What do you put on the end of a rain chain? Everything you need to know about rain chain anchors

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 rain chain anchors might be just what you need. 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 some of the best rain chain anchors options right here.

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.

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.

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.

Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke is the founder of Yardwork and Pulled, the online platforms for everything home and garden. He has a degree in landscape architecture and horticulture from the University of California Davis.

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.