Power a lawn sprinkler with a pump attached to a rain barrel.
The water pressure coming out of a rain barrel is not adequate for use with a sprinkler, unless you attach a water pump to push water through the hose. This process works with either a submersible or external pump with a pounds-per-square-inch rating of 15 or higher. Choose the setup that works best for your area and provides enough water pressure to power the sprinkler. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Submerged Pump
1. Attach a garden hose to the output end of the pump. Submerge the pump in the rain barrel so it rests on the bottom; the plug cord and hose drape over the side of the barrel so the ends are out of the water.
2. Cut a hole into the hose where it meets the top of the barrel. Insert a drip emitter device to act as an air vent and prevent water from flowing out of the hose when the pump is turned off.
3. Attach a sprinkler to the other end of the hose by screwing it in place. Set the sprinkler in the desired location.
4. Verify the drip emitter is set to the closed position, then plug the pump into an electrical outlet to turn it on. Monitor the flow of water and adjust the pump or hose if needed.
5. Unplug the pump to stop the flow of water and open the drip emitter to prevent water from siphoning out of the barrel. You can remove the pump, or you can leave it in the barrel if you plan to use the sprinkler on a regular basis.
Exterior Pump
6. Attach the input hose on the pump to the spigot on the rain barrel by screwing it in place. Keep the spigot in the closed position so water does not drain out.
7. Attach a hose to the output hose on the pump, then hook the sprinkler to the end of the hose. Place the sprinkler in the desired position. A short hose will offer more water pressure for the sprinkler than a long hose.
8. Turn the rain barrel spigot to the on position, then plug in the pump to turn it on. Monitor the flow of water to verify you have the pump hooked up correctly.
9. Turn the rain barrel spigot to the closed position and unplug the pump to stop the flow of water. Unhook the pump and hose and store the unit in a dry location until you need to use it again.
Tags: rain barrel, flow water, closed position, drip emitter, water pressure