How To Make A DIY Rain Barrel In 8 Simple Steps

Water and environmental issues are undoubtedly inexhaustible and extremely relevant topics today. Did you know that rain can have a significant impact on the environment? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), heavy rainfall can lead to crop damage, soil erosion, and increased flood risk.

The Water Infrastructure Improvement Act 2019 defines green infrastructure as stormwater management using natural or artificial elements that can be efficient at various scales. For instance, at the urban scale, this could involve a simple yet effective measure like placing a rain barrel against your house.

Taking a step further, you can contribute to environmental preservation and save money simultaneously by implementing green infrastructure in your own yard and making a DIY rain barrel. According to Michigan State University, a rain barrel can save you around 1300 gallons of water during the peak summer months!

wooden rain barrel filled with water in backyard

Image credit: lynchburgparksandrec

Use collected rainwater to water the garden, wash your vehicles, and refill fountains, fish ponds, and swimming pools. This practice will eventually save you money by eliminating the need for tap water expenses. However, it’s essential to note that without a proper purification system, you should not use rainwater for drinking, cooking, or bathing.

A DIY rain barrel requires a relatively small investment, as a food-grade plastic barrel typically costs up to $160. Have we piqued your interest in building one in your yard? If so, we have compiled an easy 8-step DIY guide to make one. In case you were looking for Earth Day activities with your family, this one is perfect! Now, let’s get the ball rolling with a list of necessary tools and materials.

Table of Contents

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Drill, measuring tape and pencil

Image credit: Marco Verch, CC BY 2.0 DEED

If you want to make a rain barrel, start by gathering all the tools and materials you’ll need. Here are the tools you’ll need:

Drill
Drill bit (3/4” bit or opt for smaller or the same size as the spigot)
Tape measure
Marking pen
Box cutter

Here are the materials you’ll need to make a rain barrel:

50 to 100-gallon food-grade plastic barrel
Spigot (½ inch)
Metal washer (¾ or ⅞ inch)
2 rubber washers (#11 or #12)
Waterproof sealant
Hose clamp, hex nut (⅞ inch), or hose adapter
Hose or PVC pipe (optional)
Landscaping fabric
Concrete blocks or wood
Inline downspout diverter
Screws, brackets, zip ties, or clamps

How to Make a Rain Barrel

Image credit: fresh_coast_guardians

If you want to make a rain barrel yourself, we are here to assist you. Utilizing the tools and materials listed above, we will illustrate how to construct a DIY rain barrel in just eight simple steps.

Step 1: Drill a Hole for a Spigot

Using a drill bit that’s a little smaller than or the same size as the spigot for a tight fit, drill a hole approximately 4 to 6 inches above the bottom of the barrel.

Create your hole near the base of the plastic barrel, but remember that you need to have space to fit a watering can beneath.

Tip: You can also raise the barrel up on the pavers to allow for more space and pressure.

Step 2: Install the Spigot

Take a metal washer and slide it onto the threaded end of the spigot. Then, place a rubber washer over the threads to secure the metal washer and prevent any leaks.

Then, apply a bead of waterproof sealant over the rubber washer and insert the spigot into the hole from the outside of the barrel. Place the second rubber washer onto the threads of the spigot inside the barrel and apply more waterproof sealant.

Tip: Secure the spigot in place inside your barrel using a hose clamp, hex nut, or hose adapter. This is important because it will keep your spigot from coming loose.

Step 3: Drill Holes in the Lid

Measure the diameter of the downspout and mark it on the lid with a marking pen. Cut a hole in the lid of your rain barrel using the box cutter. Position this hole directly under your home’s downspout to ensure that the water runs straight into the barrel.

You’ll also want to drill a hole or two near the very top of your rain barrel. This hole will allow water to overflow.

Tip: You can connect multiple rain barrels by running a short length of PVC pipe or hose from the overflow hole of one barrel to the other. If your first rain barrel fills up, the excess water will run into the next one.

Step 4: Install a Piece of Landscaping Fabric

Cut a piece of landscaping fabric to cover the top of your rain barrel. Then, place the lid over the fabric to secure it.

Tip: This step is crucial to keep mosquitoes and other pests out of your rain barrel water. Creating a barrier with the fabric not only protects the water from contamination but also ensures its purity.

Step 5: Rain Barrel Stand DIY

Do rain barrels need to be raised? Yes, it’s important to raise your barrel by creating a stable base. You can use concrete blocks or construct a DIY stand from wood for this purpose.

Tip: Elevating the rain barrel not only makes it easier to access the spigot but also allows for a lower spigot location, increasing water pressure.

Step 6: Position the Rain Barrel

Position your stand beneath the downspout and place the rain barrel on top of it.

Tip: Pay attention to the height and choose a spot that’s most convenient for you to access and use the barrel.

Step 7: Connect the Rain Barrel to the Downspout

To divert water flow from the downspout to the rain barrel, connect them using an inline downspout diverter—a plastic or metal device designed to replace part of a home’s downspout. Slide the inline diverter onto the downspout, aligning it with the hole you made on the rain barrel lid.

Tip: Make sure the downspout is securely attached to the rain barrel and there are no leaks or gaps. You can use screws, brackets, zip ties, or clamps to fasten the downspout to the rain barrel.

Step 8: Test the Rain Barrel

After you install the rain barrel, wait for the rain to test and ensure everything works properly. If not, make any necessary readjustments.

Tip: Before using the system to collect water, it’s essential to ensure that the gutters are spotless.

How To Make A DIY Rain Barrel In 8 Simple Steps

Tools and Materials You’ll Need