upside down and place a heavy object on top to keep it from blowing away.
    
    
    5. Emptied rain barrels may also be stored in a shed, garage or basement during the winter months.

  • How do I clean my rain barrel?

  • We recommend using a mild detergent and brush to remove debris or build-up.

• TROUBLESHOOTING

• • What if something breaks or I need a replacement part?

  • Please refer to the Limited 3 Year Warranty and contact customer service at 1.866.348.5661 or email us at rainwater@fiskars.com. You may also write to Fiskars at 2537 Daniels Street, Madison, WI 53718, USA.

  • What is the best way to attach the diverter to my downspout?

  • Be patient during installation. Gutter downspouts vary in size slightly and it will take some adjusting to insert the downspout section into the diverter. It will be a tight fit, but this is necessary for proper function.

  • Is the water pressure coming out of the garden hose attached to a full rain barrel enough to support a lawn sprinkler system? How much area will the water from a full rain barrel cover?

  • The pressure depends on the water level in the barrel and will decrease as the water level drops (as the water is used). Most if not all sprinkler systems require fairly high pressure to operate and will not work with a rain barrel unless a separate pump is used, and using a pump will empty a rain barrel fairly quickly. Rain barrels work great with soaker hoses. The capacities of Fiskars barrels vary between models, but 50 gallons of water will cover a little over 80 square feet to a depth of one inch.

  • Will the diverter clog?

  • If your gutters frequently clog with leaves and or other debris, we suggest putting a piece of screen over the top of your downspout. Fiskars DiverterPro™, available January 2010, includes an easily removable filter to capture debris and a transparent “door” to see if cleaning is needed.

  • What if the hose becomes clogged with leaves?

  • Detach the hose from the diverter and barrel. Flush the hose out with water or compressed air, if available. If you insert something into the hose to push through, you may damage the hose.

  • Why has the connector hose stretched?

  • Due to the design of the hose, it may stretch or become elongated over time. Simply trim the hose until it is once again level and reattach it.

  • Why is the cover difficult to remove?

  • Fiskars designed a tight-fitting cover for safety reasons. If you are having difficulty removing the rain barrel cover with your hands, try using a flat head screwdriver to pop it off.

  • Do I need to put my rain barrel on a paver?

  • It is important to place your barrel on firm and level ground so the barrel will not sink into the ground when it is full or when the ground is wet. Cement pavers or other platforms can be used, but may not be necessary if the area under your barrel is firm and level.

  • My rain barrel is overflowing. Why is this happening, and what do I do?

  • If water is overflowing out of the top of the barrel, the barrel is too low relative to the diverter. This may be due to an error in the diverter installation, or to the barrel sinking into the ground. The solution is to raise the barrel by building a base underneath it, preferably with large concrete pavers until the rim of the barrel about ½” above the line on the sides of the diverter. The bottom of the connecting hole in the side of the barrel should not be raised above the line on the diverter.

  • Why is water shooting out of the diverter?

  • Fiskars’ original diverter slightly restricts flow through the downspout. However, if the downspout was correctly sized, this may only happen during extremely heavy rains, if at all. If this concerns you, the barrel can be moved to another downspout or you can install a larger downspout. Fiskars’ new rainwater diverter, DiverterPro™, has a 3”x4” opening throughout and has an improved capture rate during heavier rains. Learn more about DiverterPro™ on the “How it Works” page.

  • My rain barrel bulges a little. Should I be concerned?

  • No. When the barrel is full, minimal bulging will occur, but is no cause for concern.

  • Is there BPA in the plastic out of which rain barrels are made?

  • BPA (bisphenol A) can be found in polycarbonate plastics, while all of Fiskars rain barrels are made out of polyethylene. Both LDPE and HDPE are made without the use of BPA, so BPA is not a concern for our rain barrels.