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Rain Barrel Equipment and Accessories
How it works The simplest rain barrel setup requires a storage tank (water barrel), a secure lid, a basket strainer or screen, and a spigot or drain valve. Water flows off of the roof into the gutter, then enters the downspout and pours through the basket strainer attached to the lid of the barrel. Rainwater can be retrieved directly from the spigot at the bottom of the barrel, or a hose can be attached by which the water can be directed to the desired location. An overflow device on your water barrel (such as PVC pipe) or a hose can carry overflow water into additional rain barrels or to a safe distance from your foundation. Although this system is highly effective, there are still many rain barrel accessories which can improve its gathering, storage, and delivery capabilities. If you're ready to step up to the next level of rain harvesting, one of the first pieces of equipment you'll want to invest in is a good pump. Defying gravity Not only can rain barrel pumps be used to move water across distances too great for head pressure alone, but they also provide the increased pressure needed to operate sprinkler heads and high-pressure nozzles. Because head pressure depends on gravity to force the water through the garden hose, underground rain barrels will need to be pressurized and/or pumped in order to bring the water to the surface. Keep in mind that roofs are not the only catchment areas of your home. Decks, patios, and especially driveways are excellent sources of rain water run-off. Because the use of underground rain barrels is the most effective way to collect run-off from ground-level driveways, patios, and other areas, the cost of an additional pump is an investment that will allow you to greatly increase your water harvest. When deciding on a pump, be sure to calculate the increased collection from additional catchments, as well as the distance it will need to be moved. Any way you measure it First method - One square foot of catchment area will collect approximately 0.6 gallons per inch of rainfall. 1,000 square feet of catchment area collects 600 gallons per inch of rainfall. Always measure pitched roofs by the length and width of the collection area parallel to the ground. In other words, if the pitched slope of your roof is viewed as the hypotenuse of a right-angle triangle, then you would measure the length of the base instead of the slope. Rain falls straight down from the sky, not at an angle. Second method - G = 0.416 x R x A, where |
