Building a Rain Barrel - Easy as 1, 2, 3

[@michaely1377]

10 years after this video was posted I found this and I'm thrilled that you explained the fittings thoroughly as you went. PDF for future reference was a lovely touch, thank you for providing this.

[@1aquinas]

Your demo is the best I’ve ever seen, in fact Emmy quality. Thanks JellyRoll

[@brenda4299]

Thanks, without your help I wouldn't have completed project correctly. I am not Canadian, but liked your hockey stick thought...Instead of cutting an additional hole on top of the barrel, I fed the inner part of the spigot through one of the existing two already available holes . I did this by using a wrapped wire piece tied to spigot, fed it down and grabbed the piece securely while then cutting the wire.( later pulling out the wire) I was able to screw on the outer piece of spigot ..works great! Also, gloves a must for safety in cutting the downspout!

[@terrynashhartmann8419]

Thanks! Just thought I'd let you know your video is helping folks make use of a very scarce resource here in the Arizona desert! I have blue barrels just like yours, and had my project half finished when I realized I didn't know how to attach the hose bib. Because of your video, I'll be able to finish the project tomorrow --just in time for the first rain we've had in a month!

[@GearMaven]

Where did you source your rain barrels at what price? Realize quite a while ago, but needing same over here in So. CA desert

[@terrynashhartmann8419]

Yes! The only change I plan to make is the connection I made between two barrels. I discovered the tubing I used isn't large enough to handle a deluge.when it rained hard and fast, the water couldn't flow to the 2nd barrel quickly enough.

[@terrynashhartmann8419]

​@@GearMavenI had two sources: a local store that specializes in hydroponics & Craigslist.

[@robinm269]

I just got mine set up and after one rain it was full. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@ldfme]

To my surprise looking for how to prepare the blue Barrel into water storage I found your video. Hi to another Vernonite and with that said I know know how to prepare my water shed. and turn another into a rain barrel. So thank you Gord it is such a small world we live in

[@marilynjackson5752]

Great information. I have 2 barrels ready for transformation!

[@johncritser7979]

you Canadians ROCK!... Got my first rain barrel yesterday already full... and need many more.. but at a cheaper cost.. thanks for the video.. and thanks for hockey!

[@ITWorksSoftware]

That hockey stick trick was very clever! I have the barrel with the solid non-removable lid so that was a very useful tip, thank you!

[@gilliansudano3463]

Thanks for this video - from Cape Town, South Africa - where we are experiencing our first drought ever.. and water harvesting is new to all of us. I had built my own rain barrel system (clumsily) - but the tips in this video have helped me to a professional finish. Thanks again!

[@hdwredave]

You can skip the ball valve and just attach a garden hose to a barbed/threaded fitting at the bottom. Make the hose longer than your rain barrel is tall, and use a spring clamp (like ones used to hold brooms against the wall in a closet) to conveniently keep the end of the hose above the top level of the barrel. No moving parts. Cheap. Reliable. Trouble-free. I have had bugs crawl into the hose at times, but they get flushed out as soon as you use the hose. If bugs bother you, put a cork in it-

[@KellyRoberts]

Yeah the ball valve type he used reduces the flow way to much to be useful , for me. I should have tried this but tried a different type valve instead that let's more flow through

[@davidroper8666]

Well done!!

[@OkanaganWaterWise]

Thanks David!

[@carmenchaux67]

Thank you Okanagsn . It is very important to built that. The water is getting to be very expensive.

[@thekezzey95]

Helpful even 8 years later. Thanks!

[@mrgruffy4499]

Exactly what I did three years ago. I made a 2-foot high stand for each of my two plastic rain barrels, and one 2-ft high stand for three barrels ganged together. The reason for the stands is for gravity feed to my raised gardens. I cut the downspouts off about 7 feet from the ground, and attached two-foot long downspout sections (scrap pipe if you have any) so that the water from the roof will drain into the barrels. I put faucets toward the bottom of each barrel, and attached garden hoses connecting all the barrels together. I can also connect garden hoses to each of the barrels using the same faucets. I used 3/4 inch faucets, I threaded the 3/4 inch faucet into a 5/8 inch hole (5/8 is smaller than 3/4. 3/4 is the same as 6/8). I used silicon sealer on the threads, and used 3/4 inch pipe fitting to secure the faucets. I put 3-inch PVC overflow pipes toward the top of each barrel to drain the excess into other barrels that set on the ground. I have a 42 X 60 metal roof. I can collect 400 + gallons from each 1 inch rain. I put overflow pipes in the 3-ganged barrels so that as one barrel fills, the overflow pipe will fill the next barrel. And then from the 2nd barrel to fill the 3rd barrel. My overflow pipes are not water tight so that as one barrel is empty, I can detach it from the other barrel. In a good rain, the overflow barrels will also overflow. So leaks between the barrels doesn't matter. It's raining anyway; you won't catch all the rain water. I just collect what I can, then let the rest fall where it may. But the overflow should be away from the house. I use drapery sheers to keep mosquitoes out the the barrels. I use 4-foot bungy cords to hold the sheers. But I had to add about 4 inches of heavy wire to each of the bungy cords since 4 feet of bungy cord won't reach around a 55-gallon barrel without over stretching it. But the bungy cords don't hold up in direct sunlight. They last for only one summer. Rainwater may not be as clean as it should be because of the metals, chemicals and other crap that is being sprayed into the atmosphere (chemtraiIs) . I notice an oil-slick on the water in one of my barrels. It was not residue left in the barrel when I got it.

[@staceyadams2272]

Great Job! PLease do more. You ARE NEEDED!!!!!

[@rubyewiggins4926]

You did a great job explaining this,thank you,I think I,a 59 year old woman,can do this

[@liesl5311]

Thank you for being thorough and clear in details and instructions. Awesome job. Wish I would have seen your video first. I watched a different video and am not happy with my rain barrel. Too small of an overflow valve. Also needed a 1/4-turn ball valve to increase water pressure. At lease when I empty my 2 barrels, I will be correcting these issues now that I am better equipped. Thank you again!!!

[@jonkidwell5050]

Thank you, very good instructions and safety reminders.

[@maehay4065]

I even I could use your medthod since you were used very easy instructions to actually show each step as you went along at a normal rate of speed explaining this DYI for your rain water catchment system! Thank you very much for a sharing this video for any of us beginners!

[@robynblake4841]

Excellent! Very clear precise instruction.

[@jblardi317]

I Excellent video, very informative easy instructions to follow. I like your tip about the hockey stick, very clever! I am glad I have sons who used to play hockey here in Alberta during their younger years, still have old hockey sticks lying around the house. I finished my rain barrel systems for my self watering gutter system for my tomatoes 5 years ago. I am just sharing your video now to my son from Seattle who is interested to build one. Thanks for sharing. Le

[@misodinamosa]

Excellent, thank you!

[@bluwalker64]

Great video. We are in the UK, we have six 120 litre blue barrels with screw on black lids and metal lid locks. They were free from a print shop as they had been full of pva glue. I am cleaning them today and plan to have them connected so they collect water from out allotment shed.

[@huntingscopes]

The best instructions, simple and complete guide I have found and liked the best. Thank you very much. I am building one this week.

[@kellylogan9996]

Thank you!!

[@rmsine]

When using a hole saw into plastic, start it then run it in reverse. If you do this, the hol is cleaner and the ho;e saw doesn't buck.

[@chamanrickheeram5099]

Robert is absolutely right. In reverse first and it will make a nice round groove so the hole saw will not slip. You will get a nice clean hole.

[@fizwin1]

@@chamanrickheeram5099 or it unscrews :P

[@Tara-sf7uu]

I do this as well, bc I am a very small woman and my drill really wrenches my wrists and arms otherwise. It is just crazy how much easier it is to simply run it in reverse

[@blackpepe]

if you do it in reverse you will lose your fingers

[@DevinTheGardener]

I love this, I just started gardening and KZbin this year. I've learned a ton from you and about to build a rain barrel myself! Thanks a bunch

[@meandyou2469]

You're a very good teacher. I just bought two barrows, your inf is going to be very helpful.

[@northerngal]

Informative and thorough....love the hockey stick/duct tape use! Thanks for putting this together!

[@bc24roxy4]

wow. Thank you do much for sharing this information. I was just looking for a rain barrel and almost bought one already to go at hardware store for $124!! going to try this instead

[@patriciaburger7055]

Great instructions!!! Thanks, finished my first barrel and off to do second.

[@mtech6892]

Thank sir.

[@mikimauski]

You are an excellent teacher! Thank you for this wonderful lesson and inspiration!!

[@brooklyngirl7700]

Loved this video, made my first rain barrel following these instructions.

[@novacooper]

I am so impressed with your video! You planned it out very well and were exceptionally organized. Thank you :-)

[@mrb9642]

When you drill with a hole saw, run the hole saw backwards after the pilot drill goes through. After running the hole saw backwards and creating drill marks, you can change it to forward direction if you choose. This prevents the hole saw from biting into the plastic and torquing your wrist.

[@OkanaganWaterWise]

Thanks for the additional tip, Mr. B!

[@joannemachold9906]

Thank you very much. Mine could be a little simpler in the desert southwest of the US where we only get 11 inches of rain a year but the concept is the same. Good job; you are a very talented young man.

[@brucemullenix6142]

I have seen several videos on KZbin on this subject. I have chosen to use your ideas and helpfully make a good system for my watering. I do have pressurized irrigation water, but it would be nice to have rainwater for my garden. Thank you so much.

[@trishfitzpatrick2066]

Really well done video! I'm not very handy but it looks doable even for me.

[@TheArlberg1]

Sonny You are so good and all details perfect! I try this soon in Australia but Your flexible inlet I have not seen anywhere but I do like it. A Video done with perfection!

[@travisnooski8729]

Thank you for the step by step I’m going to tackle this week thank you 🙏

[@robertironside3322]

Thanks for posting....LOVE the plant pot filter, will definitely use that idea! ;-)

[@raymondamaral8602]

I would use a T fitting where the flexible fitting is plus the flexible fitting gouin to the water barrel the other side of the T will go straight down with an elbow on the bottom and a cleanout plug so the dirt will go down and you can open the cleanout and remove the dirt

[@ericandsamsaldivar5500]

Amazing video! Very informative and easy to understand novice language.

[@ddvvkk]

Awesome Job, Gord!!! I have been shopping for these barrels for the last few days. I found them and it's just a matter of buying them. But I put off the purchase until I know what to do with the barrels. This video has everything I need. Thanks a million. Cheers.

[@stacywatson6785]

Very nicely done, thank you for taking the time to create this. Very informative!

[@JasonCarmichael]

Flowerpot filter! EXCELLENT idea! Thanks!

[@joethedutchman]

I like your multi coloured hole saws...

[@jolox.]

What a nice video! So helpful! I'm working on one in the Catskills! I particular like the idea of running the overflow to the garden with drip holes. I'm going to thumbs up and subscribe to support your channel.

[@angeliqueolmo2015]

Thank you so much for such clear and concise directions. My rain barrel came out perfectly. :)

[@andreaurban5500]

great detail and instructions....I've got two olive barrels that I am not afraid to cut into anymore!

[@vijayakumartc4902]

I am from India. Very nicely explained. Thanks.

[@njcanuck]

For simpler lid cutout with less special tools, drill a hole in the top big enough to accommodate jigsaw blade. Then drop the jigsaw into the hole and cut out the bigger hole. Bulkhead- you can fish it like a wire. Tie something a bit heavy and drop the string down. Pull it through the hole from the outside with your fingers. Now at the top, put the bulkhead and gasket on the string and drop in. Now pull on the string to pull the bulkhead through the hole.

[@patriciaterranova1074]

I love this video thank you so much I was able to go on Facebook marketplace and purchased a food grade 55 gallon blue drum and mine does not have a lid that comes off so your video was excellent for me so I’m excited I have everything I need except the 3 inch hole cutter.I think I’m going to buy it because I think it’s a useful sawblade the way you set up the paths it would be really easy to do a lot of different crafts with that for my garden thanks so much.

[@karencooper6634]

best rain barrel video I have seen, thank you

[@KBBAKTHA]

Excellent crisp narration. Only suggestion is while using hole saw on PVC pipes and barrels, after pilot hole is drilled, reverse the direction and kick back can be avoided and one can get much cleaner and smooth hole cut on the thin walls of PVC. Thanks for sharing.

[@hnsluis]

I got the bulkhead from Home Hardware for $14.99. Drilled the hole with the spade saw and widened it all around to the size of the bulkhead .Then used a drain snake from the top opening in the barrel, and got it coming through the bottom hole.The inner part of the bulkbead was made to slide through the drain snake and got it thought bottom hole. Got it out till it could be caught in the threading of the other part of the head. and then fitted the spigot. Similar method was used for the overflow using a electric make female

[@mbirch6636]

Thanks Gord! This is so helpful. Thanks a lot!

[@kellyleeper5589]

Fabulous video. Got my rain barrels yesterday. Can't wait to start building!

[@BarbaraAnnLittle]

VERY helpful video! Thank You!!!

[@freddpa67]

Very thorough. I'll re-comment if I actually do this project.

[@futuristphilip]

A hockey stick LOL!!! Gotta love my neighbors to the north :)

[@KiRiMa64]

Very informative comprehensive video. Thanks for posting.

[@SWTGVET1]

Great instructional video. Thanks

[@jameswhitted762]

Really good information. And very well explained on everything. Thanks!

[@OkanaganWaterWise]

Thanks James - glad it was helpful!

[@michelletannehill5205]

You are easy to watch. Good video!!

[@lindalober626]

Thanks for sharing, I found rain barrels here in Missouri for 5.00 each food base. Now to the hardware store to get the supplies, you said there is a list?

[@OkanaganWaterWise]

Hi Linda - Sorry for the late response. Please find the list at okwaterwise.ca/resources/RDNO-2013-Rain-Barrel-Instructions.pdf. We've also updated the link in the video description.

[@PixFixTony]

Really well done & easy to understand both in technique & in his manner of speech (not garbled). You also gave a detailed list of parts & tools needed & why they were being used & PS thanks for the CLOSED CAPTION option. My only quirk about your vid was what did you do & how did you retrieve the core cut-outs and plastic filings?

[@Jayel2002]

My next project. Excellent video - thanks!

[@surendranathsomanathan6134]

Needs huge publicity to make rapid spread of the concept.

[@fearlesssldr]

Nce video, well thought out and described. thanks for sharing

[@loriroski6693]

Thanks for sharing your meted to make rain barrels, my husband made it for our house , you are so right my vegetable love my store rain than the tab water they grow fast , thanks again

[@ajuk6391]

Love the filter. So easy!

[@OkanaganWaterWise]

Craig, we've posted a few links in the video description - thanks for your interest!

[@daveb8176]

I add cleaned small rocks into the flower pot filter. Makes it easy on the screen

[@CC-qt6sf]

Don't forget to clean the inside after drilling :). Great instructional video.

[@sgayathri7180]

very lucidly explained.

[@silveiranews]

Very well done. Clear and objective explanation.

[@armensoudi8541]

Well done thank you.

[@PProgress28]

Question: Why use a 3 inch bulk head if its being reduced to a 1 inch hose? Wouldn't a 3/4 inch bulk head be cheaper for the overflow?

[@huntereakright8988]

answer: 8:18

[@martinezw80]

Thanks for the video, I live in California and I need to implement this for my lawn and plants I'm planning on doing 6 barrels. I hope that the local government will not take 1/2 of this water like the they do with solar panels and charges for taking our rain water. Lol

[@hotshotshm3739]

I learned a lot from this and thank you. I’m planning to install one rain barrel and I don’t have a slightest idea about the overflow & luckily I saw this video. Thanks for sharing and it’s very informative. A big 👍 thumbs up!

[@curiouscynic4357]

Great video. Nicely done with all the tips to take care and consider.

[@nozrulislam5736]

Thanks 😊 for helping us. God bless you.

[@garudapurana6807]

very impressive bru.Thanks.

[@melvindada]

Excellent! thanks much for a clear and simple demonstration for rain barrel making.

[@mtech6892]

Thanks lot.

[@beckycory9023]

We've been looking into this. We have the sealed food grade barrels. We found them for $8 each. Thanks.

[@janestewart3231]

Source for the $8.00 barrels?

[@beckycory9023]

We found them at a yard sale & the guy works at an ice cream factory. He gets them for free & he said he'd keep us supplied & call us when he got at least 5 again. So, maybe find an ice cream factory.

[@janestewart3231]

Thanks!

[@JidoAZ]

Love your drtailed work.I just moved out to the country - This will be my next project Multiple Barrels Storage Project! (Side by Side - and top and bottom system idea!)

[@nismozr]

Great Video. Just wanted to point out that on my blue barrel, the clear plastic plug on the top of the barrel has a thread tapping of 3/4" in the centre. You can use that as they supply pipe to your garden or what have you. I am currently building my harvesting system now and will have a photo soon if I did not explain myself good enough. Thanks again.

[@venugopalb.k.9973]

Very well explained, leaving no space for doubts and very easy to follow and install.

[@MrJaylblue]

what a great video. very straight forward and easy step by step.

[@Q-BinTom]

Thanks I know what my next project is going to be.

[@loriesnoeberger5181]

Thank u I have worked in a plastic factory enjoyed this video.

[@grasscutter1963]

Just wanted to share, for that safety your talking about while using the whole saws. I’ve found to help with the kick back, just unscrew the whole saw bit from the arbor and drill the pilot whole first then replace the whole saw and start drilling. This will help the teeth from grabbing hard and twisting your wrists.

[@MsTemptation]

Thank you for posting this very important DIY. Thumbs way up.👍👍🙂

[@delesprie86]

Really explicit and understandable. Thank you for doing this really good share. We should all be doing this. Love the Okanagan Valley.

[@staceymcnamara5007]

This is a great video. Thanks for making it so easy to follow.

[@maak3703]

Very good way of explanation please make more videos keep it up thanks

[@joseleonidas8088]

Amazing information. So cool to learn from you!

[@chemlee6802]

Definitely a must save video! Thanks for sharing.