How to Make a Rain Barrel for Your Yard

This homemade rain barrel to recycle rainwater for use in your lawn and garden is an easy do-it-yourself project that costs less than $50.

Here’s how to go about making a rain barrel to help you conserve water in your yard.

Rain Barrel Materials

• Large plastic garbage can with solid bottom
• Drain strainer (available in lawn & garden department for outside drains)
• Brass water spigot
• Brass nut to fit the threads on the spigot
• 2 Flat neoprene rubber washers (available in plumbing department)

Making the Rain Barrel

• Drill a hole in the side of the garbage can near the bottom to fit the threaded end of the water spigot.
• Put one of the rubber washers on the spigot.

• Push the threaded end of the spigot through the hole in the can from the outside.
• Slip the other rubber washer on the spigot threads from inside the can.
• Screw the brass nut on the spigot from inside the can and tighten.

• Cut a hole in the can lid with a jigsaw to fit the drain strainer.

• Insert drain strainer in hole in lid.

• Place lid on can and drill 1/4” diameter holes through the lid and top flange of can on each side of the can and lid.

• Attach the lid to the can through the holes using cable ties to hold the lid on securely and prevent children or animals from falling in the rain barrel.

• Remove the existing gutter downspout from the gutter, and set the rain barrel on concrete blocks next to the house under the downspout opening.

• Modify the downspout so that it fits in the top of the barrel.
• Attach a hose to the faucet and use it for watering the plants in your yard.