I chose this rain barrel for aesthetics.  We had a horrible wind storm and our cistern was damaged.  The spouts on both the front and back broke off and stripped the threads on the fittings.   The plastic used on the cistern and the plastic fittings are made from a somewhat soft material.   The company made the replacement very easy and I was grateful for it.  I'd recommend replacing the fittings with something a bit more durable when you order this item.