Well, it happened. After years of service, my rain barrels froze solid. I had winterized, had the bottom spigots open for constant drainage, but now suspect the years of accumulated sediment in the bottom of the barrels blocked the outlet.

Note to self - must pull them out and clean them this spring!

Saving grace for rain barrels is that they're not tightly capped - for the first time ever, I had standing water above the screen on the concave top piece. Also, while the top bolts to the barrel itself, there is a seam thru which water escaped forming a (very pretty) ice waterfall of sorts down the side! First time for everything, and I admit I had become complacent since we've not had hard winters for a while.

Far as I can see now, no damage to the barrels - but lesson learned. Caveat to all - despite the screened top, stuff still gets in and needs to be removed. I'm approaching year eight w/mine leading up to this debacle - they're long overdue for a deep clean out. I'll do right by them once they thaw and spring gets here.

Meanwhile, anybody need 55 gallon ice cubes ?? :o)