How to Make Rain Barrels

Capture rainwater in a rain barrel for later use.

The purpose of a rain barrel is to capture rainfall runoff to use for irrigation. The ideal place for a rain barrel is under the rain gutter downspout from the roof. When making a homemade rain barrel, use a food grade container, around 55 gallons in size. Before making the rain barrel, prepare its site by leveling the ground, allowing a very slight slope away from the building, so that any water overflow from the barrel runs away from the building. Add several inches of gravel to the area and arrange bricks on the gravel, on which to set the finished rain barrel.

Things You'll Need

• Electric drill
• 15/16-inch drill bit
• Saber saw
• Barrel or drum with screw on lid
• Two 3/4-inch male-thread spigot
• PVC cement
• Cutting tool
• Small mesh screen

Instructions

1. Remove the barrel lid and clean the container thoroughly using soap and hot water. Rinse the soap completely.

2. Drill a hole, using the 15/16-inch drill bit on one side of the barrel. Position the hole about 7 inches from the bottom of the barrel.

3. Screw the spigot into the hole, about half way.

4. Cover the exposed threads of the spigot with the PVC cement.

5. Screw the spigot completely into the hole. Use a spigot with a slant head.

6. Drill a second hole in the side of the barrel for water overflow. Position this hole above your desired water level for a full barrel of water. When selecting the location for this hole, consider what direction you want the water to flow.

7. Attach the second spigot to the second hole, using the same instructions from Steps 3 to 5.

8. Place a sheet of mesh screen over the top of the barrel. It should be larger than the diameter of the barrel, extending about 7 inches over the rim, around the entire diameter. The screen is necessary to filter out debris coming into the barrel.

9. Cut a large hole in the middle of the lid. The type of cutting tool used depends on the material of the lid. This hole is where the water pours into the barrel from the rain gutter.

10. Screw the lid back onto the top of the barrel, with the mesh screen locked between the lid rim and the barrel. Set the barrel on the prepared site.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use a container that once held toxic material when making a rain barrel. Don't use the collected water for cooking or drinking.

References

• University of Florida: How to Make a Rain Barrel
• Clemson University: How to Make a Rain Barrel
• "Homesteading: A Backyard Guide To: Growing Your Own Food, Canning, Keeping Chickens, Generating Your Own Energy, Crafting, Herbal Medicine, and More"; Abigail R. Gehring; 2009
• "Recycling Projects for the Evil Genius"; Russel Gehrke; 2010
• "Easy Garden Projects to Make, Build, and Grow"; Barbara Pleasant; 2006