11 Ways to Build a Homemade Rain Barrel System That Saves You Money
Learn how to build an eco-friendly DIY rain barrel system in a weekend! Save money on water bills, protect the environment, and keep your garden thriving with this step-by-step guide.
Collecting rainwater isn’t just an eco-friendly practice – it’s a smart way to slash your water bills and keep your garden thriving during dry spells. You’ll find that building your own rain barrel system is a straightforward weekend project that can save thousands of gallons of water each year.
By harvesting rain from your roof’s downspouts you’re not only helping the environment but also creating a sustainable water source for your lawn garden and indoor plants. This DIY project requires basic tools and materials you can find at any hardware store and can be completed in just a few hours.
Understanding the Benefits of a Rain Barrel System
A rain barrel system offers multiple advantages for homeowners looking to conserve water and maintain a sustainable household.
Cost Savings on Water Bills
Installing a rain barrel system can reduce your water bills by up to 40% during peak gardening months. A typical 55-gallon rain barrel collects about 0.6 gallons per square foot of roof area during a 1-inch rainfall. For a 1000-square-foot roof this means capturing 600 gallons of free water per inch of rain. Most households can save between $150-$350 annually on water bills through consistent rainwater collection.
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Environmental Impact
Rain barrel systems help prevent stormwater runoff which carries pollutants into local waterways. By capturing roof runoff you’ll reduce erosion flooding & water pollution in your community. These systems decrease the demand on municipal water supplies & treatment facilities saving energy & resources. Each rain barrel prevents approximately 1300 gallons of stormwater runoff annually while reducing your carbon footprint from water processing.
Garden and Lawn Benefits
Rainwater provides superior hydration for plants compared to treated tap water. It’s naturally soft free of chlorine fluoride & other chemicals that can harm sensitive plants. Your garden will thrive with rainwater’s balanced pH level & trace minerals. Plants watered with collected rainwater typically show improved growth stronger root systems & increased disease resistance. You’ll also maintain more consistent soil moisture during dry spells.
Gathering Essential Materials and Tools
Before starting your rain barrel project you’ll need to gather specific components tools and consider your budget. Here’s everything required for a successful installation.
Required Components
- 55-gallon food-grade plastic barrel or recycled rain barrel
- Overflow valve (1.5 or 2-inch diameter)
- Spigot or hose bibb (3/4-inch brass recommended)
- Downspout diverter kit
- Fine mesh screen (prevents debris & mosquitoes)
- PVC fittings & adaptors
- Waterproof sealant or plumber’s tape
- Concrete blocks or sturdy platform (for barrel elevation)
- Flex hose for overflow
- Rubber washers & gaskets
Tools and Safety Equipment
- Drill with hole saw attachments
- Channel lock pliers
- Utility knife
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Dust mask
- Marker or pencil
- Caulk gun
- Wrench set
- Screwdriver set
| Item Category | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Rain Barrel | $20-80 |
| Plumbing Parts | $30-50 |
| Tools (if buying) | $50-100 |
| Platform Materials | $15-30 |
| Diverter Kit | $25-40 |
New barrels cost more but recycled ones offer savings. You’ll spend $90-200 total depending on material quality & existing tool inventory. Consider purchasing components in bulk for multiple barrels to reduce costs.
Selecting the Perfect Location for Your Rain Barrel
Strategic placement of your rain barrel system ensures maximum water collection efficiency and convenient access for your watering needs.
Evaluating Downspout Placement
Begin by inspecting your home’s downspouts to identify the best collection points. Choose downspouts that drain from larger roof sections to maximize water collection. Measure the distance between the downspout and your intended garden areas to ensure practical water access. Look for downspouts away from walkways foot traffic areas. Select locations that naturally drain toward your garden or landscaping zones.
Considering Ground Stability
Create a level sturdy base using gravel paver blocks or concrete blocks for your rain barrel. Check that the ground isn’t prone to erosion or flooding during heavy rains. Ensure the surface can support a full barrel’s weight (approximately 450 pounds when filled). Leave at least 6 inches of clearance between the barrel’s base and ground level to accommodate your spigot. Build up low areas with crushed stone to promote proper drainage.
Planning for Overflow
Install your barrel where excess water can safely drain away from your home’s foundation. Position overflow outlets to direct water toward rain gardens or permeable surfaces. Calculate overflow capacity based on your roof’s square footage and local rainfall patterns. Include multiple overflow points for heavy rain events. Consider linking multiple barrels in series to increase storage capacity and manage overflow more effectively.
Preparing Your Rain Barrel Container
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Start by thoroughly cleaning your food-grade barrel with a mixture of 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water. Scrub all interior surfaces to remove any residue from previous contents. Rinse the barrel three times with clean water to eliminate bleach traces. Let the barrel air dry completely in direct sunlight for 24 hours to ensure proper sanitization before drilling. A clean container prevents algae growth and ensures safe water collection for your garden.
Drilling Holes for Fittings
Mark your drilling locations with a permanent marker – one near the bottom for the spigot one near the top for the overflow valve. Use a hole saw attachment sized to match your fittings (typically 1 to 1.5 inches). Drill slowly with steady pressure to prevent cracking the plastic. Sand the edges of each hole smooth to ensure proper fitting installation. Place the barrel on a stable surface while drilling to maintain control.
Installing Spigots and Overflow Valves
Apply plumber’s tape to the threaded portions of your spigot and overflow valve to prevent leaks. Insert rubber washers on both sides of each hole. Thread the spigot into the bottom hole hand-tight then secure with channel-lock pliers. Install the overflow valve near the top using the same method. Test all fittings for leaks by filling the barrel with a few gallons of water. Tighten any loose connections if needed.
Setting Up the Collection System
The collection system forms the core of your rain barrel setup ensuring efficient water capture and filtration.
Modifying the Downspout
Cut your existing downspout 4 inches above the rain barrel’s top using a hacksaw. Install a downspout diverter that redirects water into your barrel while allowing excess to flow through the original downspout. Secure the diverter with sheet metal screws and seal joints with silicone caulk to prevent leaks. Attach a flexible elbow to direct water flow into the barrel’s intake opening.
Installing Mosquito Screens
Place fine-mesh mosquito netting over every opening in your rain barrel system. Secure screens tightly with rubber gaskets or strong waterproof tape around the intake hole overflow valve and any other openings. Use stainless steel mesh for longer durability or double-layer nylon screens for added protection. This prevents mosquitoes from breeding in standing water.
Adding Debris Filters
Install a leaf filter basket in the barrel’s intake opening to catch large debris. Add a first-flush diverter to remove initial roof runoff containing dust and small particles. Place a secondary filter screen between the downspout and barrel opening using a mesh size of 1/16 inch or smaller. Clean filters monthly during heavy use seasons to maintain optimal water flow.
Creating a Stable Foundation
A stable foundation ensures your rain barrel system remains secure and functional throughout the seasons while preventing tipping or collapse under the weight of collected water.
Building a Platform Base
Create a solid platform using concrete blocks pavers or pressure-treated lumber sized 2 feet wider than your barrel’s diameter. Stack concrete blocks in a square formation then top with a level piece of 3/4-inch exterior-grade plywood. For a lumber base construct a frame using 2x4s arranged in a grid pattern spacing supports every 12 inches for optimal weight distribution. This foundation should rise at least 6 inches off the ground to accommodate your spigot and allow bucket clearance.
Leveling the Surface
Clear vegetation and debris from the chosen site then dig 2-3 inches into the soil to create a level starting point. Add crushed gravel in a 2-inch layer compacting it firmly with a hand tamper. Use a carpenter’s level on multiple sides to check for evenness adjusting the gravel as needed. A slope of 1/4 inch per foot away from your house ensures proper drainage while maintaining barrel stability. Test the levelness in multiple directions before proceeding with platform installation.
Ensuring Proper Elevation
Position your platform to achieve a minimum height of 12 inches between the barrel’s bottom and the ground. This elevation allows comfortable access to the spigot and creates adequate pressure for water flow. For gardeners using soaker hoses calculate an additional 6 inches of height for every 25 feet of hose length to maintain consistent water pressure. Consider adding adjustable feet to your platform base for fine-tuning the height and compensating for any ground settling over time.
Connecting Multiple Barrels
Link multiple rain barrels together to maximize your water storage capacity and create a more efficient collection system.
Installing Linking Pipes
Position your barrels side by side with at least 6 inches of space between them for maintenance access. Install 1.5-inch PVC pipes between the barrels using bulkhead fittings placed 4-5 inches from the bottom of each barrel. Apply plumber’s tape to all threaded connections and secure the pipes with waterproof sealant. Ensure the pipes maintain a slight downward slope from the primary barrel to subsequent ones for optimal water flow.
Calculating Storage Capacity
Determine your total storage capacity by multiplying the number of barrels by their individual gallon capacity. For standard 55-gallon barrels connect up to four units for a 220-gallon system. Consider your roof size and local rainfall patterns when planning capacity needs. A typical 1,000-square-foot roof section can fill a 55-gallon barrel with just 0.5 inches of rainfall.
Managing Water Flow
Install an overflow valve on the last barrel in your connected system to prevent backup. Use ball valves between barrels to control water distribution and isolate individual units for maintenance. Place a first-flush diverter on your primary collection barrel to remove debris and contaminants. Monitor water levels during heavy rainfall to ensure proper flow between connected barrels and adjust valve settings as needed.
Maintaining Your Rain Barrel System
Regular maintenance ensures your rain barrel system operates efficiently and provides clean water for your garden throughout the year.
Seasonal Care Tips
Empty and clean your rain barrel every three months during the active season. Remove debris from screens and filters monthly using a soft brush. Check all connections and seals for leaks during spring and fall inspections. Adjust downspout alignments after storms or high winds. Keep gutters clear of leaves twigs and other debris to maintain optimal water flow into your barrel system.
Preventing Algae Growth
Clean your barrel with a mixture of 1/4 cup vinegar per gallon of water quarterly. Position barrels away from direct sunlight or use dark-colored UV-resistant containers. Install debris filters at entry points to prevent organic matter accumulation. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil to create a surface barrier that prevents mosquito breeding. Consider using commercial algaecides specifically designed for rain barrel systems.
Winter Protection Measures
Disconnect and drain your rain barrel system completely before freezing temperatures arrive. Store components like spigots hoses and filters indoors during winter months. Turn barrels upside down if storing outside or relocate them to a sheltered area. Install downspout redirectors to maintain proper drainage during winter. Inspect rubber seals and gaskets for cracks before spring reinstallation as freezing can damage these components.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even well-built rain barrel systems can encounter problems over time. Here’s how to address the most frequent challenges you might face.
Addressing Leaks
Check your barrel’s connections immediately when you spot water dripping. Tighten loose spigots and overflow valves with a wrench or replace damaged washers. Apply fresh plumber’s tape to threaded connections showing signs of leakage. For cracks in the barrel itself use a food-grade silicone sealant for small holes or replace the entire barrel if you find large splits. Always test repairs by filling the barrel with a few inches of water before relying on the fix.
Managing Overflow Problems
Install larger overflow outlets if water backs up during heavy rainfall. Position multiple overflow valves at different heights to create a staged release system. Direct overflow pipes away from your home’s foundation using extended tubing or drainage channels. Consider adding a second barrel connected in series to handle excess water. Monitor water levels during storms to ensure proper drainage through overflow mechanisms.
Dealing With Clogs
Clear debris from your gutter screens and barrel inlets monthly. Remove and clean filtration screens to prevent buildup of leaves twigs and sediment. Flush your barrel system twice yearly using a garden hose to remove accumulated particles. Install a first-flush diverter to prevent initial roof runoff containing heavy debris from entering your barrel. For stubborn clogs use a plumber’s snake to clear blocked spigots or overflow valves.
Maximizing Your Rain Barrel’s Efficiency
Building your own rain barrel system is a rewarding project that pays dividends in water conservation and cost savings. By following the steps outlined above you’ll create a reliable water collection system that serves your garden while reducing your environmental impact.
Remember that proper maintenance is key to keeping your system running smoothly. With regular cleaning inspections and seasonal care your rain barrel setup will provide years of sustainable water collection for your outdoor needs.
You’re now equipped to harvest nature’s bounty and join the growing community of eco-conscious homeowners. It’s time to get started on your rain barrel project and experience the benefits of sustainable water collection firsthand.
