Easy Steps to Make Your Own Rain Barrel

Rain barrels are an excellent way to collect and store rainwater for use in irrigation, watering plants, and other outdoor uses. Collecting rainwater not only saves money on your utility bills but also helps conserve water resources. Making a rain barrel may seem complicated, but it is a simple and fun project that can be accomplished with just a few materials and tools.

To make your own rain barrel, you will need a plastic barrel, a few basic tools like a drill, saw, and screws, and a few fittings to connect the barrel to your gutter downspout. With just a little bit of guidance, you can create your very own rainwater harvesting system that will contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle and help you make the most of the rain that falls on your property. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to make a rain barrel.

Materials Needed for Building a Rain Barrel

If you have decided to make a rain barrel, congratulations – you are on your way towards reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on your water bills. Before you dive into the building process, however, there are a few essential materials that you will need:

1. Barrel or Container

The first and most important item you will need is a barrel or container. Ideally, the container should have a capacity of 50-75 gallons, although any size will do. Rain barrels can be found at many garden and hardware stores, or you can look online for a wider selection. Alternatively, you can make your own using a food-grade barrel.

2. Spigot

A spigot is the opening from which the collected rainwater will be dispensed, so it is important to choose one that is both durable and easy to install. A plastic spigot is often included with pre-made rain barrels, but you can also buy brass or stainless steel models for added durability.

3. Screen

A screen is a crucial component that will prevent leaves, debris, and insects from contaminating your collected rainwater. You can use a simple wire mesh or an actual screen designed for this purpose.

4. Hose Clamp

A hose clamp will be used to attach the spigot to the barrel and prevent leaks. Choose a clamp that fits the size of your spigot and barrel.

5. PVC Pipe

You will need a length of PVC pipe to create a simple overflow system. This will ensure that any excess water is drained away from your house’s foundation and into your yard.

6. Drill

A power drill will be used to create the holes necessary for the spigot and overflow system. Make sure to use a drill bit that matches the size of your spigot and screen.

7. Hole Saw

A hole saw is a type of drill attachment that is used to create large, circular holes. You will need one with a diameter that matches the size of your PVC pipe.

8. Saw

A saw will be needed to cut the PVC pipe to the desired length for your overflow system.

9. Silicone Sealant

Silicone sealant can be used to ensure a watertight seal around the spigot and PVC pipe. Look for a silicone sealant that is both waterproof and heat-resistant.

10. Hose connector

You will need a hose connector to allow you to attach a hose to your spigot. Make sure to choose a connector that matches the size of your spigot.

With these ten items in hand, you are now ready to begin building your very own rain barrel. Happy constructing!

Materials needed for making a rain barrel

Making a rain barrel can be an affordable and sustainable way of collecting water for your garden or houseplants. Before you begin, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials to ensure the project runs smoothly. In this section, we will go over the essential components you will need to construct your rain barrel.

1. A plastic barrel

The first and most crucial item you will need is a large plastic barrel. It is recommended to use a food-grade plastic barrel such as a 55-gallon drum, which you can often find used at a local farm or restaurant supply store. These barrels are typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a material that is safe for collecting rainwater.

2. Spigot or faucet

To extract the collected water from the barrel, you will need to install a spigot or faucet near the bottom of the barrel. You can find these at your local hardware store or online. It’s important to choose a durable and leak-proof option to prevent any water loss.

3. Overflow valve

In case the rain barrel becomes full but it is still raining, an overflow valve is necessary to divert excess water away from the barrel. You can use a PVC pipe and elbow, a flexible hose, or a gutter to route the overflow water to an appropriate area.

4. Screen or mesh

To prevent debris and insects from entering the barrel, it’s important to cover the barrel’s opening with a screen or mesh. Find a material that is durable, allows water to flow freely, and is easy to clean.

5. Drill or hole saw

You will need a drill or a hole saw to create an opening for the spigot or faucet near the bottom of the barrel. A drill or hole saw is also used to make a hole for the overflow valve and screen or mesh.

6. Silicone sealant

A silicone sealant is used to seal the spigot and overflow valve around the barrel’s opening. This will prevent water leaks and ensure the barrel remains watertight.

7. Hose clamp

A hose clamp will help secure the spigot or faucet to the barrel. It is recommended to use a stainless steel clamp for extra durability.

8. PVC glue

If you are using PVC pipes for the overflow valve, you will need PVC glue to join the pipes together. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure a secure and leak-proof joint.

9. Pipe thread sealant tape

To prevent leaks around the spigot or faucet, apply pipe thread sealant tape to the threads before attaching them to the barrel.

10. Downspout diverter

If you plan to connect the rain barrel to a downspout to collect water, you will need a downspout diverter to divert water to the barrel. This ensures that rainwater is directed to the barrel while excess water is diverted back to the downspout.

Choosing a barrel

Once you have decided to build a rain barrel, the next step is to choose the right barrel to collect the water. There are several options available for suitable barrels, and each one will have different advantages and disadvantages. Here are some things to consider when choosing your rain barrel.

Plastic barrels

Plastic barrels are probably the most common type of rain barrel, mainly because they are inexpensive and widely available. You can usually find them at farm supply stores or online retailers. Make sure the barrel is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is more durable than other types of plastic and is less likely to break down over time. Also, make sure it has a removable lid, which will make it easier to clean and maintain.

Metal barrels

If you want a rain barrel that will last for many years, a metal barrel may be a good choice. These barrels are usually made from steel or aluminum and can be painted to match your house. They are heavier than plastic barrels, so make sure you have a strong base to support them. Also, make sure the barrel has a removable lid, which will make it easier to clean out any debris that collects inside.

Food-grade barrels

If you plan to use the collected rainwater for drinking or cooking, you should choose a food-grade barrel. These barrels are usually made from high-quality plastic or stainless steel and are designed for storing food or other consumable products. They often come with a lid and a spigot, which makes it easy to dispense the water. However, they are more expensive than standard barrels and may be harder to find. If you choose a food-grade barrel, make sure it is labeled as safe for potable water.

Happy Rainy Days!

There you go, it’s that simple! Making a rain barrel for your home or garden is easy and can save you a lot of money. Not to mention, it’s also environmentally-friendly. With these simple steps and materials, you’re on your way to collecting and reusing rainwater in no time. We hope you found this article helpful and enjoyable to read. Remember to give thanks to Mother Nature for the gift of rain and to check back for more interesting and fun projects. Until then, happy harvesting!