Gutter Diverter for Rain Barrel Complete Guide and Reviews

A gutter diverter for a rain barrel is a simple yet effective way to harvest rainwater and reduce stormwater runoff. It's a device that attaches to your downspout and redirects water into a rain barrel.

The benefits of using a gutter diverter for a rain barrel are numerous. It's a great way to collect rainwater for watering plants, washing cars, or even filling up your pool. This can save you money on your water bill and reduce your environmental impact.

You can install a gutter diverter for a rain barrel yourself, but it's essential to choose the right size and type for your needs. A 3/4-inch or 1-inch diverter is usually sufficient for most residential applications, and there are also diverters available for larger commercial properties.

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You need an automatic gutter diverter to prevent excess water from spilling next to your foundation, which can drain into your basement.

In areas with heavy rainfall, the contents of the rain barrel will likely overflow quickly, and debris can accumulate, making it essential to have a diverter to divert excess water to the ground level.

If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, an automatic gutter diverter makes it easy to shut down the rain barrel system in winter, preventing the barrel from freezing and breaking.

An automatic downspout diverter is necessary because it prevents excess water from spilling next to your foundation, which can drain into your basement.

You want to be able to remove the rain barrel before winter sets in, as it will freeze and crack when the ice expands.

After about 8 years, plastic diverters can start to break down and crack due to sun exposure.

An automatic diverter will allow you to remove and store the rain barrel, and the gutter will function exactly as it did before installing the rain barrel.

An automatic gutter diverter is designed to direct excess water away from the rain barrel and into the downspout, preventing overflow and clogging. This is especially important for regions with heavier rainfall.

The diverter kit is typically installed mid-way on the downspout, just above the top of the rain barrel. This allows gravity to move water downward, directing it into the rain barrel.

The inlet within the diverter is large enough for sufficient rainwater to flow through, but too small for leaves or debris to fit in. This ensures that only water enters the rain barrel.

As the rain barrel fills up, the diverter guides excess water to continue through the downspout instead of the inlet. This prevents clogging and overflow around the base of the rain barrel.

Excess water and debris flow through the downspout and out at the ground level, typically near a storm drain. This keeps the area around the rain barrel clear and safe.

A fresh viewpoint: Rain Gutter Overflow

You need a gutter system to direct water away from your home's foundation, which is crucial to prevent water damage and erosion.

Living in an area where temperatures drop below freezing requires special consideration for your gutter system, as the rain barrel can freeze and break if not properly shut down in winter.

A downspout diverter is a convenient solution to revert back to your original gutter system in winter, making it easy to switch between rain barrel and gutter use.

If set up correctly, a downspout diverter can automatically divert water back to the gutter system, preventing the rain barrel from overflowing.

This feature is especially useful in areas where heavy rainfall can cause the rain barrel to overflow, potentially causing damage to your property.

Take a look at this: Parts of a Rain Gutter System

Most people install their downspout diverter to feed a rain barrel through a roof gutter system. To get the right fit, you'll need to consider the type of downspout you have, as some diverters require drilling holes while others need you to cut the entire downspout and re-attach it.

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You'll also want to think about the material and durability of the diverter, as these features will impact its performance over time. The best downspout diverters have a few key features to look for, including value, material, durability, diversion capacity, and versatility.

A good gutter diverter should be able to handle large quantities of water without overflowing, and will work with gravity to feed the rain barrel. To ensure this, consider the capacity for future expansion when choosing a diverter, and make sure to leave plenty of clearance for your storage below.

When choosing a gutter diverter, consider the value of the product. A good diverter should provide a good balance of features and price.

A diverter's material is crucial for its longevity and durability. Brass and PVC are popular choices for outdoor plumbing and work well for gutter diverters.

The diversion capacity of a gutter diverter is essential to ensure it can redirect enough water to your storage solution. Make sure the diverter can handle the water flow from your downspout.

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Some gutter diverters offer adjustable flow control, allowing you to redirect the right amount of water. This feature is particularly useful if you have a large downspout size.

A good gutter diverter should be versatile and able to adapt to different water storage plans. Look for a diverter that can be easily installed and adjusted.

The Oatey Downspout Diverter is a popular choice for residential rain barrel diverters. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that's easy to install.

You can install the Oatey with just a hacksaw and some elbow grease, making it a great option for DIYers. The installation process is a breeze.

The Oatey Downspout Diverter fits 2″ x 3″ downspouts, which is a common size for residential gutters. This ensures a secure fit and effective water capture.

This diverter features a white PVC design that's paintable, allowing you to match it to your home's exterior. It also comes with a 4′ outlet hose for easy connection to your barrel.

One of the standout features of the Oatey is its winterizing plug, which helps prevent ice dams and frozen water from causing damage to your gutter system.

Here are the key features of the Oatey Downspout Diverter:

Most people install their downspout diverter to feed a rain barrel through a roof gutter system.

You'll need to consider the type of diverter kit you're using, as some require drilling holes in downspouts while others need you to cut the entire downspout and re-attach it.

Leaf guard systems for your gutters can help prevent clogs with debris, but most diverters are designed to be clog-free.

It's essential to consider the rain barrel system's capacity for future expansion when choosing the diverter placement.

Make sure to have plenty of clearance for your storage below, as diverters work with gravity.

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To install a gutter diverter for your rain barrel, you'll need to select the correct size for your downspout, which is typically 2” x 3” or 3” x 4” rectangular in shape.

The placement of the rain barrel in relation to the downspout diverter is also crucial, with the rain barrel needing to be elevated enough for water to flow freely from the bottom spigot, while the diverter should still be higher than the rain barrel.

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Locate the proper section of the downspout for the diverter, usually several feet off the ground and higher than the top of the rain barrel.

Mark off a segment of the downspout to be extracted, typically less than a foot in length, depending on the size of the diverter.

Cut out the designated segment of the downspout with a hacksaw, and then place the diverter kit in the gap of the downspout, connecting both the top and bottom portions to the diverter.

Make sure the entire unit is secure before proceeding.

Connect the hose to the inlet on the side of the downspout, and then connect the opposite end of the hose to the overflow valve on the rain barrel, ensuring there are no kinks in the hose.

Here's a summary of the steps: