Rain Barrel WorkshopFebruary 11, 2012

By Melissa Merritt

Benefits of Rain Barrels• A quarter-inch of rain falling on the average

home yields a little over 200 gallons of water.

•Rain barrels collect rainwater for use in gardens and lawns reducing storm water runoff. A rain barrel can be filled within a matter of minutes during a good rain.

•Too often, rainwater becomes wasted water when it's channeled into already stressed sewer systems.

Benefits of Rain Barrels• Collects rainwater for use in gardens and lawns

reducing storm water runoff• A rain Barrel can save around 1,300 gallons of water

during peak summer months• The rain water is soft- no chlorine, lime or calcium

from municipal water systems- Also better for washing your car

How to Make A Rain Barrel • Instructions on p. 8 of the Water Conservation Ideas

Book1. Start with a large, food-quality, plastic barrel and

drill a hole in the side of the barrel with a ¾ inch hole saw bit. Drill about 3-4 inches from the bottom.

How to Make A Rain Barrel

2. Screw ¾ inch faucet into the hole. Plumbers tape can be added to secure seal

Option: Add clear, water-proof caulk to the outside rim of the faucet to prevent leaking.

How to Make A Rain Barrel

3. Drill a second hole near the top. Add plastic barb and hose with clamp. This is for overflow. Size is optional.

We used a 5/8th inch plastic barb to match a 5/8th inch standard hose

Option: Hose adaptor can be added to the end of the hose, or to the barrel to add more hose length.5/8th inch Hose

Adaptor

How to Make a Rain Barrel

• Options for Overflow– Remove caps from holes and add PVC pipe with screen

secured with pipe clamp for extra overflow.

- Or create a larger hole for PVC pipe connection.

Options for Overflow

http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Outdoor/Diverters-Link-Kits/Basic-Downspout-Diverter

How to Install a Rain Barrel

4. Bricks or cinderblocks will be needed to raise barrel above ground and increase water pressure along with creating a steady base.

Remember, a gallon of water weighs over 8 pounds, so these barrels will weigh over 400 pounds when full!

How to Install a Rain Barrel

5. The next step is determining how to connect your rain barrel. Several Options.

Downspout adaptor for one of the holes: can attach directly to your gutter.

To make a water collection funnel, cut a piece of window screening a little bigger than the PVC coupling and secure it with a hose clamp.

1.

2.

How to Make A Rain Barrel

The downspout will need to be altered.

Once downspout has been measured and cut, save the cut piece so that it can be reattached during the winter when rain barrel is not in use.

How to Make A Rain Barrel

•Add screen between downspout and rain barrel to prevent debris from entering.

Other Options for your Rain Barrel

• Multiple barrels can be connected for more storage.

Decorating the Rain Barrel

•Use Krylon Fusion paint as a base, and then regular acrylic paints can be used over it.•One can of paint will cover a rain barrel- but two will make a solid color and allow for extra for touch ups later on.

Things to Remember

Make sure the overflow is pointing away from your home’s foundation.

Make sure to use screen to keep out debris and also mosquitoes from your rain barrel.

Only use the barrel during spring and summer months- empty and put away during the winter.