Every time it rains, hundreds of gallons of water run off your roof, down the gutters, and straight into the street. A rain barrel captures that water so you can use it on your flower beds, shrubs, and containers later. It lowers your water bill, gives your plants soft, chlorine-free water they love, and is one of the simplest DIY projects you can tackle in an afternoon. Here is how to build and set up your own.
How Much Water Can You Really Catch?
More than most people expect. One inch of rain falling on 1,000 square feet of roof produces roughly 620 gallons of water. Even a small section of roof feeding a single downspout can fill a 55-gallon barrel during one moderate storm. That is why many gardeners end up linking two or three barrels together once they see how quickly the first one fills.
Check Local Rules First
Rainwater collection is encouraged in many areas, and some cities even offer rebates on barrels. A few places have restrictions on how much you can collect or how it can be used. Take five minutes to check with your city or county before you start, and if you belong to a homeowners association, review their rules on placement and appearance.
Materials
- One food-grade plastic barrel, 50 to 60 gallons, with a removable lid or a sealed top
- A 3/4 inch brass or plastic spigot with a bulkhead fitting or hose bib kit
- A second fitting and short hose for the overflow
- Fine mesh screen, such as stainless steel or aluminum window screen
- A downspout diverter kit, or a flexible downspout extension
- Plumber’s tape and silicone sealant rated for outdoor use
- 4 to 6 concrete blocks or a sturdy wooden stand
- Optional: exterior spray paint made for plastic
Food-grade barrels are often available inexpensively from local car washes, bakeries, beverage distributors, or online marketplaces. Avoid any barrel that held chemicals, oils, or pesticides, and rinse whatever you get thoroughly with water and a little dish soap.
Tools
- Drill with a spade bit or hole saw sized to your fittings
- Utility knife
- Hacksaw (for cutting the downspout)
- Adjustable wrench
- Tape measure and marker
- Level
Step 1: Build a Solid Base
A full 55-gallon barrel weighs about 450 pounds, so the base matters. Choose a spot right next to a downspout, ideally one that drains a large section of roof. Level the ground, then stack concrete blocks two high to create a firm platform. Raising the barrel 12 to 16 inches does two things: it lets you fit a watering can under the spigot, and it adds gravity to push water through a hose.
Check the platform with a level. A tipping barrel is dangerous, so take your time here.
Step 2: Install the Spigot
Mark a spot about 3 to 4 inches above the bottom of the barrel for the spigot. Placing it slightly above the bottom keeps sediment from clogging the valve. Drill the hole with a spade bit or hole saw sized to your fitting, then clean off any plastic burrs with a utility knife.
Wrap the threads of the spigot with plumber’s tape, insert the fitting, and secure it from the inside with the washer and nut that came with the kit. Reaching inside the barrel can be awkward, so do this step before installing the lid or screen. Add a bead of silicone around the outside of the fitting for a watertight seal.
Step 3: Add an Overflow
Once your barrel fills, the extra water needs somewhere to go. Drill a second hole about 2 to 3 inches below the top of the barrel and install an overflow fitting the same way as the spigot. Attach a short length of hose that directs overflow away from your home’s foundation, toward a flower bed, or into a second barrel.
Linking barrels is easy. Run a short hose from the overflow of the first barrel to an inlet near the top of the second. When the first fills, water flows into the next one automatically.
Step 4: Screen the Top
An open barrel is an invitation for mosquitoes, leaves, and curious critters. Cut an opening in the lid where the downspout will enter, then cover it securely with fine mesh screen, using silicone or small stainless screws to hold it in place. If your barrel has a solid lid, cut a hole slightly larger than the downspout and screen it. The screen should block insects completely while still letting water flow through freely.
Step 5: Connect the Downspout
You have two options. The simplest is to cut the existing downspout with a hacksaw a few inches above the top of the barrel and attach a flexible elbow that directs water onto the screen. The better option is a downspout diverter. It installs in the downspout and sends water into the barrel until it is full, then sends the rest down the original downspout as usual, which reduces overflow problems.
Whichever you choose, make sure water enters the barrel cleanly and does not splash against your siding.
Step 6: Make It Look Good
A rain barrel does not have to be an eyesore. Paint it with exterior spray paint made for plastic in a color that blends with your home or garden. Earthy greens, browns, and deep grays disappear nicely against siding and plants. You can also tuck it behind a small trellis or surround it with tall potted plants or ornamental grasses.
Using Your Rainwater
Rainwater is excellent for ornamental plants, shrubs, trees, lawns, and container gardens. Use it within a week or two whenever possible. If you use it on edible plants, water the soil rather than the leaves, and wash produce well before eating. Rain barrel water is not safe for drinking, cooking, or pets.
Seasonal Care
- Clean the screen and gutters a few times a year so debris does not block the flow.
- Empty and rinse the barrel once or twice a year to remove sediment.
- Before the first hard freeze, drain the barrel completely, disconnect it, and store it upside down or indoors so it does not crack. Reconnect the original downspout for winter.
Start Saving Water This Season
A rain barrel is a small project with a lasting impact. In a single afternoon, you can turn every storm into a free supply of water for your garden, cut down on runoff, and give your plants exactly what they want. Once you see your first barrel fill up after a good rain, you may find yourself planning a second one for the other side of the house.
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