How to Build Your Own Rain Barrel
A rain barrel is an environmentally friendly way to conserve rain water by collecting runoff from your roofs and gutters. Learn how to build and install an attractive eco-friendly rain barrel for your garden in this Buildipedia video:
You will need a heavy-duty 55-gallon plastic drum for this DIY project. Be sure to clean and rinse the barrel first.
You will also need the following tools and supplies:
- 1/2 inch hose bib and 3/4 inch hose adapter
- Coupling nuts
- Flanges
- Mesh screen
- Silicone-based waterproof caulk
- Downspout converter
- Drill with paddle bit
- Jig saw
- Exterior paint
- Screws, nuts & bolts
1. Sand the outside surface lightly and spray with a low VOC outdoor paint so it will blend into the landscape of your home.
2. Cut a round six-inch opening in the lid of the barrel.
3. Fit a square of mesh screen over the opening to prevent insects and plant debris from draining into the barrel. Snip a hole in each corner of the mesh and drill four holes into the lid that correspond to the corners of the mesh square. Place the mesh square over the opening and secure it with a washer, bolt and nut at each corner.
4. Drill a one-inch hole into the side of the barrel about 1/3 of the way from the bottom. This is where the hose bib will be attached. Apply silicone caulk to a 1/2 inch plumbing flange and around the hole in the barrel. Once the flange is in place, apply caulk to the threads of your hose bib and thread it through the hole. Use 1/2 inch faucet nut to secure the hose bib from inside the barrel.
5. Drill a hole through the top of the barrel and use a hose adapter to create an overflow
