How to Make A Rain Barrel

Making a rain barrel is an inexpensive way to save rain water and provide a natural way to hydrate your garden.

What you will need:

Clean out the barrel so you start with a fresh, pure container. Soap and water will work fine.

Make sure the area you are placing your barrel is level. Put the bricks or concrete blocks down. Set the barrel on top of the blocks. Hold the elbow on top of the barrel to mark where it will join to the downspout. At least one inch above the barrel is suggested.

Measure down 2 inches in the downspout. This will allow the downspout to fit into the elbow with a sturdy connection. Use the hacksaw to cut the downspout, then fit the elbow on and fasten it with sheet metal screws or pop rivets.

Drill a 3/4-inch hole in the side of the barrel. Make it high enough to put a bucket underneath. Squeeze caulk around the hole on both sides. Next, build the spigot assembly. Connect the spigot and coupling, and wrap Teflon tape on each of the threaded ends for a tight seal. Slip on a washer and insert the threaded end of the coupling through the hole from the outside. On the inside, put a washer over the pipe and fasten everything together with the bushing.

A couple of inches down from the top of the barrel, drill another 3/4-inch hole. Then build the overflow assembly according to the illustration at right. Squeeze caulk around the hole inside and out and place a washer on the hose adapter. Push this assembly through the hole. Slip a washer and Teflon tape on the inside threads and tighten everything together with a nut. When you connect a length of garden hose to this overflow valve, you can direct some of the overflow into the yard after heavy storms.

If your barrel has a lid, cut a hole where the new downspout elbow will direct water into it. Cover the hole with a piece of screen to keep insects out.

Finally, set the barrel back on the bricks or blocks, make sure the downspout will direct water into it properly, and enjoy your new free resource!