How to Build a Rain Barrel
The rain barrel keeps runoff from rivers and streams out of our rivers and streams by collecting and storing rainwater from downspouts and roofs. Drinking is not safe, but you can use it to wash your car and water plants. Rain barrel owners reduce water use charges on utility bills by approximately 1,300 gallons each summer. If you are paying a huge bill for the water, then don't worry about it. Now you can make a DIY rain Garden barrel that saves water and money in a few hours.
Rain barrel building does not require a lot of experience but still it's not recommended for those with limited construction skills. In addition to building your own rain barrel, you can purchase a ready-made barrel from hardware stores, garden centers, and local governments. But don't worry, you can use the garbage to build your first every Rain Barrel by following the below steps.
Materials You'll Need
- It is best if you have one large outdoor garbage can with a lid to collect the most water.
- Spigot made of brass
- Sealant tube for water tightness
- Teflon tape, one roll
- Pipe union fittings with threaded connections. (Either the rubber washer, the metal washer, and the nut.)
- Bits and power drills
- Utility knife or box cutter
- Screen or fabric for landscaping
Step 1: Prepare the hole by drilling it
Your trash can should have a hole drilled a few inches above it. Your spigot will be inserted here. Drill your hole with a drill bit that's slightly smaller or equal to the size of the spigot or union fitting (your spigot size should be matched).
Step 2: Attach the spigot and seal it
To hold the washer in place and prevent leaks, place a metal washer over the threaded end of the spigot, followed by a rubber washer tightly fitting over the threads. Your rubber washer should be coated with waterproof sealant before you insert your spigot into the barrel hole. The sealant should be allowed to dry before the threads of the spigot, a rubber washer, and a metal washer are run. Use a nut to secure your spigot inside the barrel.
Step 3: Make holes for entries and exits
Your rain barrel's lid needs to be drilled carefully. Water should run right into the barrel through this hole under your home's downspout. You must cut the hole large enough to receive the water from the downspout. Your rain barrel should also have a few holes drilled near the top. Water will overflow if necessary through these holes.
Step 4: Screen the Top
Make sure a few inches are hanging over the top side. Trim away excess screen or fabric and secure the lid over it. In this way, mosquitoes and other creatures will not be able to get into your rain barrel. You'll also keep debris from getting into your water by doing this.
Step 5: Set up your rain barrel
You can access your DIY rain barrel's spigot by positioning it directly underneath a downspout. Stack bricks or cinder blocks on a low platform to mount your rain barrel. If you attach a hose to the spigot, gravity will help push water out better. The elevation can also fill watering cans directly from the spigot. You can then save water by waiting until it rains.