How Do I Use a Rain Barrel? | DIY Basics

Don't let nature's bounty go to waste. Learn how to install and use a rain barrel to put your rainwater to work.

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[robcreek]

simple but good information thanks for all the good vids

[steveyonah]

BTW, those concrete blocks are turned the wrong way for maximum strength. For maximum strength, the columns, open tubes, should be vertical.. While it might not matter just supporting a rain barrel, but it is something good to know in general.
If you try to support a car, for example, (not that you should ever do that) if you sit it down on the flat part of the block, it will probably crack and collapse. If you stand the tubes up vertically, then place a piece of 2x6 on top, (to distribute the weight) the car can sit there till the metal rusts away without the block collapsing.

[mikedar]

The most common barrel is a blue colored one where it is used for a multitude of purposes, often with a little research you can find them where the original owner/business is happy to get rid of them rather than pay for disposal of them.. I picked up 30 of these 55 gal containers for zero cost and I suspect stronger than Lowes with each having two ports on the top, but no lower valve assembly, rinsed them out, ready to go. Connected each in series via the top ports(pvc connections). One can do interesting things like installing a bright UV light to sterilize the waters of microbial-Don't look into the light!) if installed in the original barrel, any UV degrade of the plastic barrel will only be in the first barrelAnyway, I've about 1500 gallons of ready water, close to 80, 000 pds, used for gardening or for personal use after boil and second filtration for personal use(when freezes(ice storms) hit and electricity goes out- a 'blanket over the barrels with a low flame inside the 'tent' can keep a marginally freeze condition from affecting the entire water setup from freezing for several days.

[markw]

I have cheap neighbors. They steal my rain water when there has been a long dry spell, caught on video!!

[addthisto]

what will happen if you don't spend water. you have to have some sort of float valve.

[TexasOrganicGardening]

Just made my own system with solar powered pump. Let me know your thoughts on the overview video I just posted!

[HeirloomReviews]

a lot of states will fine you as well in may even arrest you these days for collecting rain water

[chuylopez]

What is wrong with drinking rain water if it is filterd from debree and fresh

[cutiepiedaina]

i dont understand why so many states are concerned with families collecting rain water? isn't a good environmental and personal initiative??

[chrisburnette]

Sadly, it's illegal to collect rainwater. Not sure why