Uploaded August 2020 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
There are many types of rain barrels. Here are some links to help you with your research.
Rivet Gun: amzn.to/3fGl35F More: amzn.to/3fG2cYa and homedepot.com/s/rivet%2520gun?NCNI-5
Rain Barrel: amzn.to/3gGajWf More: amzn.to/2PwY6qX and homedepot.com/s/rain%2520barrel?NCNI-5
Siphon Kit: amzn.to/3krKfAc
Hacksaw blade with 32 T.P.I.: amzn.to/3gJyNhe or amzn.to/2XGBzfJ
Due to requests, I am now including links to products when possible. These links are provided for reference, no company or individual paid to be in this video. Depending on the vendor, a small commission might be paid and would be used to support adding content to this channel.
Amazon Prime free 30 day trial: amzn.to/3g9mwCL
Amazon Tool Deals of the Day: amzn.to/3eUGcsD
Today's Amazon Landscaping Deals: amzn.to/2UxQaJ1
Rain Harvesting
A rain barrel will allow you to collect rain water from your existing gutter and downspout system. Some plants are sensitive to the chemicals used to treat common tap water. Collecting rain will allow you to water these plants without having to buy distilled water.
Materials Needed:
- Rain barrel- plastic drum (make sure it is very clean)
- “S-shaped” elbow for guttering
- pop rivets
- flat stones or patio blocks
- pump or spigot for barrel
Tools Needed:
- hacksaw with at least 32 teeth per inch: amzn.to/3gJyNhe or amzn.to/2XGBzfJ
- rivet gun: amzn.to/3fGl35F
- garden spade
- drill
Steps to Build a Rain Barrel
NOTE: You will need to locate your rain barrel under an existing downspout.
Step 1
Install a stone foundation. When your rain barrel is full, it will weigh an enormous amount. Therefore you must install a flat, level stone foundation to support the weight. Flat natural stones or pre-fabricated stepping stones will work for this purpose. Be sure the stones are secure and level.
Step 2
Install your elbow. Place the barrel in the desired location. When you install your elbow, be sure not to cut off the downspout too high. Allow about a 2-inch overlap to connect the elbow and the existing downspout. Pre drill your hole through both pieces and connect them using pop rivets.
Step 3
Connect the elbow to the barrel. Most plastic barrels will have two holes in the top. If your barrel does not, you will have to cut at least one. Run the elbow into one of the holes on top of the barrel. After the rain barrel is complete, you may want to seal this connection tightly.
Step 4
Install your pump or spigot. Next, install your pump. A barrel pump can be purchased for around $20 and will allow you to pump out water from the top (it is installed in the second hole). A spigot can also be installed near the bottom of the barrel by drilling a hole. A variety of spigots are available; check with your local home improvement store. If your barrel has no lid, you will need to drop a mosquito dunk into the barrel. Dunks are used in water gardens to prevent the presence of mosquitoes in standing water.
Step 5
Install an overflow spout. An overflow spout can be placed near the top of the barrel. Simply drill a hole and insert a piece of plastic tubing. A hose may also be connected to this spout to water plants near the rain barrel.
MORE FROM YOUR NEW HOUSE
Featured videos:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eiqktEDbaQunVDuiTidxPxd
Great DIY Projects from Your New House:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ejNSy9ywo1mKiGaSXuTsEgE
Quick Tips - easy tips to make your projects (and life) better:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eh4zI-dJCevBTEdY5ioSAPQ
Gardening and Landscaping:
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Adventures in Homebuilding - Home info with a smile:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ehA9bTrvQ58AHfE_utaBCLc
Choosing and Using Tools with Carmen Ciricillo:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eisLdRjyue3eVZT-qjM9B6I
Factory Tours and Product Testing:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ej6wLU1NAVlWhcvVWL1ynJQ
There are many types of rain barrels. Here are some links to help you with your research.
Rivet Gun: amzn.to/3fGl35F More: amzn.to/3fG2cYa and homedepot.com/s/rivet%2520gun?NCNI-5
Rain Barrel: amzn.to/3gGajWf More: amzn.to/2PwY6qX and homedepot.com/s/rain%2520barrel?NCNI-5
Siphon Kit: amzn.to/3krKfAc
Hacksaw blade with 32 T.P.I.: amzn.to/3gJyNhe or amzn.to/2XGBzfJ
Due to requests, I am now including links to products when possible. These links are provided for reference, no company or individual paid to be in this video. Depending on the vendor, a small commission might be paid and would be used to support adding content to this channel.
Amazon Prime free 30 day trial: amzn.to/3g9mwCL
Amazon Tool Deals of the Day: amzn.to/3eUGcsD
Today's Amazon Landscaping Deals: amzn.to/2UxQaJ1
Rain Harvesting
A rain barrel will allow you to collect rain water from your existing gutter and downspout system. Some plants are sensitive to the chemicals used to treat common tap water. Collecting rain will allow you to water these plants without having to buy distilled water.
Materials Needed:
- Rain barrel- plastic drum (make sure it is very clean)
- “S-shaped” elbow for guttering
- pop rivets
- flat stones or patio blocks
- pump or spigot for barrel
Tools Needed:
- hacksaw with at least 32 teeth per inch: amzn.to/3gJyNhe or amzn.to/2XGBzfJ
- rivet gun: amzn.to/3fGl35F
- garden spade
- drill
Steps to Build a Rain Barrel
NOTE: You will need to locate your rain barrel under an existing downspout.
Step 1
Install a stone foundation. When your rain barrel is full, it will weigh an enormous amount. Therefore you must install a flat, level stone foundation to support the weight. Flat natural stones or pre-fabricated stepping stones will work for this purpose. Be sure the stones are secure and level.
Step 2
Install your elbow. Place the barrel in the desired location. When you install your elbow, be sure not to cut off the downspout too high. Allow about a 2-inch overlap to connect the elbow and the existing downspout. Pre drill your hole through both pieces and connect them using pop rivets.
Step 3
Connect the elbow to the barrel. Most plastic barrels will have two holes in the top. If your barrel does not, you will have to cut at least one. Run the elbow into one of the holes on top of the barrel. After the rain barrel is complete, you may want to seal this connection tightly.
Step 4
Install your pump or spigot. Next, install your pump. A barrel pump can be purchased for around $20 and will allow you to pump out water from the top (it is installed in the second hole). A spigot can also be installed near the bottom of the barrel by drilling a hole. A variety of spigots are available; check with your local home improvement store. If your barrel has no lid, you will need to drop a mosquito dunk into the barrel. Dunks are used in water gardens to prevent the presence of mosquitoes in standing water.
Step 5
Install an overflow spout. An overflow spout can be placed near the top of the barrel. Simply drill a hole and insert a piece of plastic tubing. A hose may also be connected to this spout to water plants near the rain barrel.
MORE FROM YOUR NEW HOUSE
Featured videos:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eiqktEDbaQunVDuiTidxPxd
Great DIY Projects from Your New House:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ejNSy9ywo1mKiGaSXuTsEgE
Quick Tips - easy tips to make your projects (and life) better:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eh4zI-dJCevBTEdY5ioSAPQ
Gardening and Landscaping:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ejdcWzNkAARBzUQDvT3W1ME
Adventures in Homebuilding - Home info with a smile:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ehA9bTrvQ58AHfE_utaBCLc
Choosing and Using Tools with Carmen Ciricillo:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2eisLdRjyue3eVZT-qjM9B6I
Factory Tours and Product Testing:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjTMbsoHW2ej6wLU1NAVlWhcvVWL1ynJQ
