How to Make a Rain Barrel From a Plastic Barrel

Water is an essential resource. For those that garden and use water for their yard, rain barrels provide a way to contribute to the conservation of resources and save money. Many U.S. utility departments encourage the use of rain barrels, which are not overly complicated or expensive to set up.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic Barrel
• Drill
• 6-inch hole bit
• 3/4-inch pipe tap
• Plumber's teflon tape
• Louvered screen
• 3/4-inch hose adapter
• 29/32-inch drill bit
• Measuring tape
• Brass spigot/faucet
• Hose
• 2 cinder blocks

Instructions

1. Using the 6-inch hole bit in your drill, make a hole in the top center of your barrel. Then make two small holes in the side of the barrel with your 29/32-inch bit -- the first hole two inches from the top of the barrel and the second two inches from the bottom.

2. Screw the 3/4-inch pipe tap into the top hole in the barrel's side and then unscrew it again. Repeat this in the hole toward the bottom.

3. Screw in the threaded side of the hose adapter into the top hole in the side of the barrel. Wrap plumber's tape continuously around all threads of tghe spigot. Screw the spigot into the bottom hole of the barrel.

4. Place the louvered screen on the top of the barrel, louvered side up. Screw a hose into the hose adapter to direct overflow water either away from house or into a water return.

5. Place prepared rain barrel under downspout on two level cinder blocks. This will give you space to use your spigot.

Tips & Warnings

• If youre downspout is tight against the house, attach an elbow to it to direct water into your rain barrel.

References

• Rain Barrel Forum
• Backyard Conservation