Millions of gallons of rainwater could be harvested annually.
The decision to switch from irrigating your lawn or garden from city or well water to rainwater is not only a wise financial move, but it's better for the environment as well. Rainwater that is collected and reused will not flow into storm sewers. If you have a sprinkler irrigation system, you can either leave it in place and use it only as a supplemental system or you can remove it entirely. The mechanics and plumbing of a drip irrigation system with a rainwater reservoir require an entirely different setup. Once the new system is in place, the conversion is simply a matter of turning on a spigot on your rain barrel as opposed to turning on the faucet or setting a timer for a sprinkler system. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Preparing Your Rain Barrel
1. The top hole can be started with a drill, and finished with a saw.
Using a saw, cut a hole on the top of the barrel to accept a gutter pipe to collect the rainwater. If using a grate or screen to act as a filter, cut the hole the appropriate size to receive the grate or screen.
2. Drill holes in the rain barrel to accommodate the overflow and spigot. Cut a hole toward the bottom of the barrel for the spigot. Cut a hole toward the top of the side for the overflow.
3. Use a silicon caulk if possible.
Attach the spigot in the bottom hole. Use Teflon tape for the threads. Caulk the circle to create a waterproof seal.
4. Use a 90-degree elbow for the overflow.
Attach the PVC adapter union into the overflow hole. Attach the elbow with PVC glue. Clean and glue a length of pipe to the elbow to carry the overflow water away. The length of pipe is dependent on location and how far away you wish to carry the water away from the barrel. Caulk the hole to create a waterproof seal.
Attaching and Using the Rain Barrel
5. The exisitng gutter on any house can be used to harvest rainwater.
Set the rain barrel on the site it is to be used. Ensure that it sits level. Choose the highest point around your house because drip irrigation relies on gravity. Cut and move the existing gutter so it enters the receptacle to receive rainwater. If using a grate or screen at the top, cut the gutter so it rests atop the screen.
6. Attach a soaker hose or drip irrigation tape to the spigot on the barrel. Stretch the hose or tape to snake around the plants or tree that you wish to be watered. Attach additional hoses or tape as needed.
7. Allow rain barrel to fill with water. When ready to use, turn on the spigot and let gravity pull the water to where you have directed it. Turn the spigot off when done or else you will lose additional water when it enters the barrel during the next rainfall.
Tags: grate screen, rain barrel, Rain Barrel, create waterproof, create waterproof seal, drip irrigation