How to Install a Rain Barrel

Featured Pro: Eric Stromer
Category: Home Improvement
Time: 2:01


ERIC STROMER: Hey, I’m Eric Stromer. Here’s another GMC Trade Secret.

Installing a rain barrel is an environmentally friendly way to save runoff water and use it in your garden. It can even help you save a little money. I’m going to show you how to build your own in just a few simple steps. It’s easier than you think.

Now, first you’re going to need a barrel. Now, a used food-grade barrel, just like this, is probably the least expensive and best option. Or you could go with a used wooden barrel just like this, which you could get from a local winery or from an online seller.

When you’ve gotten a barrel, make sure to sanitize it before you use it. You can rinse it out with a mix of a half-cup of bleach with five gallons of water.

Now, this is what I’ve done to make my rain barrel. First, I painted it. Then I built a cinderblock base to keep it up off the ground. I cut the downspout and installed a flexible down spout extender. Then I created an inlet for the rainwater on top of the rain barrel by cutting an opening that I stenciled. Now, a tight fit will prevent debris and mosquitoes from getting in.

I installed an overflow pipe on the side of the barrel near the top. The purpose of this is to divert any overflow away from the foundation of your home. Next I installed the hose bib at the bottom of the barrel. Now, this is where you connect your hose to water your garden with the rainwater you collected.

Now, the last thing I’m going to do is to secure my rain barrel to the side of the house. This is especially important if you have small children or pets running around the yard, because a full rain barrel weighs about 400 pounds. Water heater straps are a great solution to do this.

Now, after a rainfall, your garden will have water in storage. You’ll save some money on your water bill and you’ll help the environment. And as an added bonus, some municipalities even have financial incentives for installing a rain barrel.

I’m Eric Stromer, and that’s your GMC Trade Secret.