When it rains, where does your home’s gutter and downspout system drain? Surface runoff can erode soil, damage pavement, and cause a number of other issues if you don’t carefully direct the water away from your house. A rain barrel can help you avoid those problems and provide several other advantages. Here’s why you should consider installing a rain barrel to collect snowmelt and precipitation near your home.

4 Benefits of Using a Rain Barrel

1. Preventing Pollution

As rainwater runs through inhabited areas like your driveway, it picks up contaminants like salt and antifreeze that can pollute the groundwater when it is absorbed into the soil. If your family installs a rain barrel, you can help prevent waterway contamination by limiting that flow of rain through an urban area.

2. Mitigating Flood Risk

Your gutter system and downspouts should direct water away from the home. Placing rain barrels underneath the downspouts allows you to collect as much water as the container will hold, limiting the risk of flooding around your property. 

3. Saving Cash

Many homeowners pay for every drop of water they use. You could potentially save a lot of money each year by using rainwater to perform everyday actions, such as washing the car or bathing the dog.

4. Bettering the Soil

If you love gardening, you know the importance of having healthy, nutrient-filled soil. Unfortunately, tap water is often treated with chemicals and additives that could harm plants. Using water that was collected from the roof can improve the soil and promote plant growth.

When you’re ready to install gutters and downspouts to further improve your precipitation management system, contact Gardner Services in Frankfort, KY. The company serves the Franklin County area with gutter installations and repairs, metal roof installations, and professional painting work. Call (502) 682-3373 to learn more about the benefits of installing rain barrels under the downspouts, or visit their website to learn more about their services.