Ever since we saw a rain barrel in action at Matt & Kristin’s bungalow last fall, Sherry and I wanted to start collecting our own rainwater. We signed up for a local rain barrel workshop and learned the whole process from start to finish. Here’s a clear, practical guide based on what we did, along with tips to make the project easier.
Why use a rain barrel? Placed beneath a downspout, a barrel captures rainwater you can use for watering lawns and gardens, washing cars, filling birdbaths or topping up ponds. A roof of roughly 1,000 square feet can yield hundreds of gallons from an inch of rainfall, so collecting runoff saves water and reduces your utility bills. Some people even hook barrels up to soaker hoses to water beds automatically—simple and economical.
Barrels are straightforward to assemble, but acquiring a food-grade container can be tricky. Retail barrels often cost over $120 when preassembled, so we were happy to find a local workshop that supplied tools and a 50-gallon food-grade barrel for about $40. Ours had previously held olives, which made Sherry joke about being hungry.
The first step is to drill the faucet hole. Drill as low as practical so you can drain most of the water, but leave enough clearance to place a watering can or connect a hose. In our workshop a volunteer used a hole saw to cut the opening quickly. To keep the barrel stable, have someone sit on it or secure it so it won’t roll.
Next, create threads in the plastic by screwing the faucet (hose bibb) into the hole and removing it a time or two. This helps the threads bite and makes final installation easier. Take care not to force the fitting so hard that the plastic tears.
Apply a thin bead of exterior-grade silicone caulk around the hole edge to seal it. Place a reducing washer over the hole with the raised inner lip facing the barrel; the caulk will hold it in place and help form a watertight seal.
Then screw the faucet back into place. Because you pre-threaded the hole, this step should be straightforward. When tightened, the outside should look neat and secure.
Now seal the connection from the inside. Crawl into the barrel (bring a flashlight and the remaining washer and caulk) and apply caulk on the inside of the hole. Fit the washer on the inside and thread a locknut to secure the faucet. Pliers can help tighten the locknut so the joint is fully watertight.
Have a partner sit on the barrel or otherwise stabilize it while you work so it won’t roll. We found the setup process fun and a little silly; crawling in and out of barrels made for good photos and plenty of laughs.
If you plan to link multiple barrels, you can install a rigid nipple near the top to act as an overflow outlet, allowing excess water to flow between barrels. Since we chose to keep a single barrel for now, we left the overflow to spill over the top edge when full.
Most workshop barrels come with a lid hole already cut. Fit a tight mesh screen under the lid to block mosquitoes and debris while still allowing water in. Screw the lid on securely over the screen.
After assembly we transported the barrel home and installed it under a downspout at the side of our driveway where it’s mostly out of sight. To direct water into the barrel, we adjusted the downspout height by removing the lower elbow and trimming the tubing to the desired length. A utility knife or metal snips will do the job depending on the material.
Make sure the barrel sits on level, compacted ground. A full 50-gallon barrel can weigh several hundred pounds, so a stable base is essential. Use a shovel to level the spot and add a layer of sand or pavers if needed to prevent tipping.
Once in place, simply ensure the downspout directs into the lid opening and wait for the next rainfall. Regularly check the screen and remove leaves or debris, and inspect seals seasonally to prevent leaks.
Have you used a rain barrel before? If so, we’d love to hear your tips and any lessons learned. If you want to make your own and there are workshops in your area, they’re a great way to learn and get materials without hunting for a suitable barrel on your own.