Most of them pose the same concept; a closed system covered in a netting to not allow mosquitoes in, and a outlet to let the collected water out. See Gutter Cleaning and Repair for information on maintaining your gutters. Hopefully this helps you in some way or gets you thinking of other ideas. posted by NotMyselfRightNow to Home & Garden (12 answers total) 5 users marked this as a favorite Plan to install the rainwater barrel at a downspout where you need the water. How quickly will my Rain Barrel fill up? Installation was easy but you do have to read the instructions. My battery has stayed charged since the first day I installed the system. A washable furnace filter (again possible the same problem as above) A pre trap that some how self cleans then goes to another type of filter Pressure type of filter system (but then would require solar power or something else to give it pressure) Let me know your thoughts! Here are the basic steps. Share it with us! For estimation purposes, a 1-inch rainfall can yield a little more than half a gallon for each square foot of roof. Maybe make the pipe between the box and the first barrel a break-away or slide on, propped up for the extra weight. on Introduction. I am going to put a 3" t on top of the first flush barrel just the way a T is in a sentence. Down spout will be connected to the one side of the t. The polluted first run-off water and poop and leaves will come in and drop into the first barrel. (They look like the barrels I'm using but are can be blue or another color)Metal barrels Can have a variety of different goodies in them. Your mind is always going and that's fantastic! Feel free to share! Therefore, solar versions work best for frequent waterers because you don’t need a wired power source. RC Arduino Domino Layer With Bluetooth App Control, http://www.homedepot.com/Plumbing-Pumps-Well-Pumps-Systems-Pressure-Tanks/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbqld/R-100188089/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053. 11 years ago Cut a hole in the center of the container to screw in the male adapter from the inside. What this then does is any bird or animal droppings will go into the U as run off out of the 1/4 hole in the beginning of the rain fall so the longer it rains then the U will fill up then go into your main filter or barrels. Cinder blocks with a patio stone on top of them will provide height so that you can put your watering can beneath the spigot or get more gravity to … The pressure tank I'm actually referring to is like this one http://www.homedepot.com/Plumbing-Pumps-Well-Pumps-Systems-Pressure-Tanks/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbqld/R-100188089/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 As you stated, however, if you can get an entire sealed system (meaning you can pressurize your water holding tank and all the lines to your washing machine) you could use your pancake compressor to pressurize your holding tank to 60 PSI to get water pressure. I also put a bead of caulk around the top edge to secure it more. Reply Rinse out the barrel as needed to clean out sediment or debris that passed through the debris screen. Drain and disconnect the barrel before freezing weather arrives. Cutting the downspout to allow the barrel to fit under it. Consider using a small pump placed on your rain barrel outlet hose. :-D, Yes, I already have an idea in place that I will be making just like you have described. You would have to depressurize your system to allow water in. The T fitting that goes to the long PVC pipe consists of the 2 right angled screw in on one end and smooth on the other, 2 1/2" screw in to 3/4" screw in tab, 2 right angled gray ribbed fittings, and 1 3/4" PVC T.I put thread tape on the ends of the threads before I screwed them together. A pump is often the best solution as it may provide the added benefit of more water pressure. Clear away anything blocking the debris screen. Make sure your rain barrel doesn't cause mosquito problems. The crude method that i did using gravity and the pool filter as you stated. (shown in picture below)2. I am also working on a wind powered water pump to pump the water to a barrel in my attic so I have more pressure and can connect the mainfloor toilet to it too. I hope to publish my system on the site in the future. Some cities offer financial incentives for using rainwater for irrigation as a supplement to municipal water. You could get away with one in this setup but you may have uneven filling of both barrels if you only have one from what I've read in other instructions but have not experienced it myself.After thoughts:I think i may change this part already. ; Drill an additional hole about 3 inches below the top of the barrel for the overflow. Plan to install the rainwater barrel at a downspout where you need the water. Assembly may include installing the spigot or hose connecter(s) and connecting an overflow hose. I will let you know I'm not versed in everything myself, but I like to tinker or have learned by mistakes. This part was a little more daunting than i wanted it to be. Hi oddie thank you for the additional info thats great. Remove the barrel and reconfigure the downspout to handle runoff if you don't plan to use the barrel for several days or longer. Putting together your own rain barrel water collection system can be as hard or as easy as you want it to be. Thanks again! If it rains hard, the first flush fills, ball plugs hole and bob's your uncle. Reply You may want to consider using a patio stone as a base. Of the 6 barrels I have, I am going to use one for the first flush. Nice, I like your setup. With using the screw in fittings it eliminates the need for the 5/8" tubing and extra fittings. i got mine from a smaller place that uses cleaner to clean out coloring that is safe on the environment. Estimate how much rainwater you'll capture. The water pressure is perfect. Electric Pump Setup If you want to transport your collected rainwater in significant quantities to a level higher than the barrel, you have to add an electric pump to the setup. Set your gutter downspout so it'll handle runoff, either by reinstalling the portion you removed or setting a diverter to downspout use. 7 years ago Maybe use progressively smaller screens, or a large screen on top, with some gravel to filter the stuff that gets through that. The ground pump pressurized the main storage tank and it had a compressor aux to adjust tap pressure. I will try to point out all the options and variations so you, yes YOU can decide how you want to do your setup. Follow your manual's instructions to adapt the downspout. The fine mesh screen at the bottom of the box would then only have to clear the fine particulates. 3 years ago. 9 years ago If you're looking for a different alternative you could go with a pressure tank and hand pump for an alternative to get the pressure but not use energy. You still need to filter it though with micron filters, charcoal, and probably UV light if you want to always use this to drink out of for whole house systems from what I've read. The process for setting up your rain barrel will vary by model, so follow the manufacturer's instructions. if we washed a lot of trucks we had to manually adjust the water level and head pressure to get the station back to normal. Made of UV-resistant PVC plastic, the diverter kit fits onto standard 2" x 3" rectangle downspouts. I did mine below the 2 1/4" opening. Put a bead of marine caulk on the inside of the container and on the underside to create the seal. And no electricity. All my supplies i bought at local hardware stores Menards, Home depot, Lowes, Fleet Farm, etc should have the same fittings all around the plumbing isle / home lawn sprinkler system isle.Tools:Spade drill bits (depends on the size of your fittings)DrillUtility Knife Saw or PVC sawHammer (in case you get frustrated :-D)Dremmel with wall cutting bitSupplies - again these will vary with your setup, some of these will be needed for all setups some will depend:For all setups you'll probably need:Marie caulk - a small tube should work for this installation but if you want to expand in the near future just get a bigger tubePipe tapeMosquito window screen (make sure it is rated to keep mosquitoes out! So if a 40-gallon barrel weighs 30 pounds empty, it'll weigh over 360 pounds when full. It would be nothing to hook up an aux line to a pressure tank and keep it topped off...thats a great idea thanks. Any ideas will be accepted for this part. This step will determine what and how you do your next steps. The Grundfos SBA automatic rain barrel pump is a complete pumping system with an integrated control unit – eliminating the need for an external pump controller. Your other alternatives for dispensing the water are a garden hose, soaker hose or watering can. Keep in mind I'm try to explain the general idea and stuff you can use, you can use my setup or feel free to modify / make your own for your needs. on Step 7. on Step 10. Installation – View Video Ensure the ground beneath the rain barrel is firm and level. The pump attached to the top of your barrel (you'll need to drill a hole) and the solar panel mounts where it's easiest to get some good sun to keep it charged. But it’s not cheap to add a pump. I have seen a few others do this. Direct the barrel's overflow to keep water away from the foundation of your home. Now you have a pump that is enough to push water through the hose and power a spray nozzle. pots. You are helping to keep pressure off the public water system. The downspout you direct to the rain barrel channels water from only one section of your roof, so use that section to calculate the amount of water you can collect. A debris screen keeps mosquitoes from entering the main water inlet, but you can caulk any gaps that might allow them to enter. Good luck on your project! Craigs list in some places you can find people selling them from 10 - 100 dollars. My problem is tree debris. a pallet should work for this or concrete blocks. Rain barrels can reduce the volume of runoff entering the storm sewer, keeping pesticides, fertilizer and other chemicals out of nearby bodies of water. Now put your system under your designated downspout and start collecting!I can't show that part since the current place I'm in doesn't have any gutters so it collects from a corner of the roof that 70% of the water flows down. )Variations:1 - 5' (or 10') 2" PVC pipe2 - 3 way or T 2" PVC fitting2 - 2" couplings3 - 2" male threaded adapters1 - 2" female threaded fitting.1 - 10' 3/4" white Pressure PVC (not CPVC which is tan in color)4 - 3/4" T fittings1 - 3/4" fitting with one side threated for valve1 - brass 3/4" water faucet 2 - 3/4" caps for later expansion or added pump4 - 1/2" sprinkler ribbed end (its gray and has 3/4" threaded end and a 1/2" end to slip a 5/8" hose over the end)2 - 1/2" right angled sprinkler ripped end (its gray and has 3/4" threaded end and a 1/2" end to slip a 5/8" hose over the one end and can screw into the PVC in the other end. Some manufacturers recommend always leaving some water in the barrel to keep it in place. If you have a barrel you can reach into also put a bead of caulk around the inside. Replacing part of the downspout with a customized section or flexible downspout extension to fill the barrel. Participated in the The Instructables Book Contest. One 3-6" from the bottom and one about 3/4 of the way up the side of the barrel.Now the opening may be to small yet to screw the fitting into the side so you may have to slowly make it wider with the drill bit. Cut a piece of window screen to wrap around the cover so when you put the cover back on it seals and secures the window screen on. Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market. The beauti of this system is that if you don't get a good downpour to flush the leaves and junk off the roof and it just drizzles, the first flush barrel will not fill and plug the hole with the ball and the water will just drain out of the 1/4" hose. You can improve the flow rate by elevating the barrel. Place a splash block under it or connect a hose to prevent erosion and to keep water from entering your home's foundation. 9 years ago Some barrels come with a pump to increase water pressure. It's called a "first flush" system. Pressure tank to go with the pump so the pump doesn't have to work all the time 2aa. Measure and mark carefully. No need to fuss with countless watering can fill-ups anymore! Exclusive Design to The Rain Barrel Depot!. You can do it for cheaper with one barrel or using other parts. 3.1 SumpMarine UTP 115-Volt 330 GPH Portable Transfer Water Pump, Bronze; 3.2 Superior Pump 91250 Utility Pump, 1/4 HP, Black; 3.3 Algreen 500GPH Rain Barrel Pump Kit; 3.4 Portable Mini Electric Water Transfer Utility Sump Pump 330 GPH 115-Volt with Metal … In fact, they may actually cost more than your rain barrel itself. Also since this will endure the most pressure put hose clamps around the screwed in fitting and the right angled fitting. Most of the new low flow front load washers will error out with not enough flow. I used Lysol to clean mine but you can use other cleaners. Place the barrel next to the downspout at its final, installed height. It's perfect. Some people prefer to elevate their rain barrel by placing them on cement blocks to increase pressure resulting from gravity. Using a Pump for your Rain Barrel. Some may or may not wash out after cleaning them out. The simplest rain barrel setup requires a storage tank (water barrel), a secure lid, a basket strainer or screen, and a spigot or drain valve. Here's my suggestion back to you about the tea color. On the inside of the container put the 3" drain on top of the male fitting. This kit includes pump, filter, anti-siphon device, 12 drippers, stakes and tees. Reply Use the rainwater within a week or two of collection to help prevent odors from stagnant water or algae growth. 9 years ago I would suggest putting a support under your tidy cat bucket, fill the bottom with medium size rocks, and over the top of that small rocks. Collapsible barrels will have more assembly steps. At the bottom of the first flush barrel about 1 foot up from the bottom I will have a small dia. Let me know. On the female adapter put marine caulk on the inner threads and screw the male and female adapter together. I think you'll need a screen over the drain in the bottom. I'll be modifying my setup soon to hook up a couple of toilets and outside watering, so stay tuned for a revision! Do you think gravity would work ok or do you think I would need a small sump pump to give it enough pressure to simulate street pressure.40-60 psi.thanks for any ideas other wise love the ideas you all have come up with. They usually have a 2" screw off cap or tapable cap and a 2 1/4" screw off cap. Select an overall size and capacity based on where you plan to set up the rain barrel kit and how much water you expect to collect. Rule RainPerfect Rain Barrel Pump System # RB280-100 has the capacity of pumping 100 gallons of water per charge with 13 PSI of pressure! Then, place metal and rubber washers and waterproof sealant on both the inside and outside of the barrel. How to install your new sprinkler system, lawn sprinklers, or drip irrigation system. 8. Either way I'd recommend an initial catchment system to get most of the junk out before it goes in the barrels. 5. Before cutting or boring into a downspout, make sure there are no heating or other electrical cables running through it. What kind of water pressure can I expect from a Rain Barrel? As of now, I use the lower washroom for 7 - 8 months and save a lot of water on my bill. Boring or cutting out a section of downspout and installing a diverter to connect the barrel with a hose. I have a small pancake compresses that does the brunt of the work for general things like tires, dust abatement brads and staples. An easy way to check water levels when you can't see them would be to plumb some of that clear tubing from the outlet port back up to the top or even into the tubing connecting the two barrels at the 3/4 mark. hopefully this year i'll have my toilets all hooked up and the system expanded. Table of Contents. )2 - double ended threaded PVC fitting (for the 1/2" right angled to fit into and then fit into the 3/4" PVC pipe)2 - 3/4" right angled PVC fitting ( threaded on one end and smooth on the other)4 - 3/4" metal tube clamps 1 - 3" PVC plastic shower drain. on Step 7. The biggest advantage of these barrels is that if the water level becomes low, you can easily attach an external pump to … (will be showing this later)9. Attach an elbow section, if needed. Plants benefit from water that's free of the chemicals and minerals in tap water. I want to put a pool filter in but I'm not sure if it will drain through the filter with out pressure. Once the barrel is in place, make sure it's level. Inspect it regularly for damage or leaks. Rainwater harvesting provides an alternative to using municipal water or well water for irrigation. 2. I love this pump. The gravel would get the smaller stuff. There are plenty of people on the forums who are exceptionally knowledgeable in all these areas that you are seeking. Has a 1 '' inlet or larger App Control, http:?. A patio stone as a base to push water through the hose and power a spray.! Or two?! of caulk around the screwed in fitting and some marine.. Prices and availability may vary also put a bead of caulk around the top of the project though! With this also but it gets the job done do this with out emptying both! 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