Rain Barrel Watering System
Turn a food-grade 55-gallon drum into a rain barrel that captures roof runoff and saves on garden watering.
Estimated cost
$50 – $120
Estimated time
1 – 2 hours
Lifespan
10+ years for the drum; spigots last 3–5 years
Soil needed
None — collects water
Weight empty
25–35 lbs
Weight full
450–500 lbs when full — needs a very stable base
Best for
Collecting roof runoff for garden irrigation
Placement
Place directly under a downspout on a level, solid base that can hold 500+ lbs. Elevate 12–18 inches so a watering can fits under the spigot.
Boards to Buy
| Boards to Buy | Quantity | What You Use Them For |
|---|---|---|
| 55-gallon food-grade drum with removable lid | 1 | Water storage |
| Brass or PVC spigot, 3/4 inch | 1 | Water outlet |
| Overflow hose adapter | 1 | Directs excess water away |
| Window screen or mesh | 1 sq ft | Keeps mosquitoes out |
| Concrete blocks or sturdy platform | 4 | Elevates barrel |
- ·Silicone sealant or Teflon tape
- ·Hose or downspout diverter kit
- ·Optional: soaker hose adapter
Steps
- 1Clean the drum thoroughly. Make sure it previously held food-grade contents only.
- 2Cut a large hole in the lid for the downspout to empty in. Cover it tightly with window screen.
- 3Drill a hole near the bottom of the barrel for the spigot, about 4 inches up from the base.
- 4Wrap the spigot threads with Teflon tape and screw it in. Seal with silicone from the outside.
- 5Drill an overflow hole near the top, opposite the spigot. Install the overflow adapter and run a hose away from the foundation.
- 6Build a level platform of concrete blocks that can support 500+ lbs.
- 7Set the barrel on the platform and connect the downspout so it empties into the screened lid hole.
- 8Open the spigot after each rain to use the water, and leave it open in winter to prevent freeze damage.
Tools needed
- ·Drill with hole saw and spade bits
- ·Adjustable wrench
- ·Utility knife
- ·Level
Common mistakes to avoid
- ·A weak base that collapses under 500 lbs of water
- ·No overflow outlet — water backs up into gutters
- ·No screen on top — mosquitoes and debris get in
- ·Using a barrel that held chemicals or non-food contents
Maintenance tips
Empty and scrub the barrel before the first rain each season. Keep the screen clear of leaves. Drain before hard freezes.
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