Items For Making a Rain Barrel

 
55 gallon barrel – electric drill – hacksaw – pvc pipe- downspout diverter – spigot – window screening – teflon tape -  hose clamp – garden hose.  When making rain barrels, here are some simple steps to follow. These are simple step by step instructions to complete the process for making rain barrels. Making rain barrels are an easy and fun way to improve your green lifestyle. Making rain barrels can also be a fun family activity.

1. Obtain a 55-gallon food grade quality recycled barrel.
2. Cut a 6” hole in the top of the barrel, this is where your water from your Downspout will be directed to fill the barrel.
3. Drill a ¾” hole 1 to 2 inches from the top and install an overflow at the top or consider attaching a Downspout Diverter Kit which will fill the barrel then redirecting the runoff back into the downspout.
4. Drill another ¾” hole in the base of the barrel and install a Spigot with a threaded nipple and simply twist it into the hole.
5. Take a piece of 6” PVC pipe and cut a piece of window screening a little bigger than the PVC and secure it with a hose clamp and insert into the 6” hole on top of your barrel.
6. Attach your Garden Hose and your barrel is now ready to start harvesting water and saving you money.

 Making Rain Barrels Stands

Paving bricks – Pressure-treated 2-by-4s – 1-by-2s – Screws – Electric drill – Tape measure – Level – Shovel – Sand – Water-repellent paint or stain

Place the site for the rain barrel and stand near a building with gutters and downspouts as that is how water is collected and funneled into the rain barrel. You’ll need an area of about 4 by 4 feet to position the barrel and stand.

Dig about 4 to 5 inches down. Dig an area about 3 feet by 3 feet. The ground must be flat and even, so use the level to make sure there is no slope. Create a solid base by filling the area in with about 2 inches of sand. This will make the stand more stable and also help with drainage. The top of the sand will be about 2 to 3 inches below ground level.

Place the paving bricks onto the bed of sand. The stones should be level, or slightly above, the ground. Create a square foundation with the bricks as the stand will sit on the brick foundation.

Cut 2-by-4s into five boards, each 30 inches long. Two boards will be used as end pieces; two will be used as cross pieces and one will be used as a middle, support board. Place three boards parallel to each other. You will have one board in the middle and then the other two boards will be 14 inches on either side of this middle board. Place the two end-piece boards against either end of the three cross pieces. You should now have a square. Attach the boards together, using the screws and electric drill.

Place the wood frame onto the brick foundation. Make sure it is level. Cut the 1-by-2 boards into 30-inch lengths. Place the 1-by-2 boards on the frame so that they are perpendicular to the middle board. Fasten the 1-by-2s to the 2-by-4 frame, using screws. Place the boards next to each other, but leave about 1/2 inch between each so water can drain from the stand and air can circulate to prevent rotting.

Stain or paint the stand, using a water-repellent product. Once the paint has dried place the rain barrel onto the stand.

The  rain barrel instruction video