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Spruce
Creek Rainsaver
Troubleshooting, Maintenance & Winter Storage
Clogged Spigot
Since the spigot is a very
simple mechanical device, there usually is very little that
can go wrong . . . other than some organic material stuck
in the path. . . or . . . sometimes a small spider will make
a nest/web at the bottom of the outlet, preventing water flow
or water shut off. Here is a suggestion that usually will
fix the problem quickly. Using an adjustable wrench, loosen
the 6 sided nut (located right below the spigot handle) by
turning left (do not remove the spigot from the barrel). Once
completely loose, lift the entire (on/off) handle out of the
spigot fixture (you may want to put a small bucket beneath
to catch water that will now flow out). Using a thin wire
(coat hanger) or brush, clear out any debris in the spigot
base (go in both directions). Wipe off the washer of the handle
assembly (that you've removed), then put the handle unit back
in place and retighten the nut.
Leaking Spigot
If the barrel is leaking
between the metal spigot and the plastic barrel, the best
remedy is to turn it counterclockwise and remove from the
barrel. Wrap the spigot threads several times with simple
teflon tape (white plumbers tape available at any hardware
store for $1.00 or less) then rethread the spigot clockwise
into the barrel until reasonably tight. Do not over-tighten
as this will expand the plastic and create a similar situation
as you are trying to correct. Still leaks . . . try again
with more tape surrounding the metal threads.
Water Use & Cleaning
Collected water contains
properties that plants love. It’s warmer than well water
(plants won’t be shocked during watering), it‘s
highly organic (unlike chlorinated municipal water), and it’s
collected from nature. Keeping this in mind, users shouldn’t
consider water fit for drinking, even though it appears to
be fresh and clean.
savers
(and the screens) will collect small amounts of organic material
(such as pollen) over time, so for best operation we suggest
an occasional cleaning of the intake and overflow screens
2 or 3 times per year. These screens can easily be removed,
cleaned and replaced in just minutes to enable optimal water
flow in and out of the rain barrel.
Lift
the ridgid aluminum intake screen by the corner and rinse
the mesh screen beneath - now snap the rigid screen back into
place on top of the mesh screen (if the shipping screw was
still attached to the intake, it can be removed and discarded).
To clean the overflow screen, slip the hose off the exit fitting
at the back of the barrel (this is where another fine screen
is located). Rinse the fine screen and slip the overflow hose
back over the screen and exit fitting. For simpler water flow
exiting the barrel, you can alternatively reposition the overflow
screen at the other end of the overflow hose. Just cover the
end of hose with the screen and wrap the screen with a small
rubber band to hold in place.
Some
customers like to empty the barrel and rinse out before winter
begins as small amounts of fine debris and organic material
can accumulate through the course of a year. This matter can
also add to organic growth inside the barrel which is harmless
to plants, but may omit an odor. To remedy this situation,
add 2 tablespoons bleach to full barrel . . . or . . . use
just water more frequently. To clean the inside of rainsaver,
lift the rigid screen on the top of the barrel, turn it on
it's side and rinse with a hose. You also can reach inside
the intake area with a brush to clean the barrel sides if
desired. You'll find if rain water is used frequently, cleaning
is rarely necessary. The rainsaver can be stored outside in
a convenient spot or it's original place, as it is unaffected
by cold temperatures.
Winter Care in Freezing Climates
We've
tested the Spruce Creek Rainsaver for several consecutive
winters, leaving barrels completely full and allowing them
to freeze all the way through. The rain barrel will bulge
outward and upward by the pressure of expanding ice, but once
thawing occurs the rain barrel will return to it's original
shape. Winter freezing has proven no damaging effect on our
rainsaver (other basic barrels require empty/indoor winter
storage) so little winter maintenance is required. However,
because expanding ice in a full barrel will create powerful
stretching, we suggest that barrel is opened at the upper
spigot level during the coldest
months of winter
(Dec, Jan, Feb) when daytime temperatures stop rising above
freezing. For extended
life of the barrel, we suggest users partially drain water
to relieve this pressure of expanding ice. (54 gallons does
make a pretty large ice cube). Open the top spigot access,
drain to this level and then leave open to prevent pressure
from water expanding inside the barrel. In the early spring
when snow and ice begin to thaw, close the spigot and start
saving the melting precipitation. In warmer climates where
consistent daytime freezing does not occur, no action is needed.
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