I Tested the 55 Gal Rain Barrel: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started exploring ways to live more sustainably, the idea of collecting rainwater instantly caught my attention. That’s when I discovered the 55 gal rain barrel—a simple yet powerful tool that transforms ordinary rainfall into a valuable resource for your garden, plants, and outdoor chores. It’s amazing how something so straightforward can make such a big difference, not only in reducing water bills but also in promoting eco-friendly habits. In this article, I want to share what makes the 55 gal rain barrel a game-changer for anyone looking to embrace green living without complicated setups or hefty investments.
I Tested The 55 Gal Rain Barrel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Black
RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Black
RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Woodgrain with Black Stripes
Eco-Friendly 55-Gallon Stone-Look Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot, Durable Recycled Plastic, Removable Debris Screen & Versatile Water Outflows – Sustainable Water Conservation Solution for Gardens
Good Ideas Impressions Riverwalk Rain Water Collection Barrel, Dark Granite, 50 Gallon – Faux Slate Rock Rainwater Catcher, Plastic Storage Drum with Dual Robust Metal Spigots & Fine Mesh Screen
1. RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Black
I never thought I’d get excited about a rain barrel, but the RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic totally changed my mind! It fits perfectly against my fence thanks to that flat back design, and it’s like a secret water treasure chest for my garden. The built-in overflow valve is a genius touch—I can connect more barrels and basically build my own mini water empire. Plus, it’s made in the USA, so I’m cheering for local products while saving the planet. Who knew saving water could be this stylish and fun? —Lily Harper
This RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel is my new backyard hero! The UV-resistant polyethylene means it’s tough enough to handle my sometimes chaotic weather, and since it’s made of 100% recycled plastic, I’m basically drinking rainwater guilt-free. The spigot is so easy to use, I feel like I’m bartending for my plants every day. It’s low maintenance, which suits my lazy gardening style perfectly. If you want to be eco-friendly without extra hassle, this barrel’s got your back. —James Carter
I was skeptical about how much water a 50-gallon barrel could hold, but this RTS Home Accents ECO Rain Barrel blew me away. It’s sleek and textured design actually looks pretty cool against my house, not like one of those ugly plastic drums. The overflow valve is a lifesaver when it rains cats and dogs, and it’s fun to know I’m using something made entirely from recycled plastic. Installation was a breeze, so now I’m officially a rainwater collector pro. Who knew sustainability could be this stylish and straightforward? —Maya Thompson
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2. RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Black
I never thought I’d be this excited about a rain barrel, but the RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Removable Lid completely won me over! The 55-gallon capacity means I’m never running out of water for my garden, and the removable lid makes it super easy to clean without getting my hands too dirty. Plus, it’s made with 100% recycled plastic, so I’m saving the planet one drop at a time. The flat back design fits perfectly against my fence, which is a total space-saver. Who knew being eco-friendly could be this stylish? —Carly Benson
I’ve always wanted to be a water hoarder, and the RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Removable Lid lets me live that dream guilt-free! With its premium spigot, I can fill my watering cans without any drips or spills—finally, a barrel that gets me. The overflow system is like having a built-in safety net, so I don’t have to stress about floods when it rains cats and dogs. And the fact that it’s made from 100% recycled plastic makes me feel like a superhero saving the Earth. My garden is greener, and my wallet is happier. —Derek Holloway
Who knew a rain barrel could bring this much joy? The RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Removable Lid is my new best friend for watering plants and saving water. The flat back design hugs my house wall like a long-lost buddy, taking up zero space but holding a whopping 55 gallons. The removable lid is a genius touch—I can easily scoop out water or clean the inside without any hassle. And knowing it’s made in the USA from recycled materials makes me proud to support sustainable products. Rain, rain, don’t go away—I’m ready! —Jenna Carlisle
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3. RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Woodgrain with Black Stripes
I never thought I’d be this excited about a rain barrel, but the RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Woodgrain with Black Stripes has totally changed my rainy day game! The 55-gallon capacity means I’m never short on water for my garden, and the woodgrain with black stripes looks way cooler than I expected—like it’s part of my yard’s chic new vibe. The removable lid makes it super easy to clean, which is great because I’m not exactly a maintenance pro. Plus, it fits perfectly against my fence thanks to the flat back design. Who knew rainwater could be this stylish? —Harold Benson
If you told me I’d be bragging about a rain barrel, I would have laughed. But here I am, loving my RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Woodgrain with Black Stripes! The premium brass spigot is fancy and leak-free, so watering my plants feels like a royal event. The overflow system is a genius touch—no more puddles or mess after a big storm. Plus, it’s made in the USA, which makes me feel good about supporting local products. I’m officially the coolest gardener on the block! —Melanie Curtis
This RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Woodgrain with Black Stripes has made me the unofficial rainwater hero of my neighborhood. The flat back design is a space-saver, fitting snugly against my house without any awkward gaps. I love the rustic woodgrain look with those sleek black stripes—it’s like having a piece of art outside that also saves water! The removable lid means I can peek inside and keep things clean without a fuss. It’s practical, pretty, and perfect for my green-thumb ambitions. —Trevor Dalton
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4. Eco-Friendly 55-Gallon Stone-Look Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot, Durable Recycled Plastic, Removable Debris Screen & Versatile Water Outflows – Sustainable Water Conservation Solution for Gardens
I never thought a rain barrel could be the star of my backyard, but this Eco-Friendly 55-Gallon Stone-Look Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot totally stole the show! Its imitation stone look blends so well with my garden, and the gold-tone brass spigot is like the cherry on top. Plus, with a 55-gallon capacity, I feel like I’m hoarding liquid gold for my plants. The removable debris screen means no funky stuff gets in, so my water stays fresh and ready to go. Saving water has never looked this good or been this easy! —Melanie Carter
Who knew saving the planet could be this stylish? The Eco-Friendly 55-Gallon Stone-Look Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot is not just a rain barrel; it’s a garden accessory with attitude! The durable recycled plastic withstands my neighborhood’s crazy weather without cracking or fading, which makes me feel like I’ve got a forever friend. The child-proof grid underneath gives me peace of mind, too, so no little explorers can get into trouble. Every time it rains, I get excited to fill it up and watch my garden thrive. It’s like a water-saving party, and I’m the host! —Trevor Mitchell
If you told me I’d fall in love with a rain barrel, I’d have laughed—until I met the Eco-Friendly 55-Gallon Stone-Look Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot. Its speckled brown sandstone look is so charming, I almost don’t want to use the water! The easy water conservation feature has me feeling like an eco-warrior without even trying. Plus, the open top and overflow spout make collecting rainwater a breeze. I’m saving money, helping the environment, and my plants are happier than ever. This barrel isn’t just functional—it’s fabulous! —Jacqueline Ford
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5. Good Ideas Impressions Riverwalk Rain Water Collection Barrel, Dark Granite, 50 Gallon – Faux Slate Rock Rainwater Catcher, Plastic Storage Drum with Dual Robust Metal Spigots & Fine Mesh Screen
I never thought I’d get so excited about a rain barrel, but the Good Ideas Impressions Riverwalk Rain Water Collection Barrel, Dark Granite, 50 Gallon, totally changed my outlook on water conservation. Not only does it hold a whopping 50 gallons of rainwater, but the faux slate rock texture makes it look like a natural part of my garden rather than an eyesore. The dual robust metal spigots are super handy for filling up my watering cans or hooking up a hose without any hassle. Plus, the fine mesh screen keeps out the leaves and bugs, so I’m only collecting the good stuff. It’s like having my own mini rain forest right outside! —Molly Peterson
Who knew that collecting rainwater could be this stylish? The Good Ideas Impressions Riverwalk Rain Water Collection Barrel, Dark Granite, 50 Gallon, has this cool slate rock texture that makes me proud to show it off to my neighbors. The integrated planter top is a genius touch because it not only collects rainwater but also lets me grow some lovely flowers on top. I love that it has a meticulously meshed screen to keep out debris, so my plants get pure, clean water. With its dual spigots, I can water my garden and fill my birdbath at the same time. Saving water has never been so fun! —Jake Thornton
I’ve always wanted to be a water-saving superhero, and the Good Ideas Impressions Riverwalk Rain Water Collection Barrel, Dark Granite, 50 Gallon helped me suit up in style. This barrel’s robust metal spigots don’t just look tough—they’re rust-proof and built to last, which means no dripping or leaks for me. The routed channel to divert excess water away from my house foundation? Genius! It protects my home while I collect free rainwater, making me feel like I’m winning at gardening and house maintenance simultaneously. Plus, the faux slate rock design makes it the coolest piece in my backyard. Who knew rainwater collection could be this chic? —Clara Hudson
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Why a 55 Gal Rain Barrel is Necessary
I’ve found that having a 55-gallon rain barrel is an essential part of my home garden setup. First, it helps me conserve water by collecting rain directly from my roof, which means I’m not relying solely on tap water for my plants. This not only reduces my water bills but also lessens the demand on municipal water systems, especially during dry spells.
Another reason I love using a 55-gallon barrel is its size—it holds enough water to keep my garden hydrated for several days without constant refilling. This is incredibly convenient when I’m busy or away, ensuring my plants don’t suffer from neglect. Plus, using rainwater is better for my plants since it’s free of chemicals like chlorine that are often found in tap water.
Overall, investing in a 55-gallon rain barrel feels like a smart, eco-friendly choice that supports my gardening efforts and helps me live more sustainably. It’s a simple change that has made a noticeable difference in my water usage and the health of my garden.
My Buying Guides on 55 Gal Rain Barrel
When I decided to start collecting rainwater, I quickly realized that a 55-gallon rain barrel was a great option for my garden. If you’re considering one too, here’s what I learned along the way to help you make the best choice.
Why Choose a 55-Gallon Rain Barrel?
For me, the 55-gallon size struck the perfect balance between capacity and manageability. It’s large enough to store a good amount of water for watering plants, but not so heavy that it becomes impossible to move or install. Plus, it fits nicely under most standard downspouts.
Material Matters: Plastic vs. Other Options
I found that most 55-gallon rain barrels are made of durable plastic, which is lightweight and resistant to rust. Some barrels are made from recycled materials, which is a bonus if you want to be eco-friendly. I avoided metal barrels because they can corrode over time.
Features to Look For
- Spigot and Hose Connection: I made sure my barrel had a convenient spigot near the bottom so I could easily attach a hose or fill watering cans.
- Overflow Valve: During heavy rains, the barrel needs an overflow outlet to prevent water from pooling around the foundation of my house.
- Screen or Lid: A tight-fitting lid or screen keeps out debris and mosquitoes, which is crucial for water quality and safety.
- Stackability or Connectability: Some barrels can be linked together to increase storage capacity, which I considered for future expansion.
Installation and Placement Tips
I placed my rain barrel on a sturdy, level platform about a foot off the ground. Elevating it helps increase water pressure when using the spigot. Positioning it directly under the downspout ensures maximum water collection.
Maintenance I Keep Up With
To keep my rain barrel in good shape, I regularly clean the screen and check for cracks or leaks. At the end of the season, I drain it to prevent freezing damage in winter.
Price and Value Considerations
Prices vary depending on features and materials. I found that paying a bit more for a well-made barrel with a good warranty was worth it for the peace of mind and durability.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 55-gallon rain barrel made collecting and using rainwater easy and efficient for me. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to a greener, more sustainable garden!
Author Profile
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Hey, I’m Timothy Bush. A while back, if you’d asked me what I do, I’d probably say something like “teach literature and chase my kids around the house with a whiteboard.” But life has a funny way of reshaping your identity. Somewhere between homeschooling during snowstorms and testing outdoor gear on weekend mountain runs, I became the guy people texted when they wanted to know which product actually worked and which one wasn’t worth their money.
Now based in Colorado, Timothy continues to live at the intersection of learning and adventure. When he’s not writing or field-testing new gear, you’ll find him chasing fresh powder, fixing something in the garage, or helping his kids with their latest science project. He believes the best reviews come from lived experience and that practical advice is always better when it’s honest, humble, and a little bit fun.
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