We’ve been having crazy weather lately. Some areas have been getting record rainfall while others haven’t seen a drop in days. One sure way to take advantage of all the rainfall and help you out during the dry days of summer is to install a rain barrel. Check out our blog, Build a Rain Barrel for Your Garden in 5 Easy Steps, for more detailed instructions but here are the highlights:
- Get a 55 or 80 gallon plastic container
- Place a couple of concrete blocks beneath the barrel and make sure it is level
- Drill three holes in the container – one a quarter of the way up from the bottom for the main spigot, one at the very bottom as a drain, and one a quarter of the way from the top for an overflow valve.
- Install spigots on all three with watertight sealant.
- Drill a large opening in the lid to direct the downspout into barrel
- Detach a section of the downspout from house and replace it with flexible downspout tubing. Secure with screws.
Think of the Money You’ll Save
Lawn and garden watering makes up close to 40% of total household water use during the hot summer months. By installing a rain barrel you can save up to 1,300 gallons of water. Rainwater is water that is free of chlorine, lime and calcium and is ideal for watering potted plants and gardens, washing cars, and even washing Fido. Think of the money you can save if you didn’t have to turn on the tap outside.
Keeping Rainwater Where It Needs to Go – In the Garden
Rainwater runoff is a big problem in urban and suburban areas, polluting our waterways with fertilizers, pesticides and other contaminants. Rain barrels play a part in cutting down on the runoff problem. By installing a rain barrel you can redirect water away from your foundation and at the same time cut down on your water bill. Rainwater helps to stabilize the PH levels in the soil, therefore cutting down on the need for fertilizers.
Things To Keep In Mind When Installing A Rain Barrel
- Make sure wherever you decide to place the rain barrel that the ground is level to avoid it tipping over once it is full.
- If you treat your roof for pests, unhook the rain barrel for a couple weeks to avoid contaminating your barrel.
- Use round barrels rather than square containers because corners can crack from water pressure.
- Make sure your garden hose fits the spigots. Garden hoses do not follow standard plumbing pipe thread sizes so you may need an adapter.
- If you live in a cold climate, you will need to disconnect the rain barrel, drain it and store it over the winter. Don’t forget to re-attach the old downspout.
- You may be eligible for a rebate on your rain barrel from your local water company so check their website for information.
Rain Barrels – Smart Investment, Big Payoff
Constructing a rain barrel is an easy do-it-yourself project as long as you follow a few guidelines. You may find that you use your rain barrel so often that you want to add several more. Think of all the outdoor projects you can accomplish without ever having to turn on your outdoor faucet! A rain barrel is a smart investment that pays off in big ways.
Expert Advice
Our expert staff is always on hand to help you with your yard and garden projects. From ladders and wheel barrows to shovels, if you have any questions about what to choose, pricing or how-to’s, don’t hesitate to contact us. Stop by our store — we’re open seven days a week.
Runyon Equipment Rental Blog 