In today’s world, where environmental concerns are becoming more pressing, water conservation is a crucial practice for every household. One effective way to conserve water and ensure your garden thrives during dry spells is by using a rain barrel. These simple devices collect rainwater from your roof and store it for later use, providing you with an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to water your plants. Best of all, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a commercially bought rain barrel; making your own rain barrel is easy, inexpensive, and an excellent DIY project for gardeners of all skill levels.
This article will guide you through the steps to create your own cheap DIY rain barrel, allowing you to harness the power of nature while saving money. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a fully functional rain barrel to help your garden flourish and reduce your overall water usage.
Why Should You Make a Rain Barrel?
Before we dive into the specifics of building a DIY rain barrel, let’s take a look at why it’s such a beneficial and rewarding project:
- Water Conservation: Collecting rainwater helps reduce your dependence on municipal water systems. This is especially important in areas with droughts or limited water supplies.
- Cost Savings: By using rainwater for your garden, you can lower your water bill, which is particularly useful during the summer months when water usage tends to rise.
- Healthy Plants: Rainwater is often better for plants than tap water, as it is free of chemicals like chlorine and fluoride that are commonly found in municipal water.
- Sustainability: Harvesting rainwater promotes a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing the amount of water you use from your local water supply, helping preserve natural resources.
- Simple DIY Project: Making your own rain barrel is a fun and rewarding project that can be completed with minimal tools and materials.
Materials You Will Need
Creating a DIY rain barrel doesn’t require many tools or complicated steps. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Plastic Barrel (50-55 gallons): A food-grade plastic barrel works best because it is safe for storing rainwater. You can often find used barrels at local stores, or online at a reasonable price.
- Spigot: A spigot will allow you to easily access the water stored in the barrel. It’s typically made of plastic or metal and should be long enough to reach the bottom of the barrel.
- Mesh Screen: A mesh screen or grate will help keep leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering your rain barrel and contaminating the water.
- Drill: You’ll need a drill to make holes for the spigot and to secure the mesh screen.
- Silicone Sealant: This is used to seal the holes around the spigot to ensure there are no leaks.
- Hose: A hose will connect to the spigot for easy water distribution.
- Downspout Diverter (optional): A diverter will guide rainwater from your roof into the barrel.
Now that you have your materials, let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your DIY Rain Barrel
Step 1: Select the Right Location
Before you start building your rain barrel, choose an ideal location for it. The barrel should be placed next to a downspout where it can collect rainwater from your roof. Ensure the ground is level so the barrel stays stable when filled with water. Consider placing the barrel on a raised platform or a few bricks to give it a little height. This helps improve water flow when you connect a hose to the spigot.
Step 2: Clean the Barrel
It’s crucial to clean your barrel thoroughly before using it to collect rainwater. Rinse the inside of the barrel to remove any residue or contaminants that may have been left behind from its previous use. If it was previously used for food storage, make sure there is no harmful residue inside.
Step 3: Drill Holes for the Spigot
Now that the barrel is clean, it’s time to install the spigot. Use your drill to make a hole near the bottom of the barrel—just big enough for the spigot to fit securely. Make sure the hole is drilled at an appropriate height so that it allows for easy drainage but also keeps the bottom of the barrel elevated enough to hold a substantial amount of water.
Once you’ve drilled the hole, insert the spigot and secure it in place using silicone sealant around the edges. This ensures that the spigot will be watertight and prevents leaks. Allow the silicone to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 24 hours.
Step 4: Install the Mesh Screen
Next, it’s time to install the mesh screen or grate to cover the top of the barrel. This screen will act as a filter, catching debris such as leaves, twigs, and insects, which could contaminate the rainwater. The mesh will also prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the water. You can either use a pre-made mesh screen or cut a piece of wire mesh to fit the opening of the barrel.
Secure the mesh in place by tying it down with strong twine or using small screws or nails. The mesh should be tight enough to prevent any debris from slipping through but also allow rainwater to flow freely into the barrel.
Step 5: Position the Barrel and Connect the Downspout
With your rain barrel complete, it’s time to position it under the downspout. If you’re using a downspout diverter, install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This device will redirect the rainwater into your barrel, preventing overflow and ensuring the barrel fills up quickly.
Make sure that the downspout is directed straight into the opening of the barrel so that all rainwater is efficiently captured. You can even attach a small length of hose to the diverter if needed to direct the water flow more accurately.
Step 6: Add a Hose (Optional)
If you want to distribute the collected rainwater to your garden or plants easily, attach a hose to the spigot at the bottom of the barrel. When you open the spigot, the water will flow out of the barrel and through the hose, allowing you to water your plants with ease.
Step 7: Test Your DIY Rain Barrel
Once everything is set up, it’s time to test your rain barrel. Wait for a rainy day and check how well the water flows into the barrel and how the spigot works. Ensure there are no leaks around the spigot or mesh screen. If you notice any problems, fix them right away.
Tips for Using and Maintaining Your Rain Barrel
- Monitor Water Levels: Check the water level regularly to ensure the barrel doesn’t overflow. You can use a second barrel if necessary or install an overflow valve to prevent spillage.
- Clean the Barrel Regularly: Clean your barrel every few months to prevent algae buildup or mold growth. Use a scrub brush and mild detergent to remove any dirt or gunk that might accumulate over time.
- Winter Care: During the winter, it’s important to disconnect the barrel to prevent it from freezing. Drain all the water and store the barrel in a dry place until spring.
- Rainwater Safety: While rainwater is generally safe for gardening, avoid using it on edible plants unless you’ve taken precautions to ensure it’s clean and free from contaminants.
Conclusion
Building a DIY rain barrel is an affordable and sustainable way to conserve water, protect your garden, and lower your water bill. With just a few materials and basic tools, you can create your own rainwater collection system that will provide your plants with healthy, chemical-free water all year round. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting, a rain barrel is a fantastic addition to your eco-friendly gardening practices.
So, what are you waiting for? Start collecting rainwater today, and give your plants the natural hydration they deserve. With a DIY rain barrel, you’re not just saving water—you’re making a positive impact on the environment, one drop at a time!
Happy gardening, and remember—small actions lead to big changes!