How to Make Rainbarrels (for parts see Accessories)

Want to start a small side business

Anyone with access to volumes of used barrels that is interested in making volume guaranteed rainbarrels with little capital investment can contact Dan at 604 274 6630 for special instructions. (Watersaver Products Co. sells rain barrels a number of cities in Western Canada)

There are three methods described here for MAKING RAINBARRELS. These instructions are all designed for totally enclosed rainbarrel systems thus avoiding mosquito problems.

1. OPEN TOP CONTAINERS WITH LIDS

This is the most simple type for those who have access to open top barrels. Trash Cans can be used; however, for the back pressure to occur completely, the top should be sealed with duct tape.

Instructions:

1. Drill a 1” hole near the bottom of the container
2. Attach “Spigot for open top container"
3. Drill a 3/4" hole in the top for the diverter hose to fit in
   

---

2. PLASTIC BARREL PLACED HORIZONTALLY

This is just as easy and takes only 10 minutes to make.

Instructions:

1. Drill a 1/2 to max 3/4” hole in the center of the bung that is threaded. This will leave a small collar which will act as a washer.
2. Attach "Spigot for Barrels (Horizontal)"
3. Drill a 3/4” hole on the side of the barrel that is opposite to the drilled bung. Have a look at menu item 'How to make Rain Barrels' to get a better understanding plus ideas for horizontal barrels

---

3. PLASTIC BARRELS USED VERTICALLY

The third way while a bit more complicated is probably the most favorable in that recycled closed top barrels which are the most common and readily available are used in the vertical position. Here are the steps in Picture form:

STEP 1           Drill a 15/16” hole near the bottom or file about 1/64th " of a 1 inch drill bit	STEP 2           Heat the area (To soften the plastic)
STEP 3           Spigot for Barrel (vertical)	STEP 4           Tighten hard (if no washer used)
STEP 5           Drill 3/4” hole (in Threaded Bung)	STEP 6           Attach hose to Garden Watersaver Diverter unit

HINTS

1. For drilling for the spigot - file 1/64" off the blade drill bit ( a little off each side ) and do not use a washer and tighten the Spigot hard. If it will not tighten hard then use the washer ( and if necessry teflon tape )
2. If the plan is to link barrels then do not file the 1” blade bit until you drill the holes for the Connector kit. as it needs a full 1 “ hole (See Linking Barrels)
   
3. Do not use barrels that contained chemicals and do not drink the rainwater without purifying. Barrels that contained food products or soap type products are available in most cities.
   Go to http://www.google.com and write in plastic barrels and your city

    
                                                                                     ..