How to Attach a Pump to a Rain Barrel

One way to conserve water is to harvest rain for use in your garden.

Conserving water is important for many homeowners. Whether you live in a desert, rural town or a high-density urban area, installing a rain barrel is both an eco- and budget-friendly solution to your watering needs. However, if your garden is more than a few feet from your rain barrel, watering is problematic. Unless you install the rain barrel on a platform, the water pressure will not push the water through the hose and out to your garden. A small in-line pump allows you to water your garden or quickly empty your rain barrel for cleaning.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 2 garden hoses
• Utility knife
• Drill with spade bit
• Plumber's tape
• Extension cord for exterior use

Instructions

1. Measure the height of the rain barrel with a measuring tape. Place the pump on top of the barrel's lid or on a nearby shelf. Add the distance from the lid to the pump intake to the barrel height.

2. Check the fitting on the garden hose to ensure that it fits onto the pump. Cut the garden hose to the measure with a utility knife.

3. Cut a 3/4-inch hole in the lid of the rain barrel, using a drill with a spade bit.

4. Attach the garden hose to the pump. Insert the other end of the hose into the hole in the rain barrel's lid, pushing it all the way to the bottom.

5. Wrap plumber's tape around the hose where it meets the rain barrel's lid, attaching the hose securely so that it stays in place when the pump is running. The tape also blocks the edges of the opening, preventing mosquitoes from using the rain barrel as a breeding ground.

6. Attach a second garden hose to the outlet on the pump. Use this hose to water the garden.

7. Plug the pump into a GFCI-protected outlet. Use an extension cord made for outdoor use if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Many homeowners place the pump on top of the barrel; however, if possible, set it above and to one side of the barrel to avoid accidental immersion.

• Use a timer to avoid completely draining the barrel.

• Turn the pump off immediately if the barrel runs dry. Allowing the pump to run without water will burn it up.

• Empty the rain barrel, and detach the pump in winter. Freezing weather may damage the pump.

• Always plug the pump into a GFCI-protected outlet to avoid accidental electrocution.

• Keep the lid on the rain barrel at all times. A small child or an adult can drown in a barrel if he falls in head-first.

• Place the rain barrel on a sturdy, flat surface, and secure it to the wall. A 55-gallon barrel full of water weighs more than 400 pounds; if tipped over onto a person or pet, severe injuries may result.

References

• Woodland Direct: The Rain Barrel In-Line Pump
• Southwest Florida Water Management District: Rain Barrels

Resources

• Southwest Florida Water Management District: Building Your Own Rain Barrel
• Rain Barrels and More: Installation Instructions for Pump Barrel