A rain barrel is installed under a downspout.
Rain barrels collect water from a roof gutter system. The collected water is distributed through a hose spigot installed at the bottom of the rain barrel. The available water pressure depends on the height of the barrel. However, attaching a water pump to the hose spigot will increase the water pressure so a sprinkler can be used to distribute the water. A plastic barrel is the best collection device, since it won't rust over time. An open-top plastic barrel is easy to turn into a rain barrel, because you only have to cut one hole in the exterior. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove the top ring and cover from the open-top barrel. Set the barrel on its side on top of a firm surface, such as concrete patio or driveway. Squirt some dish soap inside and add water with a garden hose. Scrub the interior with the brush. Rinse the barrel and allow it to dry.
2. Install the 1-inch hole saw into the drill. Measure 1 1/2 inches from the bottom of the barrel and make a mark on the exterior with your black marker.
3. Place the hole saw's center drill bit on the mark. Drill out the hole. Lay an even bead of silicone caulk on the exterior and interior of the drilled hole.
4. Remove the inner locking ring from the hose spigot. Insert the hose spigot through the hole in the barrel, keeping the valve handle on top. Screw the inner locking ring onto the threads of the hose spigot, inside the barrel. Tighten the locking ring in a clockwise direction with plumber's pliers. Wait 24 hours for the silicone caulk to cure.
5. Place the barrel under a gutter downspout. Place two patio pavers under the barrel if you wish to keep it from sinking into the soil. Orient the barrel so the spigot faces the yard for easy access.
6. Center the aluminum or fiberglass screen over the large opening of the barrel. Fit the barrel's outer plastic ring over the screen. Turn the ring, clockwise, a couple of times to secure the screen in place.
7. Install the inline garden pump's hose adapter onto the rain barrel's spigot. Connect the hose to the inlet on the pump; the pump fittings are labeled "inlet" and "outlet." Attach the garden hose to the outlet of the garden pump. Set the third patio paver next to the barrel and set the pump on it so it doesn't settle into the soil.
8. Wait until it rains and the collection barrel is full of water. Attach the extension cord, if needed, to the pump. Plug the pump into an outdoor outlet. Water under pressure will begin running from the end of the garden hose.
Tags: hose spigot, garden hose, locking ring, rain barrel, barrel barrel, barrel spigot