Collecting rainwater is a sustainable practice that conserves water and reduces runoff. Building a rain barrel is a simple, cost-effective way to capture and store rainwater for garden irrigation. Here’s how you can create your own rain barrel from a 55-gallon drum.
Materials Needed:
- 55-Gallon Drum: A food-grade plastic barrel is ideal. Ensure it’s clean and hasn’t been used to store chemicals.
- 3/4-inch Spigot with Washer and Nut: For the water outlet.
- Mesh Screen: To cover the top and keep out debris and mosquitoes.
- Downspout Diverter or Flexible Downspout Extension: To direct water from your gutter into the barrel.
- Overflow Valve and Hose: To redirect excess water away from the barrel when full.
- Silicone Caulk: To seal connections.
- Hole Saw or Drill with Spade Bits: For creating openings.
- Teflon Tape: To ensure a watertight seal on threaded connections.
Construction Steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Barrel
- Ensure the barrel is clean and free of any residues from its previous use. Rinse it thoroughly with soapy water and let it dry.
Step 2: Install the Spigot
- Choose a spot near the bottom of the barrel to install the spigot. Drill a hole using a hole saw or spade bit that matches the size of your spigot’s threaded end.
- Wrap Teflon tape around the spigot threads to ensure a watertight seal.
- Insert the spigot into the hole from the outside and secure it on the inside with the washer and nut. Apply silicone caulk around the outside of the spigot to seal any gaps.
Step 3: Create an Overflow Outlet
- Select a spot near the top of the barrel to install the overflow valve. Drill a hole using your hole saw or drill.
- Attach the overflow valve and secure it with caulk. Connect a hose to the valve to redirect excess water.
Step 4: Prepare the Lid
- If your barrel comes with a removable lid, cut a large hole in the center to allow water from the downspout to enter. If the lid is not removable, cut a hole in the top of the barrel itself.
- Cover the opening with mesh screen to keep out debris and insects. Secure the screen in place with silicone caulk or a strong adhesive.
Step 5: Position the Rain Barrel
- Place the rain barrel under a downspout where it will collect the most rainwater. Ensure the location can support the weight of a full barrel (over 400 lbs). You may need to place the barrel on a stable platform to elevate it for easier access to the spigot.
Step 6: Connect to the Downspout
- Use a downspout diverter or flexible downspout extension to direct water from your gutter into the rain barrel. Cut your existing downspout to fit the diverter if necessary, following the diverter’s installation instructions.
Step 7: Use and Maintenance
- After the first few rainfalls, check connections for leaks and adjust as necessary.
- Regularly clean the mesh screen and inspect the barrel for debris.
- Empty the barrel before winter to prevent freezing and damage.
Conclusion
Building a rain barrel is a straightforward project that yields significant environmental and gardening benefits. By harvesting rainwater, you can conserve water, reduce your utility bills, and provide your plants with chemical-free water. This guide provides the basics, but feel free to customize your rain barrel system to suit your needs and preferences, creating an efficient and eco-friendly water conservation system for your garden.
