Rain Barrels

The purpose of a rain barrel is to "harvest" rainwater that drains off the roof of buildings.  Water collected in a rain barrel can then be used to water plants or lawns.  Pure clean rain water is better for plants and the environment.  Rain water saves money since treated water from the tap is not free. 

 

Anyone who uses water can benefit from a rain barrel.  Did you know that nearly 40% of your water bill in the summer is due to watering lawns and plants?  Did you know that unless you have a separate designated meter for watering the lawn, you are charged sewer fees for using the sprinkler?  Imagine the cost of water and sewer fees just by using collected rain water.  Every gallon of water collected  and stored is a gallon of water not sitting against your home and basement/foundation walls.  Less water in the sewers and drain tiles around your home decreases the likelihood of sewer backups.  Each rain barrel used will collect up to 55 gallons of rain water.  Storing rain water for later use will help the sewer systems in the area and around your home.  Recycling water is a very green concept.

 

Myth (1)  Rain barrels create a habitat for mosquitoes.  Properly designed and maintained rain barrels will not become a habitat for mosquitoes if a few precautions are taken:  (A)  Use the water.  Barrels that are used by draining the water will not become stagnant.  (B) Make sure the barrels are sealed or have a screen or netting to prevent the intrusion of mosquitoes.  (C) Tablets can be purchased to prevent mosquito larvae from maturing in the barrel. 

 

MYTH (2)  Rain barrels will overflow into the surrounding area once full.  Most barrel designs incorporate an overflow device that will either drain away from the barrel or into the downspout system that is already in place. 

 

MYTH (3)   Rain barrels are not permanent.  Due to the weather in this region the rain barrel can be drained and bypassed during periods of bad weather where freezing is a concern. 

 

MYTH (4)   AL the alligator lives in a rain barrel.  He only lives in the storm sewers. 

 

People are generally surprised to see how easy it is to construct a rain barrel.  Start by turning the barrel upside down so that bottom faces up.  The bottom of the barrel is now the top of the new rain barrel.  Cut a hole in the bottom that is now the top of the barrel for the skimmer/strainer to be inserted into.  Make sure the hole is slightly smaller than the strainer so it fits into the hole without falling into the barrel.  In the new top side of the rain barrel cut a slot slightly bigger than the 45 degree downspout connector.  Cut off the jagged edges to trim the hole.  Once the hole is trimmed cut a slot into each corner of the connector back 1" to 1-1/2" to create tabs.  Keep the tabs straight; do not yet fold them back.  Insert the connector, cut ends first, through the new hole in the barrel.  Now bend the tabs back to overlap the inside of the barrel.  If you are using the PVC connectors it may be helpful to use a heat gut to make bending easier.  Bending can also be done before insertion if the hole in the top of the barrel is big enough to pass the connector through from inside.  Once bent, place caulk along inside lip and screw together, through barrel and connector, from outside.  You are nearly done.  See how easy this is?  The barrel will likely have two bung holes which are threaded connections.  In the center of the hole is a threaded area that needs to be punched out or cut through the plug.  This is a 3/4" threaded connection.  The threaded connection can be used to insert a threaded spigot if you plan to use a garden hose or a 3/4" 90 degree bend and length of PVC to extend the spigot beyond the edge of the barrel bottom to fill a watering can or to connect to a garden hose.  Now disconnect the downspout just above the PVC arm you've attached to the rain barrel.  Place the completed rain barrel on top of the concrete blocks and connect the bent arm to the downspout. 

 

If you choose to decoratively dress your rain barrel you can do so by creating either a wooden box or a round barrel wrap.  The wooden slats should be at least four inches longer than the barrel and can be screwed to either the inside or outside of the metal straps to create the surround.  The surround should be the same inside diameter as the outside of the barrel.  A matching wood cover can also be created for the top of the barrel.