Three Easy Steps (2025):

1. Drain- the rain barrels and diverter so they do not freeze and crack. I would recommend putting rain water in empty jugs (watering plants) then water bushes and trees. Leave the valve open.

2. Flip- remove the water slide, insert form, and install water slide towards the downspout

3. Secure- put bricks or paver on top of rain barrel so it does blow away. Or you can move them inside for winter.

Four Easy Steps: Winterizing the Rain Barrels and Rain Reserve Diverter (2025 and before)

1. Remove the black flexible pipes from the diverter. Take the pipes and put them behind the rain barrels.

2. Put the caps on the diverter. If you can't find them, we can sell you two caps for $10, or you can check out this hack.

3. Using a garden hose, drain the barrels and water your bushes (and trees). To clean, I recommend putting a cap full of bleach down the black flexible pipe of each barrel when it is half full. Let the bleach sit for a few hours, and then drain the rest of the water from the barrel. You might want to collect some of the rainwater in empty jugs to use for watering your plants during the winter months.

4. Leave the valve open and put a heavy brick on each barrel, or put the rain barrel(s) inside for the winter. 

Reconnecting the rain barrels by following four easy steps:

1. Check what the night temperatures will be for the next few weeks as you do not want to break the quarter valves or rain barrels.

2. Remove the easy access door on the diverter and clean out any debri. Make sure your gutters are clean and ready. Pour some water into the diverter where the door was. Put the access door back in place.

3. Remove the cap(s) on the diverter and put them in a safe place.

4. Make sure the valve is closed on the rain barrels and connect the black flexible pipes from the rain barrel(s) to the diverter.