Rain Barrel System | CHEAP Water Pump Setup

*NOTE* If you plan on installing a city water connection in series with your rainwater system, make sure you install a backflow preventer or check with your local code before proceeding.

In this video, Robert shows you how he added a 12v DC transfer pump purchased from Harbor Freight to his existing rain barrel system used to water his garden.

He also explains how he used 1/2" schedule 40 PVC to route the water from the rain barrel to the garden.

Overall, Robert's goal was to keep the overall cost low for adding the water pump to the rain barrel system.

Check Out Robert's Other Rain Barrel Videos:

Below you can find the majority of the parts Robert used in the rain barrel video.

Parts / Items Used In Video:
PVC Schedule 40 Pipe - Home Depot

[BubbaVegas]

Really like that you put the call before you dig notice ...some people really forget what is under their property

[anthonytyrrell]

If you use a RV water pump they have an auto on solenoid so whenever you turn the hose on and the pressure drops or turn the valve on it will turn on automatically and they're much quieter

[photosuebykerchick]

This is one of the best YouTube videos that I think I’ve ever seen. You articulate very well, video quality is excellent and you really make it easy to understand. Thank you so much for taking the time to share this information with us

[frankklimek]

It is rare that a video on building something is as clearly presented and easy to follow. I have subscribed to your channel and eagerly wait for more like this.
Thank you!

[Fireboat]

An easy way to level out the ground for setting concrete blocks is to use a 6" high mound of gravel or granite chips and tamp them level with a tamper. Set the blocks on top and they will not shift after that. I've found that you cannot trust leveling dirt as it will settle over time and the barrels may slump slightly to one side.

[christinepoole]

Tell me you do this for a living! Everything about this video was perfect: script, pop ups, pacing, music, closeups. The project itself was detailed, included product specifications, and the end result looked great for a DIY project. Keep making more videos!

[joehaug]

Nice job Robert! One thing to consider when setting up a system like this is to include a backflow prevention device to protect you home's city water supply from potential contamination from your rain barrel source. Check your local plumbing code. It may be as simple as inexpensive double check valves or more expensive with a reduced pressure zone backflow preventer which may also require periodic inspections by a certified backflow technician. Probably safer just to pipe up two separate spigots to prevent potential cross contamination.

[BubbaVegas]

The detail you go into it shows you really do care about what you are doing...WOW thank you

[billiamc]

We just hooked up the 12 volt pump right to the barrel spigot and continued with a standard hose...simplicity at its best

[genecarr]

For your future project improvement, add an "on demand" pressure switch in parallel with the manual on/off switch. When you open the valve the pressure drops and turns on the "on demand" pressure switch. When the valve is closed the water line is pressurized and the switch turns the pump off. Very neat project, well done.

[kadijamcanuff]

This was a great first step for me. I would love to see the solar panel and timer setup. That's my ultimate goal.

[rhuffstedtler]

I love your attention to detail on bracing things, making clean cuts, and so on.

[hnnnggh]

after watching 2 billion videos that ended up being useless, i finally found this one and it's exactly what i was looking for. great work

[esanford]

Nice project; very impressive. You have the right kind of voice and cadence to be a great teacher. By the way, drip irrigation is the best. Avoid spraying and sprinkling leaves because it can cause mold and disease to your plants.

[iflashe]

Great production efforts - video editing, speeding up, pop up tips and voice over all really show your skills. Nice project as well.

[blueraven]

As someone who doesn’t know the first thing about plumbing I found this extremely helpful. Thank you so much for putting this out. Good luck with all your gardening endeavors.

[RT-qzci]

Love how you showed every step, even the mistakes. This was really helpful. Subbed

[bjer]

Just wanted to let you know I loved the Solar project to run pump by battery power. I passed on your you tube address to many today at a watershed district summer event. I was promoting the use of rainbarrels and how you can take them to the next level by using pumps.
Bette D
St Paul, MN

[jamess]

Around my area: need to install an antisiphon on the city supply.
Great job!

[DanielinLaTuna]

You sure do a great deal of cutting. Shows the value of having a specialized, dedicated, tool. Also how you can modify layout on the run. Thanks for sharing.