Water is an essential resource for any garden, but it can also be expensive and wasteful if you rely on municipal water sources. A DIY rain barrel is an affordable and eco-friendly solution that allows you to collect rainwater and use it to water your plants. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of making your own DIY rain barrel.
Step 1: Choose Your Barrel
The first step in making a DIY rain barrel is to choose your barrel. You can usually find suitable barrels at hardware stores, online retailers, or even local classified ads. Make sure to choose a barrel that is food-grade and has a tight-fitting lid to prevent contamination and evaporation.
You’ll also want to consider the size of your barrel when choosing one. A 55-gallon barrel is a common size that provides enough water for most gardens, but you can choose a larger or smaller barrel depending on your needs.
Step 2: Prepare Your Barrel
Once you have your barrel, it’s time to prepare it for use. Start by cleaning it thoroughly with a brush and mild soap, and rinsing it with a hose.
You’ll also want to drill a hole near the top of your barrel to allow for overflow. Make sure to choose a hole saw that is the same size as your overflow valve, and drill the hole carefully to avoid damaging the barrel.
Step 3: Install Your Spigot
Next, it’s time to install your spigot. Start by drilling a hole near the bottom of your barrel, using a hole saw that is the same size as your spigot.
Once your holes are drilled, it’s time to install your spouts. Start with the overflow spout by inserting the spout into the hole and securing it in place with a washer and nut. Next, install the water spigot by inserting it into the hole and securing it in place with a washer and nut. Make sure the spigot is tight and secure to prevent leaks.
Insert the spigot into the hole, and use a rubber washer and nut to secure it in place. Make sure to tighten the nut securely, but be careful not to over-tighten and damage the barrel.
Step 4: Create Your Screen
To keep out debris and insects, you’ll need to create a screen to cover the top of your barrel. You can use any type of screen material, such as metal mesh or window screen.
To create your screen, cut a piece of screen material to fit over the top of your barrel, leaving enough excess to fold over the edges. Secure the screen to the barrel with a piece of wire or a bungee cord.
Step 5: Create Your Overflow Valve
To prevent overflow and water damage, you’ll want to create an overflow valve for your rain barrel. This can be done using PVC pipe and fittings, which can be found at most hardware stores.
Start by drilling a hole near the top of your barrel, using a hole saw that is the same size as your PVC pipe. Insert the pipe into the hole, and secure it in place with PVC cement.
Step 6: Connect Your Gutters
The final step in making your DIY rain barrel is to connect it to your gutters. You can do this by installing a downspout diverter, which will direct rainwater from your gutters into your barrel.
To install the diverter, remove a section of your downspout and attach the diverter using screws or brackets. Make sure the diverter is angled toward the barrel and that it is securely attached to the downspout.
A DIY rain barrel is an easy and inexpensive way to collect rainwater for your garden. By choosing the right barrel, preparing it carefully, and installing your spouts and screen correctly, you can create a functional and effective rainwater harvesting system in just a few hours. So why not give it a try and start conserving water and saving money today?
