Programs » Rain Barrel Initiative » Winterization
Sometime within the next two months, it will be time to winterize your barrel. It is important to attend to this yearly maintenance task to avoid the problems that can be caused by ice building up in your barrel. We will send an email reminder to all rain barrel owners within the NMR watershed to let you know when conditions warrant changing over. But in case you "missed the memo," or just like to be ahead of the curve, be aware that when temperatures are expected to be below freezing for more than a night or two, it is time to winterize. Follow the instructions below. Please call NMRWA at 412.371.8779 ext. 20 if you have any questions regarding your rain barrel.
1. Empty your rain barrel by opening the spigot near the bottom.
2. Turn the intake valve to "Bypass".
3. For detailed instructions refer to the RiverSafe User Guide (pdf).
1. Empty your rain barrel by opening the spigot and dumping out any excess water.
2. Move the handle of your diverter so it points away from your rain barrel.
1. Empty your rain barrel by opening the spigot and dumping out any excess water.
2. Remove the flexible spout from the lid of your rain barrel and extend it so it fits into your drain stump.
3. For more detailed instructions, refer to the Nine Mile Run Rain Barrel User Guide (pdf).
The NMR Rain Barrel Initiative is funded by the PA Department of Environmental Protection's Growing Green II program, The Richard King Mellon Foundation, and the Roy A Hunt Foundation.