Rain Barrels and Rainwater Totes
Need a rain barrel that holds more than a garden-centre barrel? We sell 1000 L (275 gal) and 600 L (160 gal) rainwater IBC totes with a 3/4 in garden hose adapter, plus 205 L (55 gal) plastic drums and the taps and adapters to turn them into rain barrels. Prices are in CAD and everything ships from Mississauga, Ontario.
Which rain barrel size do you need?
| Option | Holds | Footprint | Price from (CAD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 L rainwater IBC tote | 1000 L (275 US gal) | 48 x 40 in pallet | $185.00 | Large gardens, farms, livestock water |
| 600 L rainwater IBC tote | 600 L (160 US gal) | Smaller pallet tote | $185.00 | Smaller yards |
| 55 gallon plastic drum | 208 L (55 US gal) | about 23 in across | $64.12 | Classic rain barrel under one downspout |
One 1000 L tote holds about as much as five 55 gallon rain barrels. Water weighs 1 kg per litre, so a full 1000 L tote weighs over 1,000 kg: set it on a level, solid base.
Rainwater IBC totes
The rebottled tote has a brand-new bottle. Prefer a new or rebottled tote if you want the cleanest possible water. See all IBC totes for sale.
55 gallon drum rain barrels
Brand New 55 Gallon Closed-Head Plastic Drum – Blue
Original price was: $98.12.$84.99Current price is: $84.99.
Our closed-head plastic drums have threaded bung openings. Add a drum tap to the lower bung and fill through the top. Check each product page for bung sizes.
Taps, hose adapters and covers
3/4 Inch Faucet/Tap Swan Neck Extender/Riser Outlet with Hose Connector Elevated Faucet Extension
Price range: $19.95 through $22.95
- Totes: most totes have a 2 in valve with buttress (coarse) thread. A 2 in buttress to 3/4 in garden hose adapter lets you connect a hose. See all IBC tote adapters.
- Drums: use a 2 in buttress drum tap or a 3/4 in NPT tap, depending on the bung.
- Sun and algae: keep the tote shaded or fit an IBC tote cover; light through the bottle encourages algae.
How to set up a rainwater tote or barrel
- Pick a spot under a downspout on level, solid ground or a raised base, so the tap sits higher than your watering can or hose run.
- Connect the downspout to the top fill opening with a downspout diverter (sold at hardware stores) and a screen to keep out leaves and mosquitoes.
- Fit the outlet: a garden hose adapter on the tote valve, or a tap in the drum’s lower bung.
- Plan the overflow so excess water drains away from your foundation, or link several totes or drums together.
- Before winter, drain the tote or barrel and leave the valve open so ice can’t crack the bottle or valve.
Rain barrel FAQ
Can I drink rainwater from a tote?
Treat collected rainwater as non-potable. Use it for gardens, lawns, washing and livestock troughs unless you add proper treatment and use a food-grade container.
Does my city offer a rain barrel rebate?
Some Canadian municipalities run rain barrel programs or rebates. Check your city or region’s website before you buy.
Do you deliver?
Yes. Totes ship across Canada by freight (quoted by quantity and distance), and smaller items ship by courier. Free pickup is available at 1325 Khalsa Drive, Mississauga. See shipping information.
