Austin averages just 34 inches of rain a year, yet sudden downpours can overwhelm yards while long dry spells stress landscapes. Harvesting roof runoff in rain barrels turns a challenge into a resource. Every 1,000 sq ft of roof can capture more than 600 gallons from a single inch of rain—water you can redirect to lawns, gardens, and foundation drip lines instead of paying city rates.
CountBricks specializes in residential rain-water solutions that pair smart design with precise cost control. Our AI-driven estimating engine listens to your needs in real time, prices local materials, and outputs firm numbers for labor, fittings, and permitting—all before we leave your driveway.
1. Voice-guided on-site walk-through with a CountBricks pro and our mobile AI estimator
2. Instant measurement of downspout heights and roof catchment via blueprint upload or AR scan
3. Auto-generated options for barrel size, material, first-flush diverters, and mosquito screens
4. Same-day digital quote, branded with your selections and ready for HOA or rebate submission
5. Schedule crews, receive calendar reminders, and track progress inside your CountBricks client portal
• Austin Water occasionally offers rebates up to $5,000 for qualifying rainwater equipment
• Barrels over 500 gal may need structural pads or minor permits—our platform flags these automatically
• CountBricks keeps Texas backflow and freeze-protection rules built into every material list
• Polyethylene barrels (50-100 gal) — lightweight, UV-stable, perfect for patios
• Food-grade repurposed drums — budget-friendly and recyclable
• Slimline tanks (200-530 gal) — fit narrow side yards while meeting larger irrigation needs
• Decorative clay-look cisterns — enhance curb appeal in heritage districts
Our AI database tracks current Austin supplier inventories so your quote always reflects real-time stock and haul fees.
Typical 65-gallon install
• Barrel, spigot, overflow hose, stand, mesh screen: $165-$240
• Professional installation with leveled base: $180-$260
• Optional first-flush diverter: $45-$70
Total turn-key range: $390-$570 before rebates
Larger 250-gallon slimline system
• Tank and hardware: $620-$820
• Concrete pad and strapping: $280-$350
• Pump kit for drip irrigation tie-in: $190-$260
Total turn-key range: $1,090-$1,430 before rebates
CountBricks clients see an average payback of 2-4 years through reduced municipal water use.
A rain barrel is most valuable when it works seamlessly with your existing irrigation controller. CountBricks electricians can wire barrel pumps to Wi-Fi timers, letting you:
• Prioritize harvested water first, then automatically switch to city supply
• Monitor water levels in the CountBricks mobile app
• Shut down irrigation when NOAA forecasts heavy rain—protecting plants from over-watering
• Limited tool set may lead to unstable bases or leaks
• Homeowners often overlook overflow routing, risking foundation damage
• Warranty falls on the homeowner if components fail
• Laser-level pads ensure barrels sit true and drain fully
• Certified crews handle PVC solvent welding and gutter adjustments in one visit
• In-house insurance and workmanship guarantee backed by CountBricks.com/portfolio references
A 65-gallon barrel saves roughly 1,300 gallons each summer in Austin. With water rates averaging $4.70 per 1,000 gallons, that equates to $6 in direct savings per barrel per summer—small individually, but huge when combined with reduced storm-water fees and landscaping health. Larger systems compound those returns and earn rebate credit faster.
Traditional bids rely on manual takeoffs and supplier calls that can fluctuate before install day. CountBricks links to live vendor APIs, locking prices the moment we generate your quote. You’ll see:
• Line-item materials matched to regional SKUs
• Real-time labor rates based on project complexity and crew availability
• Instant revisions if you change barrel size or add filtration
Once you approve, the system converts the estimate into a digital contract and schedules the field team automatically.
1. Rinse debris screens every two weeks during oak pollen season
2. Drain and rinse barrels in early winter to prevent sediment build-up
3. Inspect overflow lines before spring storms
CountBricks offers annual service packages—book at CountBricks.com/services—so you can enjoy savings without the upkeep.
Ready to turn every Austin storm cloud into a water bill discount? Tap the “Instant Estimate” button at CountBricks.com or call our team. In under 30 minutes you’ll have a fixed-price proposal, a project timeline, and the peace of mind that comes from partnering with Central Texas’s leading residential construction technology firm.
When the Garcia family in Austin’s Mueller district wanted to green their landscape, they contacted CountBricks through our voice-estimate app. In one on-site session, the platform scanned their 1,850 sq ft roof and proposed three linked 80-gallon barrels tucked behind their detached garage.
• Real-time quote generated: $1,285, including diverters and decorative cedar screens
• Austin Water rebate secured: $350—handled by CountBricks paperwork specialists
• Install duration: 4.5 hours, zero change orders thanks to locked material pricing
Three months later, the Garcias reported a 22 % drop in summer irrigation costs and healthier raised-bed veggies.
• Position barrels on the north or east side of the home to reduce UV degradation
• Link multiple small barrels instead of one oversized tank when space is limited
• Add a first-flush diverter to improve water clarity for drip emitters
• Elevate the barrel at least 12 inches to boost gravity flow without a pump
• Combine rainwater with compost tea for nutrient-rich, chlorine-free plant feed
For properties over a quarter acre, CountBricks recommends upgrading to 1,500- to 5,000-gallon cisterns. Our AI estimator factors slab requirements, submersible pumps, and UV sterilization into a single, transparent figure. Clients can compare side-by-side with traditional barrel installs directly in the portal, making it easy to scale water savings as landscapes evolve.
1. Visit CountBricks.com/consultation and select “Rainwater Harvesting.”
2. Upload your site plan or let our technician scan your roofline.
3. Approve your custom proposal and choose your install date—often available within seven days.
CountBricks continues to innovate residential construction with AI-powered accuracy and Texas-tough craftsmanship. Whether you need a single 65-gallon barrel or a full backyard cistern, our team is ready to make your Austin home more resilient and more sustainable.
