Save Water With This DIY Rain Barrel

By: Sherri Ribbey

Looking for your next garden project? We have the full instructions for a DIY rain barrel out of a heavy-duty trash can.

DIY Rain barrel made out of a heavy-duty trash can: Build a DIY rain barrel to save money on watering your garden.

Take advantage of rainwater with a DIY rain barrel

Nothing beats rainwater for keeping plants healthy. It contains more oxygen than tap water and helps release micronutrients in the soil. So saving what comes off your roof not only saves you a bit of cash, it makes the garden healthier — if you want to learn more about using harvested rainwater in your garden, especially when considering use in your vegetable garden, here's a helpful overview from Rutgers State University on rain water usage.

Check for state regulations

Certain states have regulations around use of rain barrels, be sure to check local ordinances before you get started.

What you need for a DIY rain barrel

This simple DIY rain barrel only takes a couple of hours to make. All you need is a heavy-duty commercial trash can (don’t bother with an inexpensive can — the flimsy plastic gets deformed when it’s full) and a few plumbing supplies. Take a glance at the materials and tools lists and the helpful illustration of how it all fits together. Then click through the slideshow below for helpful step-by-step instructions. Soon you’ll be on your way to a happier garden — and you’ll be happy, too, when you see that smaller water bill!

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DIY rain barrel materials list

Heavy-duty commercial trash can
1¾-in. hose bibb, male threads
1 female hose connector
1 male hose mender
1 female pipe connector
1 1-in. fender washer
1 plastic downspout adapter
1-sq.-ft. 16x18 fiberglass window screen
1 4-in. hose clamp
2 1-in. conduit straps
4 #8 ½ -in. sheet metal screws
1 4-ft. length of garden hose (or longer)
Downspout elbows or flexible adapter
5-minute epoxy
Silicone sealant
Concrete blocks for base

Tools

Drill
1-in. spade bit
1¼-in. spade bit
Utility knife
Screwdriver

DIY Rain Barrel Assembly Illustration: DIY Rain Barrel Assembly Illustration

DIY Rain barrel step-by-step

Click through the slideshow to see the steps to create your own rain barrel along with some helpful tips.

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Drill a hole for the hose bibb

Choose a spot about 1 ½-in. up from the bottom of the trash can, and drill a 1-in. hole. This is where the hose bibb will go.

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Add fender washer

Run a ribbon of silicone around the hole on the outside, slip the fender washer over the hose bibb threads and push the threaded end through the hole.

| 3 of 8

Secure the hose bibb

Add more silicone around the inside of the hole, and secure the bibb in place with the pipe connector. Use pliers to snug it down tightly.

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Create an overflow

Drill another 1-in. hole near the top of the barrel for the overflow. Place a male hose mender in the hole, put silicone around the outside of the mender to seal the hole and then thread on the female hose connector. This is where you’ll hook up the 4-foot section of garden hose that allows any additional water to escape. To be sure it stays in place and the water is directed where you want it, secure the hose along the side of the barrel by attaching two conduit straps with ½-inch sheet metal screws. Apply silicone around each screw to seal it and prevent leaks.

| 5 of 8

Add ventillation holes

You’ll need to modify the trash can lid so not only water can get in but also air can escape. Drill 3 or 4 ventilation holes with a 1 ¼-in. spade bit. Turn the lid upside down to add screens to keep out leaves, bugs (especially mosquitoes) and debris. Outline each hole with epoxy.

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Keep out debris with screens

Cut squares of fiberglass window screen with a tight 16×18 weave to be slightly larger than the ventialiation holes. Press the screens into the epoxy so they are secure.

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Add a plastic downspout adapter

Now add the plastic downspout adapter so that the water can flow from the downspout into the rain barrel. Keeping the lid overturned, trace around the adapter flange with a marker and cut the hole using the utility knife. Press the adapter into the hole and keep it in place with a 4-inch hose clamp.

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Position the barrel under a downspout

With the barrel complete, place it under a downspout on a level surface. Get it up off the ground so the hose bibb is high enough to attach the garden hose. It needs to be even higher if you're planning to fill watering cans. Whatever the height, be sure to use a sturdy support — when it’s full, a rain barrel is very heavy.

Cut off the downspout and add elbows or a flexible adapter to connect it to the barrel, and you’re ready for the next good rain.

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Save Water With This DIY Rain Barrel

By: Sherri Ribbey