Large, clean barrels are suitable for catching rainwater.
A rain barrel is a barrel that has been placed underneath a downspout to collect water when it rains. There are numerous advantages to having a rain barrel. The water it collects is suitable for watering lawns or gardens, which reduces the amount of money spent on water. Rain barrels are also considered environmentally friendly, as they reduce the amount of water needed from the public supply and reduce runoff from storms. The mechanics of building a rain barrel are fairly simple. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Wash out the drum or barrel with soap and water. There are many different containers that you can use, but large barrels or drums that were previously used for food are ideal, as they will not leach dangerous chemicals into the water.
2. Mark a circle on the top of the barrel using a compass, about 6 inches in diameter. Cut out the hole using a saw. There are several types of saws that are suitable, including a hole saw or a saber saw.
3. Cut two holes in the side of the barrel using the drill and 3/4-inch drill bit. One must be close to the top. This controls the water level if the barrel starts to overflow. The other must be close to the bottom. The closer it is, the better. However, there will be a faucet in this hole, and if it is too close to the ground, you will be unable to use the faucet.
4. Fit the hose adapter into the top hole. Use caulk to seal it in place. You can fit a hose onto this adapter later to move any overflow from the barrel away from your house.
5. Fit the faucet into the lower hole. Caulk it in place. You can use washers or similar hardware for added stability, if desired.
6. Fit a mesh screen inside the top of the barrel, covering the hole that you made earlier. You could cut a circle from the screen that is slightly larger than the hole you cut in the lid, or cut a circle that fits snugly into the top of the lid by turning the lid upside down over the mesh and tracing around it with chalk. With either option, turn the lid upside down and place the screen circle over the hole. Use caulk or glue around the circumference of the screen piece to hold it in place. This will prevent animals from getting into the barrel, notably mosquitoes, which will be drawn to the water as a location to lay eggs.
7. Put the lid of the barrel on securely.
Tags: rain barrel, barrel using, hole caulk, must close, upside down