Tools needed
During the summer season, consumers use upward of 30 percent of their potable water supply to keep our landscaping lush. Making a water barrel saves money by allowing the consumer to use free water. Build your own collection unit in 30 to 45 minutes. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Use the 15/16-inch spade bit to drill a hole 1 inch to 1½ inches from the bottom of the barrel. Run a bead of the waterproof silicone around the hole and on the washer to insure a snug, watertight seal. Screw the faucet into the hole until snug.
2. Put the faucet at a 90-degree angle to allow easy access so you can put a bucket under it or hook up a hose. Apply a small bead of silicone to the pipe coupling, and reach inside the barrel and screw the coupling on to the faucet tightly. This ensures a tight fit between the faucet and the barrel.
3. To insert the overflow outlet, use the 1 7/8-inch hole saw to drill a hole 1 inch from the top of the barrel. Place the male barb fitting into the hole; it's going to be loose. Run a bead of silicone around the barb and hole on the inside and outside of the barrel.
4. Attach the 1½-inch female right-angle pipe fitting on the inside on the barb, securing it in place. Attach the flexible tubing from the sump pump kit to the outside of the barb, and secure it with the metal clamp. Run the hose away from the house in case it overflows.
5. Place the lid back on the barrel, and drill a hole with the spade bit used earlier. Use this as a starting point for the jigsaw as you make a large hole to catch the water coming from the gutter downspout.
6. Remove the lid, and cover the top of the barrel with the window screen, securing it with the extra-large rubber band. Replace the lid, and cut the extra screen from around the barrel. Position the barrel by a gutter downspout and cut the downspout 1 foot above the barrel. Connect the Flex-A-Spout to the downspout and position it so water flows into the barrel.
Tags: drill hole, bead silicone, drill hole inch, gutter downspout, hole inch