Are you thinking about setting up your own rainwater collection system? Whether you’re an experienced DIY enthusiast or just starting out, building your own rainwater harvesting system is a rewarding project. It helps you reduce water usage, cut down on utility costs, and contribute to a sustainable future. Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as collecting clean rainwater to water your garden or even use around the house. This guide will walk you through the essential tools and materials you need, and how to make your rainwater harvesting system efficient and easy to manage.
Why Build a DIY Rainwater Collection System?
Before jumping into the tools and components, it’s good to understand why a DIY rainwater collection system is a great investment for your home. By capturing rainwater, you’re not only saving money on water bills but also creating a backup water source for times of drought or water restrictions. Rainwater is free of many of the chemicals found in tap water, which makes it perfect for your garden, and with the right filters, you can use it for household needs as well.
Let’s explore what you’ll need to create your own rainwater collection system.
1. Storage Tank/Barrel
The first and most obvious component you’ll need is a rain barrel or storage tank. This is where your rainwater will be stored, so the size and type are crucial. You can choose anything from a small 55-gallon barrel to a large 1,000-gallon tank, depending on your needs. A popular option that’s available on Amazon is the FCMP Outdoor Rain Barrel. It’s a 50-gallon capacity barrel with a spigot for easy use and boasts a UV-resistant design to help protect it from the sun. It’s well-rated and is often praised for its durability.
If you want something larger, consider a Norwesco 1000-Gallon Water Tank. While larger tanks may require a bit more planning and installation space, they provide more versatility if you’re collecting water for more than just garden use.
2. Downspout Diverter
You’ll need a downspout diverter to direct water from your gutters to your rain barrel. The diverter is a key tool that prevents overflow, keeping your rainwater system clean and manageable. A good option is the EarthMinded DIY Rain Barrel Diverter and Parts Kit. It’s highly rated and compatible with standard downspouts, making it a convenient addition. The diverter comes with a hose that attaches to the rain barrel, ensuring that excess water doesn’t create issues by overflowing your container.
3. Gutter Screens and Filters
To keep your water clean, you need to stop debris like leaves and twigs from entering your system. Gutter screens or leaf guards are simple but essential tools. They attach to your gutters and block debris while allowing water to pass through. Look into Amerimax Gutter Guards – they’re widely available, easy to install, and very effective. In addition to these guards, using a First Flush Diverter can help ensure that the first few gallons of dirty water from your roof are diverted away, improving the quality of water that goes into your barrel.
4. Drill and Hole Saw Attachment
You’ll need a drill to make some adjustments to your rain barrel or tank. A cordless drill with a hole saw attachment will help you create the necessary openings for fittings, spigots, or downspout diverters. If you don’t already have a drill, the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill is a highly rated option that’s versatile for many home projects. You’ll also need a hole saw bit that’s the right size for your fittings; a HYSHIER Hole Saw Kit from Amazon is a great pick, offering multiple sizes that can be useful for other projects too.
5. Spigot and Hose Bibb
Once your barrel is full of water, you’ll need a way to get it out. Installing a spigot near the bottom of your rain barrel allows you to easily connect a garden hose or fill a watering can. Look for a Rain Barrel Spigot Kit – like the BlueBarrel DIY RainKit. This spigot kit includes all the washers and fittings you’ll need, and it’s simple to install with the hole saw attachment mentioned earlier. The kit ensures a tight seal, which prevents leaks and maximizes your water efficiency.
6. Overflow Pipe
You need an overflow pipe to manage what happens when your rain barrel fills up. The overflow pipe redirects excess water to an area where it won’t cause any damage, such as a garden bed or another rain barrel. You can use a simple 1-inch PVC pipe for this purpose or even another length of hose that connects to another container. Make sure to position the overflow so that it doesn’t cause pooling or soil erosion around your home.
7. Base or Platform for the Barrel
Creating a stable base for your barrel is key to ensuring the water can flow out easily. Elevate your rain barrel on a sturdy platform to make it easier to fill watering cans or attach a hose. You can build your own platform out of wood or cinder blocks, or you can purchase a rain barrel stand such as the FCMP Outdoor Rain Barrel Stand. Elevating your barrel will also help increase water pressure if you decide to use a hose.
8. Water Pump
If you plan on using your collected rainwater with a sprinkler or irrigation system, you might need a water pump to generate enough pressure. The WAYNE PC2 Portable Transfer Water Pump is a popular choice for DIYers. It’s compact and powerful, making it ideal for moving water from your rain barrel to wherever you need it. Alternatively, there are solar-powered pumps that help you stay energy-efficient.
9. Water Treatment Options
If you plan to use the rainwater for anything other than gardening, you might need to treat it. A simple filtration system can make a huge difference if you want to use the water for washing or other household uses. Inline water filters, like the Camco TastePURE Water Filter, are great for removing particles and improving the quality of collected rainwater. This filter attaches easily to hoses and is perfect if you plan to use your rainwater for things like outdoor showers or washing cars.
10. Rainwater Monitoring Tools
To make your system more efficient, you can also add a water level gauge to your setup. This helps you monitor how much water is in your barrel, ensuring you don’t run out unexpectedly. RainReserve’s Water Level Gauge is a highly rated product that attaches easily to most barrels, providing you with a clear reading of your water levels at a glance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your DIY Rainwater Collection System
Now that you have all the tools and materials, let’s go over how to put everything together.
- Select Your Location: Choose a spot under a downspout where you want to place your rain barrel. Make sure it’s close enough to where you’ll need the water, whether it’s your garden or flower beds.
- Prepare the Downspout: Cut your downspout to fit the diverter. Follow the instructions on your EarthMinded Diverter Kit to attach it to your downspout and connect the hose that will lead to your rain barrel.
- Prepare Your Barrel: Drill the necessary holes for your spigot, overflow pipe, and any other attachments. Use the hole saw attachment for your drill to create precise openings.
- Install the Spigot and Overflow: Fit the spigot near the base of the barrel. Attach the overflow pipe at the top to direct excess water safely away from your foundation.
- Secure the Barrel on a Platform: Place your barrel on your elevated platform. Ensure that it’s level and secure, as a full rain barrel can be quite heavy.
- Connect the Diverter to the Barrel: Attach the diverter hose to your rain barrel and make sure everything is tightly sealed.
- Add Gutter Screens and Leaf Guards: Install gutter guards to prevent leaves and debris from getting into your rainwater system.
- Optional Additions: Attach your water pump if needed and connect any hoses or sprinklers you plan to use.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your rainwater collection system running smoothly, regular maintenance is important.
- Clean the Gutter and Screens Regularly: Debris buildup can clog your system and reduce water flow. Check your gutter screens every few weeks and clear away any accumulated leaves or dirt.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect all connections, including the spigot and overflow, to make sure there are no leaks. If you find leaks, tighten connections or add extra washers as needed.
- Winter Prep: If you live in a colder climate, you’ll need to winterize your rainwater collection system. Drain the barrel and disconnect it from the downspout during the winter months to avoid damage from freezing temperatures.
Enjoy the Benefits
Once your DIY rainwater collection system is up and running, you’ll start to see the benefits. Imagine watering your plants without ever turning on the tap or having a reserve of water for emergencies. Rainwater harvesting is an excellent way to make use of a free resource, cut down on household costs, and contribute to environmental conservation.
With the right tools—most of which are available online on sites like Amazon—you can build an efficient and sustainable rainwater collection system. Each part, from the diverter to the spigot, plays a crucial role in making sure your system runs smoothly and keeps providing you with fresh rainwater for all your needs. Happy harvesting!