Rainwater is an abundant source of freshwater, which can be used for multiple purposes. The act of harvesting rainwater not only conserves water for later use but it also reduces the money you pay for treated water.
In dry areas, the act of harvesting rainwater is unnecessary as the collected amount is trivial. Meanwhile, downspouts are indispensable to the lives of people in regions with heavy rainfall.
However, some are not into installing downspouts because of its dull appearances. So what if you desire water conservation and aesthetic look at the same time?
That is the moment you need a rain chain. So what is a rain chain and how does it work? Scroll down for the detailed answer.
What Is A Rain Chain?
To put it simply, the rain chain is an attractive version of the common waterspout. The effectiveness of harvesting rainwater remains the same.
In addition to the decorative aspect, the rain chain can be pleasing to the ears also. As water droplets trickle down the chain, they will create soothing and harmonious sounds. You can relax in the garden, watching the rain and listening to these melodies at the same time. How cool is that!
There are a variety of materials used to make modern rain chains, including bronze, copper, aluminum and iron. Copper rain cups are the most popular choices as they can withstand rough weather conditions.
Origins Of Rain Chains
Although the concept of rain chains are something of a novelty to most of us, they actually come into being for hundreds of years. The rain chains first appeared in Japan, where they were referred to as “kusari doi”, which literally means “chain gutter”. There you could find rain chains mainly in temples and houses.
Until recently, the idea of rain chains has begun to catch on. The image of rainwater funneling through several cups can be spotted in South America and other parts of the US. People are replacing traditional drain pipes with rain chains seeing that the latter offers crystal-clear benefits.
Working Principle Of Rain Chains
The rain chain is a series of several interlocking decorative bowls or cups. There is a hole at the bottom of each cup, allowing rainwater to pass from one container to the next.
The rain chain functions precisely like the downspout. The chain is attached to the end of the gutter. Once there is rainfall, the rain chain will gently transport water from the guttering downwards to storage or a rain barrel. Some homeowners even guide the water to flow into a koi pond.
How To Install A Rain Chain
If you want to have a rain chain installed in your garden, I got your back! I will provide you with the detailed instructions right now.
The installation process is relatively straightforward. In this case, you will install the rain chain above a rain barrel.
1. You should find a gutter clip delivered with your rain chain in the package. Place the clip at the link between the gutter and the waterspout.
2. Place the barrel exactly underneath the clip.
3. Estimate the expected length for the string.
4. Adjust the length based on the estimated one by adding or removing links.
5. Attach the rain chain to the gutter installer.
Done! You have successfully installed a rain chain which leads the rainwater runoff into a rain barrel.
You can install the rain chain at different locations. However, it is recommended that the chain stay near a storage or rain barrel to allow convenient water harvesting. The garden is another ideal choice for setting up a rain chain as well.
Warning! Avoid installing rain chains near doors, windows or walkways.
In terms of maintenance, you should take the chain down in the event of heavy snow and ice. In areas of high wind, anchoring the chain is a good suggestion.
In A Nutshell
The rain chain is both a visually pleasing accessory and a useful rainwater harvesting system for your house. Hesitate no more! Go for a rain chain now, especially if you live in regions with mild rainfall.
This article solved your questions of what is a rain chain and how does it work. I hope that you can have a better understanding of rain chains after reading this post. If you find this post useful, please like and share with your friends. Feel free to ask me if you have any questions related to the rain chain. I am more than willing to help. See you with my next posts!
