Rain Barrel Workshop February 11, 2012 By Melissa Merritt

Benefits of Rain Barrels A quarter-inch of rain falling on the average home yields a little over 200 gallons of water. Rain barrels collect rainwater for use in gardens and lawns reducing storm water runoff. A rain barrel can be filled within a matter of minutes during a good rain. Too often, rainwater becomes wasted water when it's channeled into already stressed sewer systems.

Benefits of Rain Barrels Collects rainwater for use in gardens and lawns reducing storm water runoff A rain Barrel can save around 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months The rain water is soft- no chlorine, lime or calcium from municipal water systems- Also better for washing your car

How to Make A Rain Barrel Instructions on p. 8 of the Water Conservation Ideas Book 1. Start with a large, food-quality, plastic barrel and drill a hole in the side of the barrel with a ¾ inch hole saw bit. Drill about 3-4 inches from the bottom.

How to Make A Rain Barrel 2. Screw ¾ inch faucet into the hole. Plumbers tape can be added to secure seal Option: Add clear, water-proof caulk to the outside rim of the faucet to prevent leaking.

How to Make A Rain Barrel 3. Drill a second hole near the top. Add plastic barb and hose with clamp. This is for overflow. Size is optional. We used a 5/8 th inch plastic barb to match a 5/8 th inch standard hose Option: Hose adaptor can be added to the end of the hose, or to the barrel to add more hose length. 5/8 th inch Hose Adaptor

How to Make a Rain Barrel Options for Overflow – Remove caps from holes and add PVC pipe with screen secured with pipe clamp for extra overflow. - Or create a larger hole for PVC pipe connection.

Options for Overflow

How to Install a Rain Barrel 4. Bricks or cinderblocks will be needed to raise barrel above ground and increase water pressure along with creating a steady base. Remember, a gallon of water weighs over 8 pounds, so these barrels will weigh over 400 pounds when full!

How to Install a Rain Barrel 5. The next step is determining how to connect your rain barrel. Several Options. Downspout adaptor for one of the holes: can attach directly to your gutter. To make a water collection funnel, cut a piece of window screening a little bigger than the PVC coupling and secure it with a hose clamp

How to Make A Rain Barrel The downspout will need to be altered. Once downspout has been measured and cut, save the cut piece so that it can be reattached during the winter when rain barrel is not in use.

How to Make A Rain Barrel Add screen between downspout and rain barrel to prevent debris from entering.

Other Options for your Rain Barrel Multiple barrels can be connected for more storage.

Decorating the Rain Barrel Use Krylon Fusion paint as a base, and then regular acrylic paints can be used over it. One can of paint will cover a rain barrel- but two will make a solid color and allow for extra for touch ups later on.

Things to Remember Make sure the overflow is pointing away from your home’s foundation. Make sure to use screen to keep out debris and also mosquitoes from your rain barrel. Only use the barrel during spring and summer months- empty and put away during the winter.