Plastic barrels are great for rain farming.
Rain farming is a water conservation practice that works by people capturing and storing rainwater for use in the yard and garden. Rain farming, commonly referred to as rain harvesting, helps the environment as well as homeowners by reducing the usage of tap water for applications in which rainwater is suitable. One of the most common uses of this method is found in lawn and garden irrigation systems. Most rain farms start small, usually with the construction of a rain barrel. Rain barrels are simple to make and the needed supplies can be found at most hardware stores. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure and draw a circle on the lid of the rain barrel that is 6 inches wide. Use the jigsaw to cut the circle out.
2. Drill a 29/32-inch hole on the side of the barrel about 2 inches from the top. Drill a second 29/32-inch hole on the side of the barrel, this time about 2 inches from the bottom. Tap the two holes on the side of the barrel using a 3/4-inch tap tool.
3. Wrap the threaded end of the hose adapter with nonstick tape, such as Teflon tape. Use about four to five wraps of tape. Screw the hose adapter into the top hole on the side of the rain barrel. This is where excess water will flow out of your barrel.
4. Wrap the back threading of the spigot with the nonstick tape about four or five times. Screw the spigot into the bottom hole on the side of the barrel. The faucet end of the spigot should be facing downward.
5. Apply a bead of silicone around the seams of the hose adapter and the spigot to seal them off. This will take 24 hours to fully cure. During this time do not put water in your rain barrel or allow it to get wet.
6. Place the louvered screen into the 6-inch hole in the top of the barrel, recessed side down. Apply a bead of caulk around the screen. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
7. Catch the rain via your gutter downspout.
Place the four cinder blocks on their side next to each other underneath a gutter downspout. This is going to be the platform for your rain barrel so make sure the cinder blocks are as level as possible. Sit your rain barrel on top of them and situate your downspout over the 6-inch hole in the lid so that water flows into the barrel. It may be necessary to trim your downspout.
Tags: rain barrel, hole side, side barrel, your rain barrel, hole side barrel