How to Make a Rain Barrel for Your Yard
DIY Projects, Green Home, Irrigation & Watering, Lawn and Garden, Plumbing, Simple Solutions, Video by Joe Truini
This homemade rain barrel to recycle rainwater for use in your lawn and garden is an easy do-it-yourself project that costs less than $50.
Here’s how to go about making a rain barrel to help you conserve water in your yard.
Rain Barrel Materials
- Large plastic garbage can with solid bottom
- Drain strainer (available in lawn & garden department for outside drains)
- Brass water spigot
- Brass nut to fit the threads on the spigot
- 2 Flat neoprene rubber washers (available in plumbing department)
Making the Rain Barrel
- Drill a hole in the side of the garbage can near the bottom to fit the threaded end of the water spigot.
- Put one of the rubber washers on the spigot.
- Push the threaded end of the spigot through the hole in the can from the outside.
- Slip the other rubber washer on the spigot threads from inside the can.
- Screw the brass nut on the spigot from inside the can and tighten.
- Cut a hole in the can lid with a jigsaw to fit the drain strainer.
- Insert drain strainer in hole in lid.
- Place lid on can and drill 1/4” diameter holes through the lid and top flange of can on each side of the can and lid.
- Attach the lid to the can through the holes using cable ties to hold the lid on securely and prevent children or animals from falling in the rain barrel.
- Remove the existing gutter downspout from the gutter, and set the rain barrel on concrete blocks next to the house under the downspout opening.
- Modify the downspout so that it fits in the top of the barrel.
- Attach a hose to the faucet and use it for watering the plants in your yard.
5 Comments on “How to Make a Rain Barrel for Your Yard”
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November 16th, 2009 at 15:51
i need to know what tools are required to make a rain barrel thanks carolyn
joe t. Says:November 16th, 2009 at 17:11
Hey Carolyn, Here are the tools required to convert a plastic trash can into a water-saving rain barrel: 1-inch spade bit and drill/driver for boring a hole in side of can for the spigot; jigsaw for cutting hole in top of trash can for drainage grate; 1/4-inch twist-drill bit for boring holes in lid for cable ties; drill/driver or screwdriver for removing and reattaching downspout; and finally, a shovel for leveling the ground beneath the concrete blocks that support the rain barrel. Good luck!–JT
February 23rd, 2010 at 08:16
what is the best way to take care of a rain barrel if you live in the north (Pennsylvania). Should I disconnect it from the downspout so that it doesn”t freeze and crack. We have had temps that went to subzero weather. Thanks Faye
Ben Erickson Says:February 23rd, 2010 at 09:27
Hi Faye,
I can’t say for sure whether your rain barrel would crack or not if the water in it froze, since we’re in the sunny South, but I would think it would be a good idea to disconnect and drain it to be safe. My guess is that it would have to freeze solid for cracking to be a problem. You might check the website of the company that manufactured it (or call them) and see what they say. If you find out for sure, let us know.
joe t. Says:February 23rd, 2010 at 10:43
Faye, I live in Connecticut, and we experience winter-time temperatures similar to northern PA. I would definitely recommend that you drain the rain barrel. The entire contents of a full barrel wouldn’t likely freeze, but enough of the water will freeze to cause problems, including splitting the plastic barrel or rupturing the spigot hole.
In fact, before the first hard frost (probably late-fall, I’d recommend removing the hose from the spigot–if one’s attached–and opening the spigot. Then, tilt the barrel to drain out any remaining water, and leave the spigot open throughout the winter. Good luck!–Joe T.