Prep the area for rain barrels.
Do you need to cut gutter for rain barrel.
Many times you can simply direct your gutter downspout into a top opening in the rain barrel.
Look for a spot where you can place your barrels next to a gutter downspout and above your garden so the water can flow down to your garden with force.
Using a rain barrel.
A 55 gallon plastic drum with an intake hole cut in the top will work well.
Cutting the downspout to allow the barrel to fit under it and attaching an elbow section if needed.
Rain barrels collect rainwater from your roof by rerouting a section of your gutter s downpipe into a nearby reservoir.
Cut or drill a hole in the rain barrel lid large enough for the downspout or diverter to fit.
Use a carpenter s square to get around to the bottom.
Use metal snips to cut the downspout to the appropriate length.
One thing we learned with our first system is that gravity is your friend when it comes to rain barrels.
Creating a drainage hole toward the top of the barrel will enable overflow water to escape.
However you can purchase a downspout diverter instead for about 25 50 and this can make your rain collection system a little easier and more versatile.
A rain barrel gives you a simple way to collect rainwater for use around your landscape.
Shorten or adjust your downspout as necessary.
You can cut it to where you can install elbow sections to bring the downspout directly into the rain barrel.
The earthminded diverter kit system is a great accessory for any rain barrel and will among other benefits save you the unsavory task of having to cut your downspout when you install your rain barrel but before we get into why your next rain barrel should have a diverter lets look at the history of rain barrels in the united states.
A hole toward the bottom will allow you to drain captured water for use around your home.
Laying your gutter on the workbench measure off the amount of gutter you want to cut and mark it with a pencil.
Use a 1 1 8 inch spade bit to create the bottom and top drain holes.
Or you can bore a hole into the side of the downspout and install a diverter that runs water off into the rain barrel.
They are fairly simple to install and once you have one set up the environmental protection agency estimates a single 55 gallon rain barrel can save you up to 1 300 gallons of water during the hot summer months.
You may not need any additional parts or accessories and your project is done.
Most homes direct water into the barrel with gutters and downspouts but even homes without gutters can use a rain barrel.
