How To Build a Rain Barrel for CHEAP

Step by step instruction on how to make the cheapest and easiest rain barrel. Learn as I make it in real time. You'll be able to find a food-grade barrel in your area and make one of these for real cheap. The parts are available at hardware and irrigation stores.

Step 1: Buy a food grade barrel or container.
Step 2: Modify the lid so water can be diverted into the barrel. Include filter, like window screen.
Step 3: Drill a 3/4" hole near the bottom with a spade bit.
Step 4: Thread a 1/2" sediment faucet into the barrel. Don't overtighten.
Step 5: Install an overflow.
Step 6: Add rain water.

Rainbarrels are perfect for urban survival, since water would be THE most challenging resource in a time of crisis. They're also great for gardens and lawns (though you can't eat a lawn). Plants prefer harvested rain water over cold, chlorinated hose water. Save money and grow more food by collecting nature's bounty.

It's not uncommon for one of these barrels to fill in under 15 minutes. I've got four on one downspout and they all fill in a "good" rain. The best way I've found to connect them is at the bottom, with additional taps. That way they all fill at the same rate and can all be drained from one outlet.

Some people have made used harvested rain water for include solar showers, flushing toilets, power washers, drinking and cooking, drip irrigation, gardens, green houses (greenhouses), orchards, livestock (cows, horses, goats, pigs), ponds, hot tubs, pools, washing cars, compost tea, and more.

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[magicbuskey]

I live in Denver, Colorado and I don't know where to get these food grade barrels... sounds like they're shipping containers for ships and we only get our deliveries via train and 18-wheelers. Any ideas for me?

[SurvivalWeekly]

@magicbuskey These types of barrels are shipped via transport truck, and if you live in a city as large as Denver there should be some food distribution facilities. WHOO-HOO! I just googled "food barrel denver colorage and got a company that sells barrels. You're in business! Please do a response video if you're up to it when you make them. Thanks for commenting.

[SurvivalWeekly]

@magicbuskey Call 303-335-7540. The company is called ZeroWasteColorado. They also sell the 250 gallon totes. I'm excited for you.

[CdnLifeguard71]

Great How to vid. i have a commercail barrel at home and would like to get some more and this seem like a more economical way to go. i have one question however, where do you buy the food barrels? Nate

[SurvivalWeekly]

@CdnLifeguard71 Hey Nate. Your in St Catherines right? There should be lots of barrels down that way. If not, Recycling Services in Hamilton has them.

[cKDerek4291]

I definitely like your video, but I do have one question: how much water would evaporate? Does very much come up out of the holes into the atmosphere on a hot, sunny day? I'm not sure, but it might be even better to make a single hole for the gutter to pour into. Thanks.

[prepareforyourfamily]

I have the same barrel and just installed the hardware today using this video as the instructions. Simple, I think I'm going to go back and get a few more barrels and have the overflow of the first go into the next. Thanks for the video, very well explained and simple to follow.

[JustForYouinTempe]

That was great! Thank you so much!

[vwaimlessly]

I do like the barrel re-purposing aspect. That is what it is all about. Reduce , re-use, recycle, re-purpose

[vwaimlessly]

@DJKID777 Rainwater is "grey water"/ It should not be consumed if it has poured off of a dirty roof and through moldy down spouts. Unless you like bird dropping flavored water, then go right ahead.

[vwaimlessly]

Are you being invaded by cicadas ? What's that background noise?

[VisionForum1]

I've never seen a barrel that looks like that one.. but I love the idea thx.

[DJKID777]

can u drink the rain water safe

[gsacni]

@ SurvivalWeekly Do u know if the PVC container might have a detrimental effect on the water quality if stored for a considerable period (say 6 months) ?

[ELSOL103]

I sure wish I could find a couple of these red barrels. I' in Boston MA and can't find them.