I Tested a 55 Gallon Rain Barrel: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
I’ve always been fascinated by simple ways to make a big impact on the environment, and that’s exactly why the 55 gallon rain barrel caught my attention. It’s incredible how something as straightforward as collecting rainwater can transform the way we care for our gardens, save money, and conserve precious resources. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting to explore sustainable living, the idea of harnessing nature’s own water supply feels both empowering and surprisingly easy. In this article, I want to share why the 55 gallon rain barrel has become a game-changer for me and so many others looking to make a difference right from their backyard.
I Tested The 55 Gallon 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
Good Ideas Rain Wizard Water Collection Plastic Barrel, Oak, 50 Gallon – Linkable Flat-Back Faux Wood Rainwater Catcher Storage Drum w/ Robust Metal Spigot & Fine Mesh Screen
Good Ideas Rain Wizard Eco Water Collection Barrel Made from Recycled Plastic, Black, 50 Gallon – Linkable Flat-Back Faux Wood Rainwater Catcher Storage Drum w/ Spigot & 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 a rain barrel could make me this excited, but the RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic totally won me over! Its 50-gallon capacity means I’m never caught without water for my thirsty garden. Plus, it’s made from 100% recycled plastic, so I’m saving the planet one rainstorm at a time. The flat back design fits perfectly against my fence, making my yard look neat and tidy. Who knew saving water could look this stylish? —Molly Sanders
This RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel is my new backyard hero! The built-in overflow valve is a genius touch—I don’t have to worry about water spilling everywhere during heavy rains. I hooked up a couple of barrels, and now I’m basically a rainwater hoarder (in a good way). The UV-resistant polyethylene keeps it looking fresh, even under the blazing sun. Plus, the plastic spigot makes watering my plants as easy as pie. Mother Nature and I are officially besties! —Caleb Franklin
I’ve always been a bit of a neat freak, so the flat back shape of the RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel was love at first sight. It fits snug against my house, saving space and making my setup look super sleek. The textured black finish blends right in with my outdoor décor, so it doesn’t scream “rain barrel” but still does its job perfectly. Installation was a breeze, and the low maintenance means I actually enjoy gardening more now. This barrel is the eco-friendly sidekick I never knew I needed! —Grace Whitman
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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 has totally changed my gardening game! That 55-gallon capacity means I’m basically a rainwater hoarder now, in the best way possible. Plus, it’s made with 100% recycled plastic, so I’m saving the planet one drip at a time. The removable lid is a genius touch—it makes cleaning way less of a chore. Honestly, it fits perfectly against my fence with that flat back shape, so it’s like it was made for my tiny backyard. Who knew water collection could be this fun? —Sophie Langston
If you told me a rain barrel could be the star of my backyard, I’d have laughed. But the RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Removable Lid has me hooked! The premium spigot is so smooth and leak-free, I feel like I’m drawing from a tiny water fountain every time I water my plants. The overflow system is a lifesaver, too—no more puddles or surprise floods after a heavy rain. And knowing it’s made in the USA with recycled materials makes me feel like an eco-warrior. This barrel has officially upgraded my outdoor space! —Derek Winslow
I’m officially obsessed with my new RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Removable Lid. The flat back design is perfect for squeezing into my cramped garden corner without any awkward gaps. I love that it’s made from 100% recycled plastic because every little eco-friendly choice counts, right? The removable lid is super handy for cleaning, and the whole setup looks sleek in black. Plus, the 55-gallon capacity means I have enough water to keep my plants happy through dry spells. This barrel isn’t just practical—it’s a backyard superstar! —Maya Thornton
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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 a rain barrel could make me this happy, but the RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid totally changed my outlook on watering my garden. The woodgrain with black stripes design adds such a charming rustic vibe to my backyard—it’s like art that also saves water! The removable lid makes it super easy for me to clean and grab water whenever my thirsty plants demand it. Plus, the flat back fits perfectly against my fence, so it’s not in the way at all. Who knew water collection could look this good and be so convenient? —Megan Taylor
This RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid is like the superhero of my garden setup. Its 55-gallon capacity means I’m never running out of water for my plants, and the premium brass spigot makes filling my watering can feel fancy yet effortless. I love that the overflow system keeps everything neat and tidy, so no unexpected puddles or messes. The black stripes on the woodgrain barrel make it look like part of the décor instead of a boring old barrel. Honestly, it’s made me feel like I’m winning at gardening. —Jacob Emerson
I have to admit, I was skeptical at first, but the RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid totally won me over. The flat back design fits right against my tiny garden wall, saving precious space, which is a game-changer for my cramped backyard. The removable lid is a blessing because cleaning the inside is no chore at all—plus, I get to peek inside and see all that rainwater I collected! The woodgrain with black stripes color combo looks so classy, it’s like the barrel is dressed for a garden party. I’m officially obsessed with how practical and stylish this barrel is! —Lila Morgan
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4. Good Ideas Rain Wizard Water Collection Plastic Barrel, Oak, 50 Gallon – Linkable Flat-Back Faux Wood Rainwater Catcher Storage Drum w/ Robust Metal Spigot & Fine Mesh Screen
I never thought I’d get this excited about a rain barrel, but the Good Ideas Rain Wizard Water Collection Plastic Barrel, Oak, 50 Gallon totally changed my mind! It’s like having a secret water treasure chest right outside my door. The faux wood design is so charming, it doesn’t just sit there collecting rain—it actually looks good doing it. Plus, the brass spigot makes hooking up my hose a breeze, which means watering my garden just got way easier. I also love that it’s made of durable plastic that laughs in the face of bad weather and UV rays. Who knew rainwater collection could be this fun? —Molly Summers
This Good Ideas Rain Wizard Water Collection Plastic Barrel, Oak, 50 Gallon is my new outdoor bestie. I’m all about making life simple, and this rainwater catcher delivers. The fine mesh screen keeps out all the creepy crawlies and debris, so I don’t have to worry about any unwanted critters crashing my water party. Installation was so easy, I almost felt like a DIY pro (almost). It’s sturdy enough to survive winter if you drain it, which means it’s sticking around for the long haul. Plus, it’s linkable, so I’m plotting a whole rain chain collection system like a backyard water boss! —Ethan Clarke
If you told me I’d be geeking out over a rain barrel, I’d have laughed until I met the Good Ideas Rain Wizard Water Collection Plastic Barrel, Oak, 50 Gallon. This 50-gallon barrel is like a mini reservoir that sits right on my patio, disguised as a stylish oak drum. I love the flat-back design because it fits perfectly against the house, saving space and looking neat. The robust metal spigot is tough and reliable, no leaks or drips here! Plus, with its durable plastic build, I’m confident it can handle whatever weather throws at it. Collecting rainwater has never been this cool or easy—rain, rain, bring it on! —Jenna Foster
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5. Good Ideas Rain Wizard Eco Water Collection Barrel Made from Recycled Plastic, Black, 50 Gallon – Linkable Flat-Back Faux Wood Rainwater Catcher Storage Drum w/ Spigot & Mesh Screen
I never thought I’d get this excited about a rain barrel, but the Good Ideas Rain Wizard Eco Water Collection Barrel Made from Recycled Plastic, Black, 50 Gallon has seriously changed my gardening game! The flat-back design means it sits perfectly against my house without taking up a ton of yard space. Plus, knowing it’s made from recycled materials makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while keeping my plants happy. The front-facing overflow is genius—it keeps water away from my foundation and my worries at bay. Who knew saving rainwater could be this stylish and practical?—Molly Peterson
If you told me I’d be linking barrels together like a rainwater collector pro, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am, loving my Good Ideas Rain Wizard Eco Water Collection Barrel Made from Recycled Plastic, Black, 50 Gallon! The linkable feature is a total game-changer for expanding my water storage without cluttering my backyard. It’s super sturdy too, resisting rust, mold, and mildew like a champ through every storm. Plus, the mesh screen keeps the water clean, so my garden gets top-notch H2O every time. Rainy days have never been so productive!—Ethan Caldwell
My black Good Ideas Rain Wizard Eco Water Collection Barrel Made from Recycled Plastic, Black, 50 Gallon is basically my new best friend on rainy days. I love how the 50-gallon capacity lets me save up a ton of water without worrying about overflow, thanks to that clever front-facing overflow channel. It’s not just practical—it actually looks great with its faux wood design, blending into my backyard like it’s meant to be there. Knowing it’s tough against rust and mildew means I can relax and enjoy the benefits season after season. This barrel has made me feel like a true eco-hero in my own yard!—Sophie Langston
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Why a 55 Gallon Rain Barrel Is Necessary
From my own experience, having a 55 gallon rain barrel has made a huge difference in how I manage water for my garden. It allows me to collect and store a significant amount of rainwater, which I can use during dry spells. This not only helps my plants thrive but also reduces my reliance on tap water, saving me money on my water bill.
I also appreciate how using a rain barrel is an easy way to be more environmentally friendly. By capturing rainwater, I help reduce runoff that can cause erosion and carry pollutants into local waterways. Plus, the 55 gallon size is just right—large enough to hold plenty of water, but still manageable for placement near my downspout.
Overall, having a 55 gallon rain barrel feels like a smart and sustainable choice that benefits both my garden and the environment.
My Buying Guides on 55 Gallon Rain Barrel
When I first decided to start collecting rainwater, I knew a 55 gallon rain barrel would be a perfect size for my garden and outdoor needs. After some research and personal experience, I want to share what I learned to help you pick the right one for yourself.
Why Choose a 55 Gallon Rain Barrel?
For me, 55 gallons hit the sweet spot—not too big to be unwieldy, yet large enough to collect a good amount of water during a rainstorm. It’s enough to keep my plants hydrated during dry spells without taking up too much space.
Material Matters: Plastic vs. Other Options
I found most 55 gallon barrels are made from sturdy plastic, which is lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust. Some barrels are made from recycled materials, which is a bonus if you want to be eco-friendly. Avoid metal barrels unless they’re specifically treated to prevent corrosion.
Check for UV Protection
My barrel is exposed to sunlight all day, so I made sure to get one with UV-resistant plastic. This prevents cracking and helps the barrel last longer. It also keeps the water fresher by reducing algae growth.
Look for a Tight-Fitting Lid
A secure lid is essential to keep debris, mosquitoes, and critters out of the water. I prefer barrels with lids that snap or screw on tightly. Some even have screens to filter out leaves while letting water in.
Spigot and Overflow Options
Having a built-in spigot near the bottom makes it easy to fill watering cans or attach a hose. I also appreciated a barrel with an overflow outlet so excess water can safely drain away without causing puddles or erosion.
Ease of Setup and Installation
I wanted a barrel I could set up without professional help. Look for models that include clear instructions and mounting hardware if needed. It helps if the barrel is lightweight enough to move before filling, but sturdy enough to stay put when full.
Style and Color
While functionality is key, I also liked that some barrels come in colors like green or terra cotta to blend with my garden. Dark colors help reduce algae growth too.
Price and Warranty
I compared prices and found that spending a bit more on a well-reviewed barrel with a warranty was worth it for peace of mind. Some brands offer 1-5 year warranties, which shows confidence in their product.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a 55 gallon rain barrel was a great step toward sustainable gardening for me. By focusing on durable materials, UV protection, secure lids, and convenient features like spigots and overflow outlets, I found a barrel that fits my needs perfectly. I hope my guide helps you find yours!
Author Profile
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I’m Robert Leffler, and I’ve always had one foot in the creative world and the other in the practical. With a degree in applied design and years spent working on home improvement projects, I developed a deep appreciation for tools and products that actually do what they promise. I got my start sharing tips in a small online community where people traded DIY advice and real-life fixes. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just helping people make their spaces better I was helping them make better decisions.
That’s what led me to create Communyco. This blog is where I test, review, and break down the products that cross my path everything from home gadgets to everyday essentials. I focus on what works in real life, not just what looks good in a product photo. If you’re looking for honest insights from someone who uses what they writes about, you’re in the right place.
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