Collecting rain water helps to conserve resources.
These days everyone is trying to be a little "greener". One way to be greener is to conserve resources such as electricity and water. Using a rain collector to recycle water for cleaning or watering plants helps not only to conserve water, but also to save you money on your utility bills. You can make your own rain collection barrel with an old 55 gallon drum and a few simple materials. Once your rain barrel has been constructed, you can water your lawn guilt-free. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Drill a pilot hole into the side of the drum about 2 inches from the bottom. Trace and cut the hole for a 2 cm spigot to be fitted. Place the spigot into the hole, using the file again to smooth the edges of the hole if needed.
2. Lay out the concrete blocks on a level area where you have chosen to place your rain collection barrel. This will allow for easier access to the spigot. The location you choose should be under a gutter downspout to maximize the water collected.
3. Measure where the downspout will meet with the top of the 55 gallon drum. Mark this by tracing around the outline of the downspout. This gutter extension and fitting end should be cut to fit the drum snugly.
4. Use the jigsaw to cut the access hole for the gutter extension piece. Before placing the gutter end into the access hole, use a rubber band to attach a piece of pantyhose over the end of the downspout to prevent debris from entering the rain collection tank.
5. Feed the end of the gutter extension into the access hole.
6. Attach a gutter fitting bracket around the downspout and screw it into the house for stability.
Tags: access hole, gutter extension, rain collection, your rain, collection barrel