DIY: Rain Barrels

Every time it rains, thousands of gallons of clean water flow right off your roof — and most of it goes straight down the drain or into the ground where it can cause erosion or foundation problems. But what if you could capture that free water and put it to good use?-(Trust me, I’m using my best TED Talk voice right now for such an introductory paragraph. I’m even wearing a digital tie!)

In any case, collecting rainwater is one of the smartest, most eco-friendly ways to take advantage of a resource that literally falls from the sky. Makes you save money, conserve water and protect your home at the same time. What more could you ask for? Best of all, it requires such a simple set up, that you can totally do it yourself! These setups are known as rain barrels. They can store the rain for later use in your garden. It reduces runoff and keeps excess moisture away from your foundation!

But what are ‘rain barrels’ exactly? A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores rainwater from your roof through your gutter downspouts. Instead of letting that water pool around your home — where it can seep into the soil and cause foundation movement — it’s stored safely for later use.

Most rain barrels are made of plastic, wood, or metal and include:

- A screen or mesh lid (to keep out leaves and mosquitoes)

- A spigot or faucet near the bottom

- An overflow outlet or hose

- Optional fittings to link multiple barrels together

You can also find pre-made rain barrels at home improvement stores, but today we will teach you how to make your own with a food-grade barrel and a few plumbing parts.

First of all, this is what you’ll need:Materials:

- Rain barrel (40–80 gallons is typical)

- Flexible downspout elbow or diverter kit

- Cinder blocks or a rain barrel stand

- Mesh screen (if your barrel doesn’t include one)

- Hose or watering can (for water use)

- Optional: overflow hose, sealant, Teflon tape

Tools

- Measuring tape

- Level

- Drill with hole saw bits (for spigot and overflow holes)

- Utility knife or tin snips

- Screwdriver or wrench

Now, let’s of over step by step:1. Choose the Right Location

Pick a downspout that’s easy to access and close to where you’ll want to use the collected water (like near your garden or lawn).

Make sure the ground is level and stable — water is heavy, and a full 50-gallon barrel weighs over 400 pounds.

2. Prepare a Level Base

Set your rain barrel on cinder blocks or a sturdy stand. Elevating the barrel gives you better water pressure and makes it easier to fit a watering can underneath the spigot.

3. Modify the Downspout

Measure about 8–12 inches above the top of your barrel, then cut the downspout using a hacksaw or tin snips.

Attach a flexible downspout elbow or a rain barrel diverter kit, directing water straight into the barrel’s opening.

Diverter kits are a great idea because they automatically reroute excess water back down the downspout when the barrel is full.

4. Attach the Spigot

If your barrel doesn’t already have one, drill a hole about 2–3 inches above the bottom, insert the spigot, and seal it with washers, nuts, and Teflon tape to prevent leaks.

5. Add the Overflow Outlet

Drill a second hole near the top of the barrel for an overflow hose. This ensures excess water drains safely away from your foundation when the barrel fills up.

6. Cover and Secure

Place a fine mesh screen or lid on top of the barrel to keep out debris and mosquitoes.

Make sure everything is snug and stable.

7. Test It Out

Run water from a hose into your gutter or wait for the next rainstorm. Watch to make sure the flow goes smoothly into the barrel and that overflow water drains safely away from your home.

Good, now you have your water. What now? While this water ain’t treated, and so it is not for drinking purposes, you can definitely use it to water your lawn or garden, washing cars, patios or outdoor furniture or filling birdbaths or planters. Much like everything else, a rain barrel will also require maintenance, so remember to :

• Empty and rinse it every few months to prevent algae buildup. 

• Clean your gutters and screens to maintain flow.

• Disconnect or drain the barrel in freezing weather to avoid cracks

• Check the overflow to ensure water stays directed away from the foundation.

Remember, a rain barrel will prevent foundation damage by reducing pooling water around the base of your home. It will protect landscape from erosion and runoff. It will provide free irrigation water and support sustainability.

In areas like the DFW Metroplex, where soil movement and water restrictions can be common, a rain barrel is one of the easiest and smartest upgrades you can make.