If your home has gutters, it’s easy to collect rainwater for use in your garden. Simply modify the downspouts so they direct water into a rain barrel, then use the water in the barrel to water your garden or houseplants. This not only conserves water but reduces the energy needed to process and pump it to your home. For more ways to save water, read our article on Water Conservation in the Home.

Watch the video above to find out more.

Related: The Best Solar Rain Barrel Pumps

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Any time you can get natural resources for free, grab it and run! Of course, I’m not talking about plugging in to your neighbor’s power supply, but if you’re not harvesting your rainwater, then you’re losing out on gallons of free water every year. All you need is your roof and rain gutters. It’s also a good idea to install a leaf guard to remove any excess debris from the water before it hits the downspout. From there, divert the downspout to a rain barrel or any other type of storage container. The most common use for this harvested rain is watering your garden or other plants. The best part is you’re going to be reducing the amount of chemicals and energy needed to treat and transport water to your home, and saving valuable drinking water, which will reduce your water bills and the volume of water taken from the environment.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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