Rain Chains Will Make You Look Forward to Rainy Days! on Saturday, May 01, 2010

Originating hundreds of years ago in Japan, rain chains act as linked funnels that guide rainwater from the roof to a rain barrel or the ground.

Shown, the Lily Rain Chain by Achla

The City of Portland encourages the installation of rain chains—less rainwater winds up in the sewer system if you disconnect your downspouts and install rain chains instead.  Rain chains can direct rainwater to the ground, or to a collection barrel so it can be used later to water your yard and plants. You may even get a credit on your water/sewer bill for converting to rain chains!  Call 503-823-5858 to verify.

Rain Chains are a decorative alternative to downspouts.  Rain chains hang from a hole in the gutter, and water playfully dances down the links to a rain barrel or other drain system.  While downspouts are rather boring in appearance, pretty rain chains can enhance the appearance of your home.  Another bonus:  they won’t clog with leaves the way gutters will in our part of the country!

Backyard Bird Shop offers a nice selection of rain chains.  We invite you to drop by one of our 7 local shops and let us show them to you, and explain how they work.