Rain barrels are becoming more popular as more people are looking for ways to conserve water for home usage. The rain barrel features a hose at top, called an overflow hose, that allows water to flow out of the side of the barrel before it reaches the top. A relief valve at the bottom of the barrel is a simple faucet type feature that allows you to draw water from the barrel as needed. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Drill a hole in the bottom of the rain barrel tank large enough to accommodate a hose bibb and reducer that you will be. Use a spade bit to drill this hole. The standard sizes for these are 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch. Which one you choose depends on your water needs.
2. Slip the rubber washer over the end of the male coupling. Wrap the threads on the coupling with plumber's tape.
3. Have an assistant insert the male coupling through the side of the barrel and hold it in place.
4. Screw the female connector onto the end of the mail connector. If desired, another rubber washer may be inserted over this end of the connection to ensure that everything remains watertight. Tighten the female connector until it is flush with the surface of the rain barrel but do not over-tighten.
5. Apply PVC primer and cement according to the manufacturer's instructions on the end of the female coupling. Press the reducer in place and hold a few minutes until the PVC sets. Allow the connection another few minutes to dry.
6. Wrap the nipple with plumber's tape. Insert the nipple into the reducer and tighten.
7. Screw the hose bibb onto the end of the nipple.
Tags: rain barrel, female connector, hose bibb, male coupling, plumber tape, rubber washer