How to Build a DIY Rain Barrel

Building your own rain barrel is a great way to conserve water and reduce your environmental impact. A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater that runs off your roof, allowing you to use it later for irrigation or other non-potable uses. With a few basic materials and some simple tools, you can easily construct an inexpensive DIY rain barrel in just a few hours. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of How to Build a DIY Rain Barrel step-by-step.

What You’ll Need

Constructing a home rain barrel system requires just a few key supplies. Here’s an overview of the materials and tools you’ll need:

Barrel – The barrel holds and stores the harvested rainwater. Look for a food-grade 55-gallon plastic drum or barrel that has a lid. Make sure it’s clean and has no leaks.
Hose bib spigot – This will serve as the spout to access and drain the stored water from the barrel. Purchase a 3/4″ hose bib spigot made from plastic or metal.
Bulkhead fitting – This is a threaded fitting that allows the spigot to be securely attached to the barrel. Buy a 3/4″ plastic bulkhead fitting.
Window screen mesh – A fine mesh screen placed over the top opening prevents debris from getting into the barrel. Use a fiberglass window screen mesh.
Hose clamps – These clamp the screen onto the top of the barrel. You’ll need two 4″ hose clamps.
Overflow fitting – This fitting near the top allows excess water to drain out. Get a 1″ plastic threaded overflow fitting.
Flex hose for overflow – Attach this to the overflow fitting so water can be diverted away from the foundation. Use a 1″ ID flexible plastic hose.
Sealant – Apply sealant around fittings to prevent leaks. Use clear silicone sealant.
Tools – You’ll need basic tools like a drill, utility knife, screwdriver, level, hacksaw and pencil. Make sure you have safety gear like glasses and gloves.

With these supplies assembled, you’re ready to start building your DIY rain barrel.

Choosing a Location

When deciding where to place your rain barrel system, there are a few key factors to consider:

Downspout proximity – Position the barrel directly under a downspout for easy water collection. Choose the downspout that will yield the most runoff.
Flat, stable surface – Set the barrel on a flat, solid spot like pavement or pavers to prevent tipping and settling.
Convenient access – Pick a location close to your garden so the water is handy for irrigation. Near the back door works well too.
Adequate drainage – Ensure excess overflow water will drain safely away from the house and pooling areas.
Visible location – Choose a visible spot to regularly monitor the water level and condition of the barrel.
Shade – Situate the barrel in a shaded spot to prevent sun exposure from promoting algae growth in the stored water.

Considering these factors will help you select the ideal placement for your rain barrel to allow for convenient use of the harvested rainwater.

How to Modify the Barrel

With the right materials prepped and a location selected, now comes the fun part – modifying the barrel! Follow these steps to add the necessary fittings and accessories to transform a basic barrel into a functional rain barrel:

Cutting an Opening for the Spigot

First, you need to create an opening for the spigot faucet near the bottom of the barrel:

Mark the location about 4-6 inches up from the bottom of the barrel.
Use a 1 3/4″ hole saw bit to cut a circular opening at the marked spot.
File or sand the opening smooth any rough edges.

Installing the Bulkhead Fitting

The bulkhead fitting allows you to securely attach the spigot:

Unscrew and disassemble the bulkhead fitting.
From the inside of the barrel, insert the threaded male portion through the spigot hole.
On the outside, slide the rubber gasket over the threaded end.
Screw the female portion onto the threaded end and hand tighten. Don’t over tighten.

Adding the Hose Bib Spigot

Now you can install the spigot:

Apply plumber’s tape to the threads on one end of the spigot.
Screw the spigot clockwise into the female threaded side of the bulkhead fitting. Hand tighten securely.
Attach a short garden hose to the spigot to test for leaks before moving on.

Creating an Overflow Drain

Adding an overflow fitting near the top of the barrel allows excess water to drain out:

Mark a location about 4 inches down from the very top of the barrel.
Use a 1″ hole saw bit to drill a hole for the overflow fitting.
Apply silicone sealant on the threads of the overflow fitting.
Insert the threaded end of the overflow fitting into the hole and tighten securely.
Attach flexible tubing over the end to direct water several feet away from the foundation.

Securing the Screen Top

Finally, screen material gets affixed over the top opening using hose clamps:

Place the fiberglass screen over the lid opening and orient it squarely.
Put a hose clamp over each opposite side of the screen.
Tighten each clamp carefully until the screen is fully secure. Don’t over tighten.
Use additional silicone sealant around the inside rim if desired.

With these modifications complete, your DIY rain barrel is nearly ready to start harvesting rain!

How to Install the Rain Barrel System

You’re almost ready to put your home rain barrel system to work! Follow these final steps for proper setup and installation:

Position the Barrel

Bring the modified barrel to the selected location beneath your downspout.
Place it on a sturdy, level spot where it won’t easily tip over when full of water.
If needed, elevate the barrel on cinder blocks to increase water pressure.

Connect the Downspout

Use a hacksaw to cut the downspout above the barrel.
Attach a flex elbow to angle the downspout over the barrel.
Secure the downspout end inside the screen at the top so rainwater flows in.
Fasten the downspout and elbow pieces securely using sheet metal screws.

Start Harvesting!

You’re ready to put your DIY rain barrel to work! Simply turn on the spigot hose to access the rainwater collected in the barrel. Use it to hand water your garden, trees, and landscaping beds. And congratulate yourself on building an eco-friendly system for harnessing free irrigation water!

DIY Rain Barrel Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Like any system, your home rain barrel will function best with regular maintenance and attention. Follow these tips to keep it working properly:

Inspect seals/fittings periodically for leaks and reseal as needed with silicone.
Make sure the screen stays clear of debris like leaves to prevent clogging.
Check that overflow drainage is functioning and not clogged.
Drain, clean and disinfect the barrel once or twice per year.
Rinse the screen routinely with the hose to prevent sediment buildup.
Keep the barrel mosquito-free by adding mosquito dunks.
Disconnect the barrel and drain it completely in freezing weather.

If you encounter any issues, here are some troubleshooting tips:

Slow water flow from spigot – Clear debris from screen, check for kinks in hose, inspect spigot filter.
Leaking from fittings – Tighten fittings, reapply sealant as needed, check gaskets.
Overflow backing up – Clear debris from drain line, check for crimps or clogs.
Standing water in barrel – Fully open spigot to drain, check for clogged downspout.
Algae growth inside – Scrub interior with bleach solution, move barrel to shadier spot.

With occasional maintenance and by addressing any problems promptly, your home rain barrel should provide many years of reliable service.

DIY Rain Barrel Ideas and Variations

Once you understand the basics of how to build a DIY rain barrel system, there are many creative ways to adapt the concept to suit your space and needs:

Add a second barrel – Link two or more barrels together with fittings to collect even more water.
Use food-safe containers – Try plastic beverage coolers or cider jugs to harvest edible water for gardens.
Integrate into downspouts – Build barrel compartments right into a downspout drainage system for a seamless look.
Decorate it – With some paint, stencils and a bit of creativity you can give your barrel some fun character.
Elevate the barrel – Raise it up on concrete blocks, wood stands or other sturdy structures for improved water pressure.
Include a pond pump – Adding a small solar-powered pond pump can provide pressurized water flow on demand.
Install a water filter – Attach an activated carbon filter to the spigot for improved water quality.
Add a lid – Fit or build a secure lid to keep out debris, insects and animals when the barrel is not in use.

Let your own needs and style inspire you to create a uniquely functional DIY rain barrel water harvesting system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Building DIY Rain Barrels

What are the benefits of a rain barrel?

Rain barrels provide many useful benefits:

Conserve municipal water by creating a free source of irrigation water.
Reduce water bills when you use stored rainwater for gardening, washing cars, etc.
Help prevent flooding and erosion by controlling roof runoff.
Lessen the load on storm drains and sewer systems during heavy rains.
Provide chemical-free “soft water” that is ideal for plants.

How much water can rain barrels collect?

A typical 1-inch rainfall yields about .6 gallons of water per square foot of collection area. So for a 1,200 sq. ft. roof, roughly 700 gallons could be collected from a single inch of rain – plenty to fill several barrels!

How do I determine the number of rain barrels needed?

Consider factors like roof collection area, average rainfall in your region, and your planned water usage. Most homes only need 1 or 2 barrels, while large roofs can accommodate multiple barrels to maximize harvesting capacity.

What size rain barrel is best?

For most homes, a standard 55-gallon plastic drum or barrel is ideal. The larger the container, the more water can be harvested. Just keep in mind that very large barrels when full can be extremely heavy.

Where is the best placement for rain barrels?

Ideally place them beneath downspouts that drain large roof areas. Position the barrels on flat, solid surfaces close to gardens for convenient irrigation access. An elevated stand can improve water pressure.

What precautions should be taken with rain barrels?

Take care to securely divert overflow away from the house foundation. Use screens to keep out debris and mosquitoes. In freezing climates, empty the barrels before winter or divert drainage so they don’t crack.

Can the collected rainwater be safely consumed?

Rainwater harvested from clean roof surfaces is generally safe for irrigation uses but not recommended for human consumption without treatment due to potential contamination from air pollution, animals, debris, etc.

Building your own DIY rain barrel is a straightforward weekend project that can save thousands of gallons of water each year. Follow the steps outlined above for a professionally-functioning rain barrel system that will effectively harvest free irrigation water for your home’s landscape. With a little time, effort and creativity, you can build a personalized rain barrel that is both useful and unique.

Conclusion

Constructing a home rain barrel is a relatively simple DIY project that offers many benefits. By following the steps outlined here for How to Build a DIY Rain Barrel, you can create an eco-friendly system to harvest and conserve free rainwater for irrigation and other household uses.

The process involves modifying a barrel with fittings, installing it under a downspout, and incorporating screens and overflows to optimize functionality. While a basic gravity-fed single barrel is a good starter option, the design can also be expanded upon creatively in many ways.

Investing some time and effort to build your own rain collection system can yield ongoing rewards like lower water bills, chemical-free soft water for plants, and reduced environmental impact. And you’ll gain great satisfaction knowing you successfully built a functional home rain barrel with your own two hands!