Colorado learn how to set up your very own rain barrel

How to set up your own rain barrel

Rain barrels are very crucial in reducing the amount of water which runs into the ground around the foundation. It also helps you save money and preserve the ground water. Setting up of a rain barrel is very easy for you to do it yourself. One can buy a barrel that has been pre-made that usually range between $250 and $300. You can also make your own rain barrel since it is fairly a straightforward process that does not require any special tools. Most homeowner today prefer buying pre-made barrels as compared to making one. Below are some steps for you to use while setting up their rain barrel at home.

1. Figuring out where exactly you want to set up the barrel. The most logical location for this is under downspouts. In case your home does not have gouts, one can set them under a valley on the roof where the water flows off. Another thing to consider when choosing the location of your barrel is the convenience to the gardens and flowerbeds.
2. It should be set on level ground or elevated on a platform so that one can get a watering can under the spigot. A raised barrel allows you to use gravity in feeding of your gardens and flowerbeds with water through hoses.
3. The stand you place the barrel should be sturdy. This is because a barrel may weigh 500 pounds or more when filled with water thus the stand should be able to support this weight. One can use cement blocks to make the platform. Cement blocks are inexpensive and very strong thus very good for your platform. You can add a second course of cement blocks to build the platform higher.
4. Once the platform is built you can now set up your barrel. The barrel should be put in place and downspout cut to size. In case your barrel has a solid top, you should cut a hole for the downspout using a saber saw or jig saw.

As you set up the barrel take the following into consideration:

• In case the barrel does not have a top lid, you should cover it up with a piece of windscreen so as to prevent dirt and leaves from getting in.
• You can use a series of barrels so as to collect more rainwater and connect these barrels using overflow tubes that are located some few inches from the top lip. This ensures that after one barrel is full the overflow will get into the next barrel.
• Check your local building codes before you set up a rain barrel
• During winter you should drain the water in the barrel.

After setting up your rain barrel, you can now use it, therefore, saving you money as well as ensure you have water for your flowerbeds and garden. Those are some of the steps that are involved in setting up your own rain barrel.

   

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