How to Make a Rain Barrel

 

"A diligent man works for the future. A lazy man creates work for the future."

A statement like this could be applied to the environment. It is important that we work together to help improve the future by looking after the environment, but what can be done to help? One thing is to make a rain barrel! Before we learn to make a rain barrel it is important to understand what a rain barrel is and why it is important.

What is a rain barrel?

A rain barrel is a barrel used as a cistern to hold water [1]. Rain barrels work by collecting water typically from roof downspouts where they store the water for future use. Rain barrels come in many different sizes and can be made from a lot of different containers.

Why are rain barrels useful?

Rain barrels are useful because they help prevent storm water runoff from flowing into lakes, rivers, streams, etc. This helps prevent erosion and maintain strong local infrastructures. They are also helpful because they allow people to water flowers, wash cars, water lawns, etc. without using tap water [2].

Now that you understand rain barrels we can get down to business

How to make a rain barrel...

The first thing to do is estimate how much water you could possibly collect. This can be done simply with websites such as THIS one made by NC State. Once you calculate how much water you will be collecting you can decide on what size barrel to use. It is important to note that even if you can collect enough for a huge rain barrel, it doesn't mean you need a large rain barrel. This being said there are many different barrels to pick from such as wooden barrels, metal cisterns, trash cans, or even pickling barrels (depending on use it is safe to go with a dark, plastic, food grade barrel). After you pick out the barrel you will need your other parts (I am using a 55 gallon pickling barrel so parts will change with barrel).

• 1 3/4" threaded brushing
• 1 2 1/2" or 3" male adapter
• 2-3 Cement blocks
• 2 1/2" or 3" corrugated smooth wall pipe or PVC
• Hardware cloth
• 1 3/4" faucet
• 1 garden hose
• 8 self threading screws
• Teflon plumbers tape
• Silicone rubber sealant

After you collect the parts, use a spade bit to drill a 1" hole 6" from the bottom of the barrel for a faucet. Then wrap the 3/4" faucet with teflon plumbing tape, and the screw the 3/4" faucet into the hole. Next you use a jigsaw to cut a 8x8" opening on the top of the barrel (if there isnt already a hole). Then use 9x9" hardware cloth and attach with the 8 self threading screws. After cut a 2 1/2" or 3" hole about 3" down from the top. Use matching 2 1/2" or 3" corrugated smooth wall pipe or PVC for barrel overflow or to connect an additional barrel. Then elevate the barrel with the 2-3 cement blocks. Finally use the silicone rubber sealant to seal any leaks.