This homemade rain barrel to recycle water for use in your garden and lawn 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.
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.
