If stored in a shed in winter, will barrel burst with freezing?
1945321
If this is going to be used for emergency purposes, I would strongly recommend getting a dolly to move them indoors during the freezing months. Otherwise, it won't matter if the barrel bursts - all you'll have are blocks of emergency ice. Now, if you insist on leaving them outside during winter, I would recommend leaving some air at the top.
1945322
We live in the Pacific NW so freezing is not really an issue here as it rarely drops below zero. We have ours stored in the garage and didn't have any problems over the winter.
1518577
I would say it depends on how harsh your winters get. If much below freezing, to be on the safe side, I don't think I would. I live in Minneapolis where it can get down below zero so I have kept mine in a heated garage over winter.
2185733
It will die if it is freezing and you put it outside. You will need to keep it indoors until the danger of frost is over. When I put mine outsode , I keep it in a pot.
333991
This is a very good question and one I considered do to where I live (Northern Maine). The plastic is somewhat fragile and in freezing temps, depending on the angle and height from which you may hang it, it could crack. I mount mine on 2 cinder blocks, up off the ground and use a heater (designed for keeping poultry waterer's) from freezing. When it gets to 15 and below, even the heater doesn't help. I do have a small hot plate in the barn for keeping my water warm for in sub-freezing temps. But to answer your basic question, yes, it could chip or shatter.
1499414
I just put mine on the garage floor in the location it was to be stored and filled it. I think they sell a barrel to put it into as well if you wanted to move it after it was filled.
741534
I believe so...as long as it's in a dry freezer...not one that has build up with frost inside it.
128340
I was reading that you should disconnect the diverter, plug the hole, turn the barrel upside down, make sure it won't blow away, or bring it inside for winter. Here is southern california we don't have the freezing problem, we just don't get much rain.Good Luck, I really like my barrel and it works great.
2156860
yes. If you hear swishing around in there, it's not cold enough. Leave it in the freezer for at least 24 hrs. It takes a while.
199760
It is in a sealed bag preserved like it is canned. some oil in it. don't know if it would freeze well.
2243875
I live in south Texas so it freezes very little. I would drain them for winter living here or up north. The water in them would expand if frozen and could cause damage. I leave mine outside all the time and would if I lived back in Michigan also. These are very sturdy.
128336
I live in Colorado. Instructions are to empty the barrel during the winter months and winterize the hose connection to prevent refilling. That's my plan.
1396056
I haven't had that problem and I've gone through 100+ cans. I haven't ever stored the cans in the cold. Could that be the problem.
2243876
It is never a good idea to let water freeze in any container unless there is a lot of room for it to expand. I drain all my rain barrels, turn them over or place them on their sides. This year I cleaned this one on the inside as well as it sits in the sun all summer and does get some algae. I also think the freezing of water in it can not be good for the valve. I leave mine open. If you can not move it or turn it, leave the drain open so what rain or melt you get can drain out. We can get down to -25 here in Vermont. The barrel itself does just fine with the cold. And I do not need it active again until late April. Good Luck. It is never a good idea to let water freeze in any container unless there is a lot of room for it to expand. I drain all my rain barrels, turn them over or place them on their sides. This year I cleaned this one on the inside as well as it sits in the sun all summer and does get some algae. I also think the freezing of water in it can not be good for the valve. I leave mine open. If you can not move it or turn it, leave the drain open so what rain or melt you get can drain out. We can get down to -25 here in Vermont. The barrel itself does just fine with the cold. And I do not need it... » Read More It is never a good idea to let water freeze in any container unless there is a lot of room for it to expand. I drain all my rain barrels, turn them over or place them on their sides. This year I cleaned this one on the inside as well as it sits in the sun all summer and does get some algae. I also think the freezing of water in it can not be good for the valve. I leave mine open. If you can not move it or turn it, leave the drain open so what rain or melt you get can drain out. We can get down to -25 here in Vermont. The barrel itself does just fine with the cold. And I do not need it active again until late April. Good Luck. « Show Less
948030
I don't think it should stay out all winter - I will take it in and store it in the basement. I would not want ice and snow to weigh it down all winter long.
539698
This unit is so well built. It will definitely hold winter coats. I had to go look at it and the bottom is open, it is not a sealed unit.
608943
No, if stored properly. Keep in cool dry place with cap on tight and keep from freezing.
97629
I repackaged mine in 1 gallon ziplocs and have had it on the shelf for 8 months with no problems. Because it is a dry product, I don't believe you need to freeze it to store it.