Collecting the Rain

Though I know it’s part of the new homeowner’s high, it’s difficult to take off the rose-colored glasses. Since we moved into our home last fall, the possibilities have seemed endless. It’s been equal parts exciting preparations for our summer garden and heart-wrenching updates that our home will need…like insulation in the attic that no one will see, but will save our wallets and cold toes next winter!

I wanted to prioritize rainwater collection to help cut down on water bills through the summer. Our home has extensive flower gardens and we also plan on building two raised beds soon. Anything that can help cut down the costs is good in my book! What’s more efficient than harvesting free water?

First and foremost, check the legality of collecting rainwater in your area! Hard to believe, but this can actually be illegal in some areas of the US.

CHECK HERE TO SEE WHAT YOUR STATE REGULATIONS ARE

Also be sure to check your county and township rules!

Let’s get real, there are some really attractive rain barrels out there. I drool over Pinterest and Tractor Supply on the daily. I’d love something with a cute planter on top and a decorative stand, but in all reality – I’m a girl on a budget and it’s going to be tucked behind the garage, so it doesn’t need to be a focal point.

First thing was deciding on a design. The back of our garage has two downspouts that drain towards the back of the property. This works in my favor, as we plan on building our raised garden beds in that same back lot. I already have a compost pile starting in the NW corner, and we plan to put the beds in the NE corner for optimal sunshine exposure. This also keeps the rain barrels close to the garden for the sake of usability.

I plan on making two, one for each corner of the garage. I thought about connecting them in the middle, but rerouting downspouts are more work than it’s worth right now. I may upgrade and change the design down the road.

I was able to find everything I needed at Home Depot, and then some. It’s impossible to go in that store and NOT come out with something extra.

SUPPLY LIST

32 Gal Trash Can $14.75

Pea Gravel $4.25

FlexSpout Extension $8.94

3/4″ Rubber Grommet $1.21

1/2″ Hose Bibb $7.37

Pipe Bushing $3.48

Aluminun Screen $7.37

Silicone Caulk $3.98

50′ Hose $9.98

5/8″ Female Hose End $3.47

TOTAL COST: $64.80

I definitely learned a lot, and I only had the energy to complete one barrel today. I’m going to let it sit and see what works and what needs improving before I do the second!

My first lesson was a crash course in the proper way to trim a downspout with tin snips. THIS tutorial by YouTuber acservicetech was simple and straightforward. Keeping his advice in mind, trimming my downspout from the center was super easy! Taking your time and alternating between the two different snips to make clean lines is key here.

I then moved on to leveling the ground below the downspout, digging out roots and removing various plants for transplanting. After the ground was sufficiently leveled, I some bricks which you can see in the first photo, and placed them in a stable pattern four layers high. This part was a workout because it took four trials of re-stacking and picking out good bricks for a level base for my rain barrel, testing positions in relation to the downspout with my extension piece.

Using a 1″ hole saw, I drilled a hole towards the bottom of the barrel for my brass spigot. Instead of a washer, I used a rubber grommet that fits around the inside of the hold I made. I was then able to gently rotate the spigot and screw it into the hole. Before it was tight to the barrel, I applied silicone caulk for a watertight seal. Finally, the bush piping was placed on the inside of the barrel to secure the spigot.

I then used the hole saw and tin snips to create a hole in the lid of the trash can where the water will enter, which I then covered with aluminum screen. This will keep debris and mosquito larvae out of the water in the can. After that was finished, I zip tied the lid to the can and placed the downspout extension. The only thing I didn’t complete today was the overflow drainage. That will be complete in the same manner as the bottom, but instead of a spigot, I will use a hose from the top edge to run the water towards the property line for drainage.

Tah-Dah!!!

Was this a lot of work? Yes, but not impossible. It took me around 3 hours to complete, and that’s mostly because I was learning as I went along and took my time.  If I, a new homeowner with little experience, can do it – so can you!!!