Rain Barrel Installation

If you've been reading about rain barrels, you're probably feeling gung-ho about getting started. It's inspiring to know it will help you save money and help the environment. All it takes is a little concerted effort in the beginning to set up the system properly.

Location, Gutters and Downspouts The first requirement for setting up your rain barrel, of course, is determining your options for a source of rainwater. Many houses have a number of downspouts to choose from. In this case, choose the downspout closest to where you will use the rainwater. For example, if you plan to use the water in your garden, position the barrel near the back of the house where it's close to the garden. Some houses don't have gutters and downspouts. Rain barrel enthusiasts have been known to install a gutter only on one side of the house, just so they can fill their barrels. You can even use a very inexpensive gutter and downspout during the rainy season, then uninstall it and store it in winter. Once you've decided where to place the rain barrel under a downspout, make sure the surface of the ground is basically level to avoid leakage. Build a solid foundation for the barrel using wood or cinder blocks. Be sure to leave an open space under the spigot to accommodate the watering can. Determine where the barrel's water overflow pipe will be positioned (always away from your home's foundation). If you need more water than one barrel full, you can link barrels together.

To route the water from the downspout to the barrel, you can 1) terminate the downspout a couple of inches above the barrel and install an elbow fitting at the end pointing into the barrel, 2) configure the downspout so it enters all the way into the barrel, or 3) use a special fitting called the downspout diverter to transport water from inside the downspout, through a tube to the barrel.

Keeping the Gunk Out
The most basic way to keep debris, insects and children out of your rain barrel is to make sure it has a tight fitting lid. Second most important is using a debris screen to stop leaves and other tree parts from traveling through the downspout and into the barrel. If debris gathers in the bottom of the barrel, it will keep the overflow tube from the transport and water away from your house. Instead, the water will be forced out the top of the barrel, then run along the side to create a destructive puddle right beside your foundation.

Many debris screens are installed at the end of the downspout. You can even include a filtering pad on top of the screen to soften the sound of rain and filter out smaller pieces of debris.

Pitchers, Hoses and Spigots
The most basic way to retrieve water out of your rain barrel is to open the lid and if it out with a pitcher, bucket or other container. It's a little more convenient to attach a spigot at the bottom of the barrel, where gravity will carry the water and force it out. If you know you're going to want to transport the water to flower pots, a garden or elsewhere, you might want to attach a hose with a valve on the end. Rain barrel owners who have a need to transport water long distances often purchase a small electric pump. You can also consider a soaker hose for continuous watering of your flower beds

That's all there is to it. A rain barrel is a very basic tool anyone can use to gain the high-impact benefits of capturing and distributing rainwater. Read the manufacturer's instructions that came with your barrel to learn more.