| Pros and Cons of Rain Barrel Fill
Locations Side filling makes an easily removeable lid or open top possible. An open top barrel is the fastest way to fill a bucket or watering can. A drain at the bottom helps to get the last of the water. It requires drilling holes to accept bulkhead fittings. Top filling vertically makes maximum use of barrel capacity and the barrel can be easily moved without spillage. This method works best with a sealed lid and a drain at the bottom. Horizontal Top filling allows use of a fixed top barrel and no holes need to be drilled. Barrel is best used when mounted on a stand. Slowest draining. |
| Base Preparation | |
 Level and compact sand base even if blocks are not used to prevent leaning. |
 12"x12" blocks used as base |
 8"x16" and 8"x8" blocks used as base |
 Horizontal plastic barrel supported by boards to prevent distortion. Distortion will not cause leaks in this fixed top barrel but can on a removeable top barrel.  |