Conserve thousands of gallons of water and help to reduce your monthly water bill by using rain barrels to collect runoff water from the roof. Rain barrels are positioned under a gutter downspout to collect rainwater. This collected water is used to water plants, vegetables and lawns, eliminating the need to use the exterior water spigot that can cause expensive water bills. With so many options concerning different types and sizes of rain barrels available, homeowners can choose the proper barrel to accommodate their individual water needs. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Choose a gutter downspout close to the location where most of the collected rainwater will be used, either near the driveway for car-washing or close to the garden to water plants. Saw the downspout gutter with a hacksaw so the bottom is at least 4-inches above the top of the rain barrel.
2. Connect a flexible downspout hose to the cut portion of the gutter. Position four to six concrete pavers underneath the downspout, creating a flat and steady platform for the rain barrel. Use enough pavers under the rain barrel to properly support the barrel's weight and diameter.
3. Place the rain barrel on top of the paver platform, turning it so the spigot faces outward. Move the flexible downspout so it is positioned to pour directly into the rain barrel.
4. Twist a garden hose onto the rain barrel's spigot. Open the spigot when the rain barrel contains water to water grass, plants or vegetable gardens. Use the garden hose connected to the rain barrel to wash the vehicle if nearby.
Tags: rain barrel, flexible downspout, garden hose, gutter downspout, water plants