Don't let rain water go to waste; collect it to use in your garden during dry spells.
Collecting rain water requires adapting a suitable container and directing the downpour from your roof into it. A screen keeps large debris and animals from getting into the stored water. Even without additional filtering, you can use water collected this way in your garden. A half-inch rain will fill a 55-gallon barrel for use in watering plants, washing tools or keeping your compost pile moist. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Choose a rainwater barrel that holds at least 55 gallons. Any container will do, as long as it is food grade and has not held chemicals in the past. Many people re-purpose industrial-sized food containers into rain barrels. Commercial rain barrels are also available.
2. Drill a 5/8-inch hole near the bottom of your barrel. Insert the 1/2-inch hose bib into the hole. Use a round file to enlarge the hole if necessary. You want the fit to be as tight as possible. Use a coupling on the inside of the barrel to secure the bib in place. Run a bead of silicone gel on the inside and outside around the bib to further seal the hole.
3. Cover the top of the barrel with a large square of galvanized hardware cloth. Use pliers and a hammer to crimp the cloth around the barrel opening. This will keep debris and animals out of your stored water.
4. Build a platform to raise your rain barrel high enough to allow gravity to work when retrieving the water. Place four cinder blocks in a square where you want your barrel to sit. Top with a piece of plywood for an even surface. Place your rain barrel on top with the spout facing out.
5. Attach a downspout to your rain gutter and direct the end of it over your rain barrel. Use a hacksaw to shorten the downspout if necessary. A flexible spout attached to the end of the downspout allows for more precise direction of the rainwater.
6. Attach a hose to the faucet or use the faucet to collect rain water in a bucket or watering can for use in your garden.
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