DIY Rain Barrel System (Save Water with This Simple Setup!)

Ever watched rainwater pouring off your roof and thought, “What a waste?”

That’s water you could be putting to good use.

Instead of letting it go down the drain (literally), why not save it for your plants and garden? Setting up a rain barrel system is easier than you’d think and comes with some great benefits.

You’ll save money, help out the environment, and keep your yard looking its best in all with a simple setup.

In this article, I'll share with you everything you need to know to build your own rain barrel system.

So stick around, and let's get started!

Why Build a Rain Barrel System?

Save Water, Save Money

I remember my mom always finding little ways to save money, like telling us to use barrels to collect rainwater and cut back on the water bill.

At the time, I just nodded along, not really getting it. But now, I'm the one paying the bill (and trust me, I get it now).

It’s funny how those lessons hit differently when you're the one covering the cost. It really opened my eyes to how important it is to conserve water.

Since it always rains in our place, she’d set up a rain barrel under a downspout to catch the water for cleaning, watering plants, and washing tools that needed a good clean.

My point here is, once you’ve got a rain barrel in place, your water bill won’t hurt as much.

And rainwater’s actually better for plants (they love it), so your garden might end up thriving more than it would with tap water.

For anyone embracing homesteading or micro-homesteading, collecting rainwater is a practical way to cut costs and make the most of natural resources.

Help Prevent Runoff and Erosion

If you’ve ever seen rainwater pour off your roof and start running downhill, you probably know the mess it can make. I mean, it can carry dirt, debris, and even some of your soil with it.

Installing a rain barrel catches all that water before it goes to waste.

You’ll also help protect your yard from erosion, which can happen if you’re on a slope or when the rain’s heavy.

So not only are you saving water, but you’re also keeping your yard in good shape.

Be More Environmentally Conscious

Building a rain barrel system is a simple way to help out the planet too. Yep, even small actions count.

By using rainwater instead of tap water, you're conserving natural resources. 

And considering the energy it takes to treat and pump water, it just makes sense to use rainwater when you can. 

So, give yourself a little pat on the back (just a small one) for being environmentally conscious.

Now that you know why a rain barrel is a great idea, let's gather the materials you'll need to put it together.

Tools and Supplies You'll Need

Before you start, make sure you have these tools and supplies ready to go (trust me, having everything on hand will save you time and frustration later). 

Here's what you'll need:

• Three 55-gallon plastic drums with closed tops
• A 2-inch flexible elbow joint
• One 8-ounce container of PVC cleaner
• One 8-ounce container of PVC cement
• A rain barrel stand (or instructions to build your own)
• A jigsaw
• A drill with a 2.5-inch hole saw attachment
• Four 2.5-inch threaded male plumbing connectors
• Four 2.5-inch PVC elbow joints
• Two 2.5-inch PVC T-joints
• Two 5-foot sections of 2.5-inch PVC piping
• A 3/4-inch spigot PVC adapter, schedule 40
• A 2.5-inch socket to FNPT PVC female adapter, schedule 40
• A 3/4-inch brass hose bib
• A 2.5-ounce tube of clear silicone sealant
• Plumber's tape

How to Build a Rain Barrel System?

So, how do you actually build a rain barrel system?

1. Get the Barrels Ready

First, make sure you’ve got your 55-gallon plastic barrels (you’ll need three, but feel free to add more depending on your needs).

You can find these from food suppliers or sometimes even local businesses that use them for shipping.

Did you know that some people use garbage cans? Because why not? As long as it does its job, it's possible.

A little creativity can turn almost anything into something functional.

Once you've got the barrels, rinse them out thoroughly to remove any residue. You don’t want any leftover food or chemicals in there when you start collecting rainwater (obviously).

Now, use your jigsaw to cut a hole in the top of each barrel. This hole should be big enough to fit the PVC pipe, which will direct the water into your barrels.

If you’re using a closed-top barrel, make sure you only cut what you need, leaving the rest intact.

2. Hook Up the PVC Pipes

Now that your barrels are ready, it’s time to hook them up with PVC pipes. You’ll need a few PVC elbows and connectors for this part.

The goal, of course, is to connect the downspout from your roof to the barrels so the rainwater can flow right into them.

Cut the PVC pipes to the right length (you might need a saw if they’re too long) and attach the pieces to the barrel holes.

Use PVC cleaner to prep the pipes and elbows, then apply the PVC cement to create strong, leak-proof connections.

Once everything is securely attached, double-check the angles to make sure the water will flow properly into the barrels.

3. Make the Barrel Stand

Okay, here’s where you’ll want to get creative (or use a pre-made stand if you’re short on time).

You need to raise your barrels up a few feet so you can easily access the water from the spigot.

This also helps with water pressure, so when you’re ready to fill up your watering can or hook up a hose, the water flows out with ease.

You can build a simple stand from pressure-treated wood, cinder blocks, or even bricks (depending on what you have lying around). But most people use a wooden stand, just based on my quick research.

Whatever you use, just make sure your barrels are on something solid to avoid any tipping or leaks.

4. Add Plumbing to the Barrels

Once the stand is ready and the pipes are in place, it’s time to get some plumbing going.

You’ll need to drill a hole at the bottom of each barrel to attach the spigot. Grab your drill with a 2.5-inch hole saw attachment (this part’s pretty straightforward), and drill the hole in the bottom of the barrel.

Now, screw in the spigot (make sure it’s tight to avoid any leaks). This is how you’ll access the rainwater later, so take your time and make sure it’s secure.

You don’t want water dripping out all over your stand.

5. Connect Overflow and Gutter Pipes

Rain barrels are great, but they can only hold so much water before they overflow.

To avoid a mess, you’ll need an overflow pipe to redirect the excess water when the barrels are full.

Attach the overflow pipe to the top of the barrel (right below the lid) and connect it to a nearby gutter or drainage area.

This ensures that any extra rainwater is safely redirected away from your yard and foundation.

You can also attach a small screen to the overflow pipe to catch any debris that might fall in.

6. Attach the Hose

And now for the final step: attaching the hose. After all the hard work, this is the “fun” part.

Use the spigot to connect a hose to your barrel, and voilà, you’ve got a rainwater source ready to go.

You can use this water for your garden, lawn, or even cleaning tasks around the house.

If you’re using a hose, make sure it’s long enough to reach your garden beds or other areas that need watering.

You can even add a hose reel to keep things tidy when you’re not using it.

And that’s it! 

Your rain barrel system is ready to start saving you water. You’ll be amazed at how much you can collect from just a few good rainstorms, and you’ll feel pretty good, too, about helping the environment while you’re at it.

Regular Maintenance Tips for Your Rain Barrel System

Now that your rain barrel system is all set up and ready to catch some rain, you’ll want to make sure it keeps running smoothly.

I’ve compiled around five basic (yet effective) tips to ensure your rain barrel system performs well for a long time.

Here they are:

1. Clean the Barrels Every Few Months

Just like anything else, your rain barrel needs a little care now and then.

Give it a rinse every couple of months to clear out any gunk, algae, or dirt (trust me, it can build up faster than you think). A quick hose-down and a scrub with a brush will do the job. Easy peasy.

2. Check for Leaks or Cracks

Leaks don’t announce themselves, so after a good rain, take a minute to check for any cracks or loose connections.

If you find one, fix it right away so you don’t waste all that precious rainwater.

Pro tip: Tighten any loose bolts or connectors, and make sure the spigot is sealed properly.

3. Clear the Overflow Pipe

If you want your overflow pipe to actually… overflow (instead of getting clogged), give it a quick check every so often.

Leaves and dirt can block it up (especially after a storm), so rinse it out with your hose to keep it clear. Your rain barrel will thank you.

4. Flush the System Once or Twice a Year

To keep things flowing smoothly, flush the system once or twice a year. Just open the spigot and let the water run until it’s nice and clear.

5. Store Your System for Winter

If you live in a cold climate, winter can be a real problem for your rain barrel. Y

ou might want to drain the barrels and pipes before the frost sets in (you don’t want them to crack when they freeze).

Either store the system indoors or cover it up to keep it safe from the cold. It’s a quick step that can save you a ton of trouble come spring.

That’s it! 

I assure you, your rain barrel system will work for years to come if you keep doing these simple things.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)