Use a heavy garbage can to harvest rainwater.
Rain barrels can be used to catch and store rainwater for use in the garden, for washing a car or for meeting other water needs that do not require potable water. People who have well water will be able to save on the electricity to run the pump, and people who have public water supplies can reduce their use of public water by harvesting rainwater. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Drill a 3/4-inch hole into the side of the trash can approximately 2 inches from the top using a drill and a 3/4-inch drill bit.
2. Drill a 3/4-inch hole into the front of the trash can approximately 4 inches from the bottom using a drill and a 3/4-inch drill bit.
3. Place a ½-inch PVC extender into the top hole with the threaded end on the inside of the garbage can. Wrap the end with two or three layers of Teflon tape. Place a #15 O-ring over the threaded side of the faucet tailpipe. Secure it into position by placing a ½-inch faucet tailpipe nut on the threaded end and turning clockwise until tight.
4. Wrap a ½-inch threaded nipple with two or three layers of Teflon tape. Insert the threaded nipple into the hose bib and turn until tight.
5. Push the end of the threaded nipple through the bottom opening in the garbage can so that the hose bib is on the outside of the garbage can. Place a #15 O-ring over the threaded nipple. Secure into position by placing a ½-inch faucet tailpipe nut on the threaded end and turning clockwise until tight.
6. Place a 6-inch chimney pipe trim collar on the outside of the trash can lid. Trace a line around the center of the collar with a marker.
7. Drill a hole near the center of the circle drawn with the marker using the drill and a ¾-inch drill bit. Insert the blade of a jigsaw into the hole and begin a diagonal cut toward the line drawn with the marker. Continue cutting around the line until the entire circle has been cut out of the lid.
8. Place a mesh screen over the opening and cut the screen at least 2 inches larger than the opening.
9. Place the 6-inch chimney pipe trim collar over the screen. Secure the chimney collar and screen to the garbage can lid with small sheet metal screws.
Tags: threaded nipple, faucet tailpipe, until tight, using drill, with marker, 4-inch drill