Rain chains are a clever invention used for rainwater harvesting. They work by channeling water from roof gutters, replacing your gutter's downspout. But what do you put on the end of them to ensure they're secure?
If you've recently discovered what rain chains are and are keen to benefit from the multiple reasons to install a rain chain, then the current Amazon Prime Big Deal Days have arrived just in time. There are a few different things you can put on the end of a rain chain to harvest rainwater, all of which work by holding your chain in place for effective use.
Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Look no further. I've compiled the best Amazon deals on rain chain anchors right here, so you can make the most of the sales this month.
3 things you can put at the bottom of a rain chain
One of the biggest rain chain mistakes is not installing it properly. This can make rainwater harvesting difficult and ineffective. That's why I've compiled everything you need to know about what to put at the end of your rain chain so you can use yours properly.
1. Rain chain anchor
The simple answer to what to put on the end of a rain chain is an anchor. This is essential for holding your rain chain in place.
'You can use an anchor stake or pin to anchor the rain chain to the ground. This will stabilize the chain, especially during very heavy rainfall, so that the chain doesn't move from side to side and allow water to escape its directed path,' explains horticulture expert and founder of Yardwork, Michael Clarke.
All you need to do is take your anchor pin or stake, attach it to your rain chain and insert it into the ground to secure it.
You can even find some rain chains with anchors attached or included, arguably making them the best rain chains to choose from.
This rain chain hanger and anchor is used to hang a rain chain installed on a roof downspout outlet, reducing splashing and improving water flow.
This spiral rain chain anchor is easy to drive into the ground for anchoring a rain chain. The top end of the anchor has a flat surface to easily hammer into the ground.
Crafted from high-quality iron, this anchoring stake ensures stability and durability, allowing you to securely fix the rain chain on flowerpots or lawns.
2. Rain chain basin, barrel or dish
Looking for something prettier? A step up from a rain chain anchor is a rain chain basin, barrel or dish.
'Using these in garden beds keeps water in a contained space, allowing it to seep out into the garden over time,' says Michael. 'This prevents water damage to plants and reduces surface water run-off,' he adds.
There are lots of ways to achieve this. You can anchor your rain chain to a rain barrel to collect a large reserve of water, or using a rain chain anchoring basin to collect at the bottom of the chain and slowly release to your plants, as Michael describes.
Some rain chain kits include an anchoring basin, which might impact how you choose a rain chain.
This kit includes a quality rain chain gutter adapter and a 12-inch rain chain basin, providing everything you'll need to effectively utilize your rain chain.
This copper rain chain set has everything you need to make your downspout look beautiful. It includes a rain chain, gutter adaptor and anchoring basin.
This beautiful rain chain basin is artistically designed and handmade using 20 gauge pure copper, finished in a hand-rubbed blue verde finish.
Secure the end of your rain chain with the links to this 15-inch mild steel anchoring basin. The rain chain basin effectively catches the flow of rainwater from your rain chains.
This rain chain catch basin is hand hammered and develops a beautiful brownish patina on the surface over time. Attach your rain chain to it to collect rainwater.
This lotus rain chain is a beautiful and unique way to harvest rainwater. This kit includes an 8.5ft chain with 12 lotus flower cups and a rain chain basin to attach on the end.
3. Drainage rocks
An alternative way to secure your rain chain is by anchoring it with drainage rocks at the bottom. This is a great way to use a rain chain in your yard if you like to landscape with rocks.
This is also a clever way to use harvested rainwater on your rock garden. The collected rain chain water will drip down to water your rock garden plants gradually.
To achieve this, use a rain chain anchor to secure it in place among drainage rocks at the bottom.
Similar to a houseplant pebble tray, the wet rocks can even increase humidity and moisture levels among any tropical or Mediterranean plants you grow in containers on top of them.
FAQs
How do you install a rain chain?
To install a rain chain, you need to remove your gutter downspout and attach the hook of your rain chain to your gutter outlet. It's then important to secure the end of your rain chain with an anchoring system - whether that's an anchor stake or anchoring basin. This will secure your rain chain in place for effective use.
You can even anchor your rain chain to a rain pot, as a stylish alternative to a water butt. However you decide to style your rain chain, ensuring you have the right tools to secure it is important to reduce water waste in your yard.
