Best Small Water Barrels With Taps for Storage and Rainwater
The best small water barrel with a tap depends on whether you need a ready-to-use container or a fitting to add a faucet to a barrel you already own. The rectangular storage barrel is suited to buyers seeking a container with a drainage valve, while the five-gallon option is designed for portable storage. For a DIY rain barrel, choose between the brass spigot kit and the two-pack PVC kit based on material and installation dimensions. A downspout diverter is an accessory for collecting rainwater, not a barrel or tap.
| Product | Best for | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangular water storage barrel | Outdoor storage with a valve | Container shape and intended use |
| Five-gallon stackable container | Portable water storage | Capacity, lids, and included spigot |
| Brass rain barrel spigot kit | DIY barrel faucet installation | Hole size and wall thickness |
| PVC spigot kit, two pack | Fitting more than one container | Hole size and PVC material |
| Downspout diverter | Directing roof runoff to collection | Downspout shape and size |
Rectangular Water Storage Barrel With Valve
This rectangular container is best for buyers who want a water storage vessel with a built-in drainage control rather than a separate spigot kit. The listing describes it as made from high-density polyethylene and says its valve controls drainage. It also notes that the barrel can be used with a buyer-supplied faucet.
Why it was selected: It is the closest match for someone searching for a small water barrel with a tap because the product description specifically mentions a valve. The listing identifies outdoor, travel, and household water storage as possible uses.
Limitation: The provided features do not state the container’s capacity or dimensions. Check those details before choosing it for a specific space or storage volume.
Five-Gallon Stackable Water Container
This option is best for buyers who want a smaller, portable storage container with a tap included. The listing identifies a five-gallon capacity, stackable design, two lids, and one spigot. It is presented for uses including camping, RV trips, emergency preparedness, and disaster supplies.
Why it was selected: Its stated capacity and included spigot make it a direct fit for buyers seeking a compact container that can dispense water without adding a separate faucet.
Limitation: The listing describes one tank, so buyers needing larger storage may need a different capacity or multiple containers. Confirm the product details for the intended use before purchase.
Musibo Brass Rain Barrel Spigot Kit
This kit is best for DIY users who already have a barrel and want to install a brass faucet. Its listed features include a quarter-turn solid brass ball valve and a solid brass bulkhead fitting with female 3/4-inch NPT threads on both ends. The fitting can be installed from outside the barrel.
Why it was selected: It provides a spigot and bulkhead fitting as a set, and the stated brass construction makes it a distinct alternative to plastic kits.
Limitation: Installation requires a 1- to 1⅛-inch hole, and the maximum supported wall thickness is 5/8 inch. Check barrel dimensions before drilling.
Vtenyeo PVC Spigot Kit, Two Pack
This kit is best for buyers fitting two containers or keeping a spare set of PVC components. It includes two 3/4-inch GHT PVC ball valves, two plastic partition adapters, thread-sealing tape, and an installation pull rope. The listing describes the PVC as resistant to rust and corrosion.
Why it was selected: The two-pack gives buyers multiple fittings, and the pull rope is included to help with installation without entering the container.
Limitation: The required hole diameter is 1.05–1.1 inches, and the maximum material thickness is 0.38 inch. It may not fit a barrel wall outside those measurements.
Downspout Diverter For Rainwater Collection
This accessory is best for homeowners assembling a rainwater collection setup who need to direct runoff from a downspout. The listing says it has a self-flushing design intended to help prevent clogs and fits several listed square and round downspout sizes, up to 5 by 5 inches.
Why it was selected: A diverter can be relevant when the small barrel is intended for rain collection, though it does not include a barrel tap.
Limitation: It is not a water container or spigot kit. Check the downspout dimensions and shape against the product listing before selecting it.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Small Water Barrel With a Tap
Do you need a complete container or a faucet kit?
Choose a container with an included valve or spigot when you want a ready-to-use storage vessel. Choose a spigot kit if you already own a compatible barrel and are prepared to make the required hole. A downspout diverter serves a different purpose: it routes rainwater into a collection system but does not dispense water from the barrel.
Which capacity and format fit your needs?
Compare the stated capacity with the amount of water you expect to store and the space available. The five-gallon container has a specified volume and is described as stackable. The rectangular barrel’s listed features do not provide a capacity, so verify its dimensions and volume before ordering.
What should you measure before installing a spigot?
Measure the barrel wall thickness and plan the hole size before choosing a fitting. The brass kit specifies a 1- to 1⅛-inch hole and a maximum wall thickness of 5/8 inch. The PVC kit specifies a 1.05–1.1-inch hole and a 0.38-inch maximum thickness. These requirements differ, so do not assume the fittings are interchangeable.
Should you choose brass or PVC?
Choose brass if the listed metal construction and quarter-turn ball valve match your preferences. Choose the PVC kit if you want two valve sets and the included pull rope. In either case, verify the thread type, opening size, and wall thickness against your barrel before installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest small water barrel option to set up?
A container with an included valve or spigot avoids the need to select and install a separate faucet kit. Check its capacity and dimensions before purchase.
Can I add a tap to a barrel I already own?
Yes, a compatible bulkhead and spigot kit is designed for that purpose. Confirm the barrel wall thickness and required hole diameter first.
Are the brass and PVC kits the same size?
No. Their listed hole diameter and maximum wall thickness differ. Compare those measurements with the barrel before choosing a kit.
Does a downspout diverter include a barrel?
No. The listed diverter is an accessory for directing roof runoff; it is not a barrel or a faucet.
Is the five-gallon container described as having a tap?
Yes. Its product name and features specify a five-gallon tank with one spigot and two lids.