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.
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