If you have gutters on your house, then your flowerbeds, backyard garden, lawn, and potted plants would benefit from a rain barrel!
A rain barrel goes under one of the downspouts connected to your roof’s gutters. When it rains, the water will run down the roof, along the gutters, down the downspout and into your rain barrel where it can be harvested and used.
Using the water that collects in your rain barrel is a simple way to water the flowers and plants in your yard without running up your water bill. And best of all, rainwater barrels are also good for the environment because you are pumping less water in from other sources!
Especially in regions that frequently suffer from periods of drought, collecting and using the water from a rainwater barrel is a smart way to conserve such a precious resource. And you can even make your very own rain barrel at home!
Believe it or not, making your own DIY rain barrel is actually a pretty easy project. It probably took me half an hour to make this one (and that includes the time it took to take the photos!)
Disclaimer: While there are no federal rules against collecting rainwater, and many states even encourage doing so, there are some areas that prohibit or regulate rainwater collection. If you’re unsure about your local rainwater regulations, check with local authorities and your HOA.
Why Should I Make A Rain Barrel?
Rain barrels are hardly new technology. In fact, humans have been collecting and using rainwater for thousands of years, whether in barrels or other containers. Here are just a few of the compelling reasons why you might want to make your own:
- Unlike municipal water, rainwater doesn’t contain chlorine or other hard minerals, making it a better choice for watering sensitive plants.
- You can cut down on water consumption and reduce municipal demand to support water conservation.
- You save energy that would have been used to filtrate and pump the water.
- By collecting rainwater instead of letting it drain onto the grass, you could prevent flooding or erosion to your foundation.
- Reduce the amount of water added to stormwater runoff, which can contribute to pollution and other problems.
- You can use the water to wash your car, clean your driveway, bathe your dog, clean your gardening tools, and much more!
How To Make A DIY Rain Barrel
You’ll need:
- Garbage can with lid (or water barrel)
- Spigot with bulkhead fitting
- Power drill, with the correct size drill bit recommended for the spigot
- Thread seal (PTFE) tape
- Waterproof silicone sealant
- Mesh screen material
- Utility knife
Directions:
Step 1 – Collect Your Supplies
If all you did was stick a barrel under your downspout, you could certainly collect rainwater. But in order to get the water out of the barrel to use it, you’ll want to install a spigot first! :-)
Once you have your garbage can or water barrel picked out, you can install your spigot kit. This step is probably the trickiest, but if I can do it on my own, I’m positive that you can too!
When you choose your spigot, take note of what size the hole will need to be so you can install it, because you’ll a drill bit that matches that size. Drill bits of all sizes are easy to find online!
Step 2 – Install The Spigot
Once you have your container, spigot, and drill bit ready to go, fit the drill bit into your power drill. Carefully drill the hole approximately 4 inches up from the bottom of the barrel. (Putting the hole here will make the spigot easier to use and help prevent sediment from clogging it up.)
Next, drop the bulkhead fitting into the trash can or water barrel, then push it through the hole so that the washer is up against the inside of the container. Attach the nut to secure the fitting so that it’s relatively tight, but not tightened all the way.
To help form a watertight seal, wrap a length of PTFE thread seal tape to the threaded end of the spigot. Screw the spigot onto the bulkhead so the handle is pointing straight up, tighten the nut the rest of the way.
Step 3 – Apply Sealant
If you’re as paranoid of leaks as I am, at this point you can apply a waterproof sealant as added insurance. Apply a thin layer of clear, waterproof silicone sealant where the metal spigot meets the plastic, then repeat on the inside of the container (if possible).
If you do choose to apply a sealant, be sure to let it dry for the recommended amount of time before exposing it to any water.
Step 4 – Prepare Your Placement
Your barrel is nearly done, but you still need to decide exactly where you are going to put it. It’s a good idea to elevate your barrel with cinder blocks or bricks for easier access to the spout and to improve the water pressure.
So get those set up and put the barrel in place, because it will be very helpful during the next step!
Step 5 – Cut The Lid Hole
If your container isn’t sealed, it’s crucial to have tight-fitting lid to protect the water inside. Children and pets could get hurt if they fell into the barrel, and mosquitos would love to use your collected water as a breeding ground. Standing water is an open invitation for all kinds of creepy crawlies and pests, and that’s definitely not what you want for your rain barrel! But you can keep out most pests with just a couple of easy preventative measures.
First, you’ll want to cut a small hole in the lid that will allow water to flow inside from your downspout. Once you know where you’re going to place your rain barrel, you’ll be able to see where the downspout will meet the barrel. Mark that area off with a sharpie, then use a sharp utility knife to cut the correctly shaped hole into your lid.
Step 6 – Add a Filter
The final step in making your DIY rain barrel is to add some mesh screening, which will prevent insects and other pests from accessing the water surface. The screen will also filter out leaves and larger debris coming through the downspout.
Cut a large piece of screening that will extend several inches past the edges of your container. Set it over the top of your container, then put the lid on over the screen to hold it in place.
Step 7 – Collect Rainwater!
All that’s left to do is put your rain barrel into place and wait for rain! Oh, and give yourself a pat on the back for doing your part to help conserve water! :-)
Optional DIY Rain Barrel Upgrades
Like I said, your rain barrel can be as complex as you’d like it to be! If you want something slightly more advanced, consider these upgrades to improve your DIY rain barrel:
Upgrade #1 – Secure The Lid
Use a small drill bit to create holes that go through both the rim of your barrel and the edge of the lid when closed. Thread zip ties or light wire through the holes to secure your lid to the barrel.
You can secure the lid on one or both sides, depending on how frequently you’ll need to get inside the barrel. Zip ties are cheap enough that you can cut them off and use new ones if you need to get into the barrel. Wire has the advantage of being reusable, though it may rust over time.
Upgrade #2 – Install An Overflow Valve
With a male adapter and a leader hose, you can create an overflow valve near the top of your rain barrel so that water can escape if it the barrel gets too full. Just point the leader hose down the side of the barrel away from anything that shouldn’t get wet.
If you do install an overflow valve, make sure it sits above your protective screen to guard against any pests that get in through the hose.
Upgrade #3 – Improve Its Curb Appeal
Incorporating your rain barrel into your yard design and landscaping can make it seem like less of an “eyesore.” Make it blend in by using shrubs and plants to blend it into your other landscaping.
You could also paint the barrel and the cinderblocks or bricks supporting it with exterior paint to to match the color of your house. Or if you are feeling especially creative, you could decorate it with a mural or design!
The Benefits Of Collecting Rainwater With A Rain Barrel
This eco-friendly DIY project can help you save money on your water bills, conserve a precious resource, and help the planet all at once! You can collect as much as 1,300 gallons of rainwater during the months of the year when your plants need watering, and utilizing that water could help to reduce your water costs by as much as 30%.
And while we’re on the topic of eco-friendly DIYs, make sure to check out this post on how to start composting at home. It’s a great way to transform your food waste into fuel for your your yard and garden instead of sending it to a landfill!
Do you collect rainwater at home?
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