How to Build a Rainwater Collection System
A rainwater collection system is a valuable addition to a home landscape. It reduces use of natural resources, while providing water for plants, showering, toilets and other uses. Before building a rainwater collection system, check with your local building department or office. Some areas, especially dry areas and places where rainwater is necessary to feed water tables, have laws preventing the collection of rainwater. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pressure-treated lumber or bricks
- Large plastic drum
- Marker
- Hacksaw
- Utility knife
- PVC cement
- Bulkhead fitting
- Crescent wrench
- Drain valve
Instructions
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1
Build a level platform out of bricks or pressure-treated lumber. Position the platform underneath a downspout. Make it large enough so the barrel sits on it securely.
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2
Place the barrel on the platform and set it against the downspout. Mark the downspout with a marker just below where its upper edge touches the barrel. Move the barrel out of the way. Cut off the downspout at the mark, using a hacksaw.
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3
Mark a hole in the lid of the barrel that's the same size as the downspout. Cut the hole with a utility knife.
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4
Place the barrel back on the platform. Insert the spout into the hole. Secure it in place with PVC cement. Let the PVC cement dry.
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5
Cut a hole in the side of the barrel just large enough for the bulkhead fitting to slide through, using the utility knife. Remove the lid from the barrel. Tighten the inside nut on the bulkhead fitting with a crescent wrench. Replace the lid.
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Screw a drain valve onto the bulkhead fitting. Tighten it with a crescent wrench.
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7
Cut one or two small holes with a utility knife in the side of the barrel, just below the lid. Make these only a couple of square inches. They will provide the water a way to escape when the barrel gets full.
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Tips & Warnings
More barrels can be added to your rainwater collection system. Just cut a hole in the first barrel and secure a length of PVC tubing to it with PVC cement. Attach the tubing to another barrel. Provide the new barrel with a drain valve and one or two holes to control overflow and it's all set.
Adding a pump to the rainwater collection system can keep the water from stagnating. Refer to the pump's installation manual for instructions on how to set it up.
Rainwater shouldn't be used as drinking water unless it is treated first. Rainwater collects debris from the roof and downspout that makes it unsuitable for drinking.
Drain the water from the barrel into containers regularly to prevent stagnation, which creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other parasites.
