Introduction: Rainwater collection is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to gather water for a variety of household needs, such as gardening, cleaning, and even irrigation. Creating a rainwater collection system with a large barrel and a wooden stand is a straightforward project that anyone can undertake. This simple setup helps conserve water, reduce your water bill, and makes use of an often-overlooked natural resource. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create your own rainwater collection system, including the materials you’ll need and step-by-step instructions for building it.
Ingredients (Materials Needed):
Large Rainwater Barrel (50-100 gallons)
Look for a durable plastic or metal barrel. A recycled food-grade barrel is a great option, as it ensures the water collected is free from harmful chemicals.
Wooden Stand/Platform
A sturdy wooden frame or platform to elevate the barrel. This allows gravity to help with the water flow, making it easier to access the water through the spout.
Gutter System (Optional)
A gutter or downspout system to direct rainwater from the roof into the barrel. You’ll need a downspout diverter to safely guide the water into the barrel.
First Flush Diverter (Optional)
A system that helps remove debris or contaminants from the first few gallons of rainwater, ensuring cleaner water for storage.
Mesh Screen
A fine mesh screen to cover the barrel’s opening to prevent leaves, debris, and insects from entering the water.
Spigot
A valve or spigot for easy access to the stored rainwater. Make sure the spigot is placed low enough for easy drainage.
Drill and Screws
To secure components together, such as the spigot, screen, and barrel stand.
Sealant
Silicone sealant for sealing around any fittings, preventing leaks.
Instructions:
Prepare the Wooden Stand:
Measure the height you want for your rainwater barrel. A good height is around 3 feet, but it can vary depending on your needs. Cut your wood into four legs and a top frame to create a sturdy stand. Ensure the structure is square and level before assembling it.
Once assembled, position the wooden stand in a location where rainwater can flow into it easily, such as beneath a downspout.
Set Up the Barrel:
Place the large rainwater barrel on the wooden stand. Ensure the barrel is stable and level to prevent tipping.
If you are using a recycled barrel, clean it thoroughly to ensure it’s free from any residual chemicals.
Install the Gutter and Downspout Diverter:
If your roof already has a gutter system, attach a downspout diverter to redirect rainwater into your barrel.
If you don’t already have gutters, you may need to install a gutter system along the edge of your roof, ensuring that it is sloped toward the barrel.
Attach the First Flush Diverter (Optional):
Install a first flush diverter to the downspout system to remove contaminants from the initial rainwater runoff, which may carry dirt, leaves, and other debris. This ensures that only cleaner water enters the barrel.
Install the Mesh Screen:
Place a mesh screen over the opening of the barrel to filter out any larger debris and prevent insects like mosquitoes from breeding inside.
Attach the Spigot:
Drill a hole near the bottom of the barrel to install the spigot. Use a silicone sealant to ensure the spigot is watertight.
Install the spigot and make sure it turns smoothly for easy access to your stored water.
Seal and Test for Leaks:
Check all connections, particularly the spigot and the downspout diverter, for any leaks. Use sealant where necessary to prevent water from escaping.
Test the system by allowing rainwater to flow into the barrel. Ensure that water is collecting correctly and there are no leaks.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Maintenance: Periodically clean the mesh screen to prevent clogging and ensure that the water entering the barrel is free of debris. Also, clean the barrel itself once or twice a year to prevent algae buildup.
Winter Care: In colder climates, it’s important to drain the barrel and disconnect any piping in the winter to prevent freezing. You can store the barrel indoors during the cold months.
Water Use: Rainwater collected in this system is ideal for outdoor use, such as watering plants, cleaning tools, or washing vehicles. However, it’s not recommended for drinking unless properly filtered and treated.
Variants:
Large-Scale Rainwater System:
the rest on next page
ADVERTISEMENT
