The Ultimate Rain Barrel Irrigation System

[@maidbloke]

Before watching: "I'm not spending 25 minutes watching all of this." 25 minutes later: "That was fantastic!" Well done, great project and very well explained.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks for watching.

[@قناةامدر]

Same here. Now, I m thinking seriously to replicate your model.

[@clutch5sp989]

Takes half the time in 2x playback speed.

[@vinceagnes]

I’ve probably watched 50 rain barrel videos and picked up tips to apply to my system. This presentation is the most comprehensive presentation I’ve seen! The pump installation is a great idea. The entire system is simple, yet covers all contingencies. Thank for the great presentation.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@PhongNguyen-el2tz]

He may need more barrels to contain rain water. Seems impossible to fill 600 gallons per 1000 sqft roof per in of water, in which where he lives can provide 18000 gallon per year!!!! We’ll make 10-15 55 gallons and it’s good to go. No need for step 4

[@johngarth1]

​@PhongNguyen-el2tz he needs a couple of IBC totes

[@josephbarbaro7536]

Great system I built it with 2 - 275 Totes. My System has 2 zones 1 for the Garden and 1 for 200 Blueberry plants. I added a 1st flush system which gets anything that’s on the roof before it gets to the 1st screen. I also added an air vacuum relief valve on the highest point in the garden and in the blueberries to relieve any vacuum in the lines. PS this was a retirement project- I’m 72

[@dontscrewitup]

Sounds great. Thanks!

[@MsCmsh]

Wow! Just brilliant and well thought out!! I watched the whole video and paid attention to everything you said like I was in a lecture with my professor! Now, I really want one for my yard. Got to do some more home work and start working!! Thanks for sharing the fruit of all your hard work!! God bless you and your family!! 👍👍🙏🏼🙏🏼😀

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you for the feedback! I appreciate it. I also suggest reading through the comments as there have been some clarifications and improvements discussed there. In particular, 1) discussion of a secondary solenoid to cut off the backup filler in the event of a power outage, and 2) plumbing the backup filler directly into the garden line just downstream of the pump. I have not made either of these modifications but others have shown an interest in them.

[@fwtailchaser3502]

You caught me off guard laughing so hard “ My tomato plants probably know the difference between rain water and hose water”. Thank you for the video. This is exactly what I am looking for. Thank you!

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you!

[@doctor567]

Jeez, not only did I learn how the ultimate rain barrel irrigation system, I also learned how to make the ultimate KZbin video.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks. I appreciate the feedback. Also check out my video on How to Fly a Drone. That’s even better.

[@cherryfresh6150]

Eeeuhhh, In fact the whole world uses the metric system, Only three countries - the U.S., Liberia and Myanmar - still (mostly or officially) stick to the imperial system, which uses distances, weight, height or area measurements that can ultimately be traced back to body parts or everyday items. Used officially in Great Britain from 1824 until the adoption of the metric system beginning in 1965. Now the US is going alone.

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes, thanks.

[@dansmonjardin_ca]

Tom, thank you for the great job at building your system, explain it in detail and most importantly sharing it! You made my gardening season the more enjoyable!

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate it.

[@rickaquino8981]

Mind blown! Your a genius! Best system I've seen. I don't think my city allows rain water collection but fuck em, how they gonna find out.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you! Good luck. 👍

[@BLACKSCORPIONKNIGHT]

9/10 I love the system. the redundancy is awesome. my onle concern is power failure may cause flooding from the redundancy system.

[@dontscrewitup]

I’d the power goes out, the solenoid will be in the open state and the water will run into the downspout overflow (no flooding). In my case, I get a text message when we have a power outage and my neighbor knows how to shut down my system. If I wanted. Foolproof system, I would put another solenoid connected to the main power, before the outlet which would switch to the closed position in a power outage. Easy to do, but I didn’t feel the need to spend the money for that extra part.

[@Dope_Digital]

Nice! You should do a 3 years later update. Issues, tweeks, advice..

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks! Setup is still running exactly the same. Many people ask about power failure and I’ve added an answer in the description of the video.

[@colkelwil6503]

Thank you for this video. Your content is excellent. I was thinking, "geez I know that voice... of course! He's my go-to sourdough guru. You wear many hats my friend, and you wear them well! ❣️

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you. I actually started making these videos during the pandemic when I was also making many of my sourdough videos. But a little different persona. 😆

[@lgrizzly]

Great stuff. It really shows you have put a lot of thought into this system. I really prefer it when someone shows something that is working for them and not a work in progress. Thanks for the insights. I do have an unrelated question however, what are those cabinets behind you in your workshop? They look exactly like what I’m looking for.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks! The cabinets are a set I got from Lowes about 12 years ago. I believe it was a Craftsman branded set but the manufacturer is Sauder. The pegboard cabinets are something I custom made. They open up with pegboard on the inside as well (basically 2x more space than what you’re seeing when they are closed)

[@afishnsea]

Awesome video. One tip- you're only going to get a maximum of 1 psi for every 2.31 feet of elevation difference. That is without head loss, so to get 45 psi you'd need to build 100+ ft high rain barrels 😂

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes. Thanks for the info. I realized pretty quickly I was not going to get pressure that way.

[@AndrewBresciano]

Well produced video. My only question, is what happens if you lose power to your house during a storm or outage. I think your backup system is going to fill your barrels non stop and then overflow out until power is restored.

[@dontscrewitup]

That is correct. You would want to put a second solenoid on the house power before the float switch to shut off the backup hose when power is off. Our power outages are infrequent, I get texts from my security system when power is down, and my neighbors know how to shut down the backup filler. Worst case, I waste some water, so I never invested in the second auto shutoff.

[@AndrewBresciano]

Oh. That would be a simple fix. Power outages are infrequent around me too but it was just an interesting thought experiment. Thanks for the reply. Keep up the good work.

[@Madhatter1uk]

Just needs solar conversion now for places with no power.

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes, thank you. That was part of my original design but I have not built that part yet. The pump can easily be converted to a DC power pump and there are many off-the-shelf solar kits for off-the-grid pump stations, etc. I'll look into that this summer!

[@mkh1001]

The garden may be well watered, but the humor is bone dry. Thanks for this walk through, exactly what I am putting together now!

[@dontscrewitup]

haha. thank you.

[@mickconner5809]

Great video and innovative design! I do have a question regarding "2) OPTIMIZING RAINWATER COLLECTION - REDUCING HOSE WATER"... Wouldn't one need to install a check valve on the outlet side of the pump to prevent filling the water tanks? This assumes the main shutoff valve is open of course.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks. Good question. I believe the pump essentially has an internal check valve when it is in the “off” position. I believe it has backflow prevention built in, but I’m not 100% certain.

[@gug1970]

have you considered a settling tank arrangement to remove sediment before it even gets to the barrels ? ie, buckets in buckets... water goes to central bucket, then overflows to outer lower bucket settling out the sediment as it goes etc etc etc and only then to your barrels .... anyone know if this is worth doing ?

[@dontscrewitup]

Good question. I have seen that setup used. If my filtration system were not working or needed very frequent cleaning, then I would try a settling tank. I preferred to try to keep the sediment out right from the start (with the screen on top of the barrel) and it seems to be working well. But a settling tank is definitely an option. Some people use a long 3-4” PVC tube with a threaded cap on the bottom that can be opened to flush the system. With the volume of rain I’m getting from my downspout, this method may also be overwhelmed. You would need to size your settling tank appropriately to really allow it to settle while filling vigorously.

[@AequitasSaints]

Very awesome system. Powered selonoid. I need to try to find a different solution. My collection will probably be contained inside my house in my basement. (HOA). So a powered selonoid to keep water from pouring in sounds lime a disaster if I loose power. A always closed selonoid that needs power to open would be better but I'm trying to figure out the work around. I'm designing a similar system except for my sump pump water. My sump pump pumps 5 gallons every 25 seconds. So I'm looking into collecting that and doing something very similar.

[@dontscrewitup]

There are many WiFi based water and pump controllers out there now. I’d look into something like that. Either as primary or a backup shutoff.

[@bcboncs]

Nice job with this fellow clevelander. Im a year4 gardener and finally getting some great yields. I have contemplated wifi timer modules and stuff but this is just way better. Have you made any adjustments or improvements to your original design?

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks. No changes. It’s still running exactly the same way. I have looked at WiFi timers so I could easily skip water on days it rains. Now I need to manually turn off the timer and then turn it on the next day, which is not a super reliable or convenient method for me.

[@robertlaw4171]

Hey Tom: Thank you for your 10-year's worth of effort to create this rain barrel irrigation system. I will be recreating your setup for my house. One quick question: since the solenoid will be constantly powered to stay closed, are you concerned about it getting too hot? Thanks again for all your hard work!

[@dontscrewitup]

It does get warm. That’s why i keep the pump outside and in that three-sided housing. I would not put the solenoid indoors or in a closed housing.

[@MikoDePiko]

Hello. Have you had issues with the float switch in barrel B shutting off the pump due to low water level, even when barrel A still has water? Ideally you’d want both barrels to be at the same level all the time. But depending on how much rain you get during the filling process, this isn’t always the case. I’m doing the same thing and I foresee this being a problem. Any advice?

[@dontscrewitup]

Good question. The Y-connection hoses at the bottom drains both barrels at the same time, so the water levels equalize as the pump is running. The way I have this set up, when filling, the first barrel fills completely then spills over and fills the second one. If you assume they both fill to the top, then the level drops equally until both are almost empty, then the float switch trips and starts the filling process.

[@ecenithlevae3470]

Thank you : we in BC Canada are in a level 5 drought now. Well owners have the same responsibilities, as those under water restrictions in the towns and municipalities, to conserve water. I was super interested that you use a float switch as one is also used with the pump in my second tank of my yard anaerobic “ whitewater “ system. I’m very familiar as I’ve serviced or replaced both the pump and float switch, therefore I’m confident that I can try the system that you’ve devised and so kindly shared 😊 Great video !

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you! Good luck.

[@SrStew]

What psi is the pump? Your pimp l8nknisndead and I'm wondering the model or general specs to work well. Also as a second backup you can setup a watering trough water fill used by farmers for decades. Its a float attached to the house water to fill.

[@dontscrewitup]

50 psi. Shurflo pump from Northern Tool. 198 GPH.

[@carmenchaux67]

I am sorry my first comment was only a part , Thank you for such an important info. I was just searching to help a friend. She wants to store water for plants but safely avoiding mosquitos. However, you are a brilliant engineer that can install for people who love nature and are thinking about “The future of water”. Not many common people can afford such a system. But some agricultures and cattle raisers may be very interested. Water is becoming a very expensive liquid and its filtration processing may be much more expensive every day. In Your system, which I could not see because I do not know anything about electricity; a filtration system of rain water may be the easiest thing to add. That I think you already done. However, when I study you’d first diagram. I see that everything is posible for some resourceful people. Just that an electrician has to be hired to complete the job.

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes, this is a more advanced system. There are many simpler methods.

[@MikoDePiko]

Excellent video! Really, top notch! I couldn’t press that subscribe button fast enough. 😆

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks!

[@nicolej.antunes9924]

Thank you for this excellently presented video. I currently have one rain barrel which I use to hand water my garden. I am looking to expand my garden and current basic rain barrel system. I was looking for something like this specifically that would allow me to install a drip system. Depending on how large I expand my garden, I may purchase larger rain water collection barrels to use implementing your system. Tap water is extremely expensive in my area so I'm trying to figure out anything I can to water my garden for less money.

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes, you can add as many barrels as needed and link them all together.

[@carmenchaux67]

expensive every day. In Your system, which I could not see because I would not know anything about electricity; a filtration system of rain water may be the easiest thing to add.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks.

[@jeffccr3620]

Garden? People still using back breaking old fashion gardens? This is the new generation we only use high tunnels, hoop houses,greenhouses Everything is controlled with either wicking pots, hydroponics or aquaponics or flood trays PH and nutrients is always controlled

[@dontscrewitup]

I am old school. I love the smell and feel of the dirt and I live on an 1860s farm property, so I respect the heritage of the land. I also grow hydroponics, aquaponics and cold frames, and I love those technologies also.

[@dougmoore224]

Hmmmm......just the barrel pressure is good if your watering newly planted shrubs or trees as you water to seep into the dirt....good video....

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks.

[@connorcoffman8142]

So this project seems a touch out of my realm of expertise. How much would this run to have installed? And also what kind of person would I talk to? Plumber?

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks? It’s very difficult to estimate. I built it up over many years. I’d suggest finding a person who installs sprinkler or irrigation systems. Most landscapers have these types of skills. An electrician should install the outdoor outlet if you do not have one. Here are some very rough estimates of the components. Rain Barrels, stands, downspout diverted, connector hoses, drain hose - $400 plus labor Rain Barrel Pump, filters and irrigation hoses, electrical - $300 plus labor Backup solenoid, float switch, hoses, electrical - $125 plus labor Garden timer and connectors - $25 plus labor Garden drip irrigation system - $100-200 plus labor I’m planning to make another video this summer where I detail the entire construction process and components.

[@ihytvm]

Good design, but I have a question: When the barrows get empty, the float switch triggers the solenoid which turns on the tap water to fill the barrows. What if it starts raining while the tap is on? This means both the tap and rain are filling up the barrows at the same time, doesn't it? Depending on how fast the tap is running, only a fraction of the barrows will be filled with rain water in this test case, won't it?

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes, that is correct. It will fill with both rain water and hose water at the same time. However, the rainwater is massively more volume than the hose water, so it will fill largely with rain water as soon as it starts raining.

[@backyardmechanic7680]

Interesting video. Where is the pressure regulator installed for the drip system?

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks. It’s in-line right after the irrigation timer in the garden. These come with the micro-drip irrigation systems.

[@alanknight4418]

Mixing valve isn't a mixing valve. It's a splitter. Supposed to flow in opposite direction. Why not put more barrels in the system for more water supply and more pressure. Why not put barrels higher in the air for more pressure.

[@dontscrewitup]

You are correct. I used the wrong term here. I did the calculation for how high I would need to raise the barrels to get 40-60 pounds pressure and it was way too high to be practical.

[@merlewarnsholz2094]

Great project. Well explained - the flow chart says it all. The only thing I would have done differently would be to put the overflow connection between the barrels at the bottom rather than the top. That way you can keep an even level of water between the two barrels. Otherwise this is an excellently designed system. You put a lot of thought into this project, and I commend you for your efforts.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you for the feedback. I actually created a fully animated version of the flowchart, but ended up not including it in this video. I’ll create a supplemental video some day with that version.

[@patriotestherj]

Amazing!!! Genius!!! Although we're off grid....

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks. You could run a solar power system with a DC powered pump. The pump I use if very similar to RV it boat pumps which can run on 12v solar collectors/batteries.

[@bobdyer7086]

The video is super thanks a lot. Just one question: we have a 20'x20' greenhouse and we want to use your system with micro drip irrigation, so we need a more powerful pump or is the one that you use enough?

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks. The pump I use should work fine. It basically creates “hose pressure” so if you could set up your irrigation system to run off your hose, this pump should work.

[@JTS-gj6dr]

Question... Amazing video btw. Very thorough. Do you need the pump to operate the drip system or only when you need to use hose or sprinkler?

[@dontscrewitup]

You need the pump even for the drip system.

[@26efes]

What an incredible video Thank You! My guess is that the system doesn’t have enough pump pressure to run lawn type sprinklers… is that true?

[@dontscrewitup]

These pumps run at about 60 psi which is the same as standard hose pressure. Test your house water psi and select a pump at that same pressure.

[@patrickaugustine4699]

Great system and I picked up some great tips. One question. If the power goes out, will the backup system start the hose and never stop?

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes. If you read some of the other responses to this question, there are a few easy solutions.

[@LK-mr9pf]

Just watch your viedo, great tips on setup. I like the logic of either rain or city water. One thing that I saw in the video is you black filter. I have the same looking item and mine is a pressure regulator and filter. Is that the reason why there wasnt any pressure without the pump? Thank you again of the great tips.

[@dontscrewitup]

Good question. No, I’ve tried it with not filters at all. And the pressure regulator in my system takes it down to 20 psi before the drip irrigation. But I wasn’t even close to 20 without the pump.

[@ivanvazquez3736]

Yeah this is fantastic, well presented! Thank you captain, going to get my system going here soon

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks!

[@TreVicePhone]

Good Day, love your video. Am I to understand correctly that when you kill the power, or if you have a power outage at your house, the water will then turn on and stay on indefinitely? (until power is restored).

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes. To correct for that you could put a second solenoid on the house power up steam from the refiller which would close in the event of a power outage. It has not been a problem here as outages are infrequent and my neighbors know where to shut off the backup hose.

[@jackwilliams9669]

Your videos are great. Please keep them coming.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks, will do!

[@normanjackson4459]

You put the overflow sensor in the second barrel correct so at that point you are pre filling both barrels when it goes dry thus erasing the benefits of rain water, if you put it in the primary barrel at most you would loose one barrel to rain instead of two. Unless I’m reading this wrong….. you ever thing of powering you pump by solar?

[@dontscrewitup]

That is a good point. If I were trying to optimize rainwater collection that would be a better solution. Given the capacity of barrels, the amount of water I use each day and the filling frequency, I’m not sure it is making a material difference by overfilling hose water at the expense of rain capturing capacity. I have the float switch set pretty low in the second barrel. So it fills about 1.25 barrels with hose water, then uses about .5 barrels for daily watering. So if it rained the same day as the hose filling, it would have over-filled about .75 of the 2-barrel capacity with hose water. If it rains the next day, it’s only blocking about .25 barrels of the 2 barrel capacity. In my location, with fairly abundant rainwater and very low cost municipal water, I did not configure the system for 100% rainwater optimization. Maybe I’ll switch it over to the first barrel sometime and measure the difference. But you are correct, that would be a better optimization method for maximum rainwater capture. Good catch, no one else has noted that yet. I’ve definitely considered a solar setup. It would be quite easy and there are DC powered pumps that could be used. I believe some have set up this system in off-grid configurations based on comments I’ve received. I also have a old hand-dug well from the 1800’s on my property which recharges at about 40-60 gallons per day. That is another option I’m working on with a solar powered pump.

[@hotdogs6824]

could i get away with a rain barrel system without a pump for just dripping? i’m not sure what yours powers completely. i want to just water a series of hedges and that’s it. i want a barrel system because it’s way off the side of my house and all i need is water to dribble. i see that gravity wasn’t enough for your water hose but could it be enough to power drips? thank you

[@dontscrewitup]

Good question. Most of the dripper “systems” require hose pressure to operate. You could rig up an irrigation system with the 1/2” black irrigation hoses and the small 1/4” leader line hoses going to your hedges, then just don’t put the dripper heads on the ends, leave the 1/4” lines open. They should gravity feed from your barrels assuming you have a few feet of drop from the barrels to the hedges.

[@douglaswindsor120]

The problem is that if it rains on day 5 to 7 your rain water barrels still have house water on day 4right right after it fills with house water you'll have a day's worth of house water in the tank should have a splitter after the pump to inject the house water in but you'll need a back flow preventer in line that way your tanks stay empty until it rains but other than that your system is perfect as even as is if it rains right after the float switch has refilled the barrels with house water you'll only lose a day's worth of rain water just a suggestion I do like the filtration idea I did mine without and I now need to rebuild my pump as for the automatic and the drip irrigation that's my last step my next one is to conect my rain barrels at the 3 corners of my house with the rain barrels by my 2 sheds and my garage together and for that I like your quick coupling idea

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks, yes that is the most efficient way, to connect the backup filler downstream of the pump directly inline to the garden. This way was a simple setup for me with less plumbing and it worked, so I haven’t changed it. My system is still running, virtually maintenance-free.

[@patrickmackay3101]

Tom great video! Whats your micro drip system set up like l and how long do you leave the pump running for those tasty tomatoes, all the best!

[@dontscrewitup]

It is a standard micro drip setup with 1/4 dripper lines. I run it for about 30 minutes per day. Twice a day if it’s really warm and dry.

[@jjpmcc]

Edison didn't invent many things, although held patents! Gr8 video, will help out!

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes, thanks.

[@Bella0480]

Why dont you get one large 2000 gallon barrel then you wont have an issue. That would water your stuff for 30-40 days?

[@dontscrewitup]

Good idea. Can’t put that on my property.

[@walterflanamonk5106]

one question what type of nozzles did you use Or did you use emitters Thinking about pressures. Need low pressure i would think

[@dontscrewitup]

I use the low pressure dripper tips. I sold have some slow pressure dripper lines with multiple holes in them. All low pressure system parts.

[@nrulona5276]

Excellent system!!! Was thinking it can be made sustainable by using solar PV to power the pump, any pros and cons? Thx in advance for your reply.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you. Yes I have considered a solar option but have not hooked it up. I would probably go with a DC powered pump instead of the AC pump I’m using here. And use a battery for power storage. A basic marine or off-grid DC solar system should work and they sell the same/similar pumps powered by DC.

[@AstroSSC_]

Would you mind linking or sharing the fine mesh stainless steel strainer you used with the barrel. Not sure if the ones on Amazon are fine enough. Thanks so much!

[@dontscrewitup]

The finest stainless steel mesh screening you can find, is best. Here’s one I used. www.amazon.com/dp/B081QB3BLF?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_65M6BXV1TPR16W6547CN

[@russwoodward8251]

Great stuff! Lots of usable and tested ideas. I use a lot of the same connectors and hose types for our property. Many thanks.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks.

[@gabywaldman-fried3108]

Great video! How did you wire the pump and solenoid together? It looks like you have them on one plug.

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes. Both the solenoid and pump are winking wired together (hot to hot, neutral to neutral, ground to ground) into a single three prong plug. That plugs I got the female side of the float switch thru-outlet.

[@hollisburkes9553]

Nice video. Have you thought about adding a Boogie Blue filter to the water coming from the house?

[@dontscrewitup]

I’m not familiar with that but will look into it.

[@jeffreyjbyron]

I was trying to learn to bake sourdough and build my rain barrel system before the rainy season. I'm not kidding. At first I didn't even recognize you from the bread channel. Any chance you do roofing too?

[@dontscrewitup]

That’s hilarious. You’re the first one to make the connection! (I have done roofing in the past also).

[@jeffreyjbyron]

@@dontscrewitup For a moment I thought "Is this guy AI generated?"

[@chiphill4856]

Incredibly dangerous? You must lead a quiet life!

[@dontscrewitup]

No bungee jumping, sky diving, or mixing electric and water.

[@blakemortensen1743]

So when it doesn’t rain then valve fills the barrels. So no rain the barrels are filled with hose water. 1 hour later it rains so all the water goes down the drain. Have you thought of a way to just fill one barrel with house water then fill the rest of the system with rain water?

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes. If I were trying to optimize for maximum rainwater collection, I would set it up differently. I would hook up the backup hose filler directly into the irrigation line downstream of the barrels and the pump. In that setup, no hose water ever goes in to the barrels and the barrels are always at maximum available capacity for rainwater. However, dry barrels tend to plug up the system. When I first set up the system, I was having more problems with the barrels running dry and sediment plugging up the whole system, so I found it beneficial to run the hose water through the barrels. This dramatically reduces the maintenance of the system. You could also optimize thus setup for more rainwater collection by simply moving the float switch into the first barrel, and optimizing the exact placement of the float to fill the minimum possible hose water for one day’s irrigation.

[@southernyankeeprepper]

Do you have a solar setup video for water pump? Im wanting to do this off grid

[@dontscrewitup]

I do not. I looked into at in the past. You would probably want a DC pump running off of a marine battery.

[@dandeangelis7087]

If you lose power to your home, does your valve controlling the city water open and flood the system?

[@dontscrewitup]

Good question. If the power goes out the solenoid will be in the open position and will continuously fill the barrels, but the overflow goes into my downspout so it does not flood anything (but wastes some water). I get text messages to my phone when my power goes out (very infrequently) and my neighbor knows how to shut off the filling system in the event I would be out of town, etc. Another solution is to put a second solenoid (powered = open) on the source of the refiller hose (before the float switch) which would click to the off position of my house loses power. This requires some extra expense and wiring/plumbing that I didn’t deem necessary, but it certainly could be done,for,a more foolproof system. Thanks!

[@mkklaus6892]

how long do you leave your drip system on for at 8am? How long is your drip irrigation drip line?

[@dontscrewitup]

I run it for about 45 min in heat of summer and 30 min in spring and fall. It is about 40 feet long with about 40 holes or drip heads.

[@ffejeroni1]

Thank you for the great video! Three quick questions: 1 - What are you using to keep the float switch upright in the barrel? It looks like just PVC, but is one end capped? How to you keep it in the tank without it going sideways? 2 - For the solenoid, I see some similar ones on Amazon, but most of the reviews say that they get extremely hot very quickly. Do you have that issue with the one you got on eBay? 3 - How do you have the solenoid wired up? When you discuss the electrical parts, you say that the plug that goes into the float switch pump is for the on-demand pump and the solenoid, are the wires just tied together where you have that pigtail connected to the on-demand pump?

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks. The float switch is attached to the pvc. I have a circular weight in the bottom of the barrel that holds the bottom in place and the top end is cut to the proper length to it wedges into lattice in the top of the rain barrel. The solenoid can get hot. My housing it 3 sided so it always has air flow, and it is outdoors. I would never fully enclose it or have it inside. Another person suggested a motorized ball valve which may be another option to consider. The solenoid is wired in directly with the pump wiring using a waterproof connector. And they both go to the male plug which then goes into the float switch female receptical. I’ll look into the motorized ball valve later this week and see if that would be a workable option.

[@ffejeroni1]

@@dontscrewitup Thank you so much! My wife's only comment was "is this all necessary?" Obviously, the answer is yes.

[@tjasonlaw8526]

What happens if you lose power to the house/shop? Does that open your hose-water solenoid and allow the hose to continually run into the barrel?

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes. To prevent that, put another solenoid upstream on the house power, so if the power goes out it closes the hose water source. I’ve never found the need to do that. Power outages are infrequent here, I get notified on my phone if the power goes out, and my neighbors know where to shut off the hose if I’m not home. Worst case, it runs into the overflow (douwnspout) until I shut it off.

[@julian7037]

If the hose backup fills the barrels automatically how is there ever space to accept rain water?

[@dontscrewitup]

Good question. The placement of the float switch is critical. The float switch does not kick on the refiller until both barrels are nearly empty, so any rain prior to that will refill them. Also, the refiller only fills the first barrel and about 1/3 of the second barrel before the float switch turns off. Assuming the system is running, the first barrel then drops to about 1/3 full after that days irrigation, so it leaves about 2/3 of each barrel empty, right after refilling? You can fine tune it even more to leave more available capacity by putting the float switch in the first barrel.

[@professormone1682]

where can i get those quick connects? amazing presentation thank you

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks. I got mine at Lowe’s and Home Depot.

[@johnluquer]

So when you electricity goes off from a storm etc your back up water runs in your barrels?

[@dontscrewitup]

That is correct, then it overflows into the downspout. To prevent this, I could add another solenoid running on the house power feeding an on/off valve to the backup hose that would close when the power goes out. Have not felt the need to do it, but that is the easy solution. Power outages are infrequent, I get notified on my phone if I lose power, my neighbors known where to shut off the backup hose if I’m away. And worst, worst case, my water is very inexpensive.

[@johnhoeve3344]

I'm incorporating you brilliant system now. I do have a question though. Did you wire your selonoid into your pump cord?

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes. Both wired to same 3 wire grounded plug. I also use waterproof connectors there.

[@johnhoeve3344]

Thanks for the quick response.

[@zachmoyer1849]

ur bitching about metric but if we changed all those tools on the wall would have to be replaced lol

[@dontscrewitup]

👍

[@craigkeeney6391]

Great system. I have been looking into doing a slow drip system for some raised garden beds I have. I don't think I will get around to it this year, but I might start buying the rain barrels and other items to slowly put everything together. Thanks for the great video.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you. Good luck with your system.

[@victorm7274]

The hose at the top across both tanks is not needed. You have both tank connected to each other at the bottom. The water Will level its self between both tanks.

[@dontscrewitup]

That’s what I assumed when I hooked it up but it doesn’t work that way. The right barrel fills all the way to the top then spills over to the left barrel. I think it has something to do with the mixing hose I’m using. I think it is designed to prevent backflow from one side to the other.

[@oddjob62]

Great video given me lots of ideas. I have a small question. Isn't the connector pipe at the top redundant due to the barrels being connected at the bottom? Surely they just fill up together; I have a very basic setup, with just a hose connecting the taps at the bottom of my 2 barrels.

[@dontscrewitup]

Great question. I had not thought of that. One would think with the connection at the bottom that the barrels would fill up equally, in parallel but they do not. The right barrel always fills first then overflow into the second barrel through the top connection tube, even with that connection through the mixing hose/valve at the bottom. I’m guessing the internals of that mixing hose actually keep the two sides independent to prevent a back flow situation. I’ll need to disassemble one sometime and see. Or perhaps the water pressure prevents simultaneously filling because I’m using a fairly long hose (3 feet, looped around once).

[@jneckcrank]

If the power goes off perhaps a solar battery switch would work to keep your system powered until the barrel fills up from house water?

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes. I’ll look into that.

[@crazycarl00]

Any consideration to turn the hose directly on into the irrigation line rather than filling the barrels up? Then once the float valve signals water levels are back above minimum, the hose turns off? Just spit-balling. No idea what I'm talking about and have done nothing yet. I am planning a barrel system though, and your video is clearly one of the best on the matter.

[@dontscrewitup]

Yes, that would work, but if would need to be downstream from the barrels and pump so it would run until the garden timer shuts off (and the float switch is off). If the barrel was low and the garden timer valve opens, the solenoid would be open and the hose water would run directly in-line to the garden. If it were raining at the time and the barrels filled, the float switch would rise, cut the power to the solenoid, it would close and the pump would switch on. There would be backflow pressure into the pump when the hose water is running but I assume this is not an issue.

[@crazycarl00]

@@dontscrewitup thank you, you're the man!

[@MrDennis1152]

how do you keep algae or what ever that green black stuff is from your tanks

[@dontscrewitup]

Good question. I’ve never had an issue with algae so I cannot say. I’m guessing it may be because the tanks are in a shaded area, and I run the system twice a day so there is pretty frequent action in the tanks.

[@yahooyellow]

Have the same barrels. The overflow is a joke, when we get decent rain it spills out over top. How large a roof is filling them for you?

[@dontscrewitup]

Back side of a 1.5 car garage. Relatively small roof area.

[@yahooyellow]

@@dontscrewitup that makes sense, thank you

[@CuttingKnives]

Good system. Wish I could setup one like it too, but Im not there yet. I just have one question, if your back up water system depends on the solenoid to open gate/loose power to allow water to flow from your house water into the barrels, what happen when the electricity go out? Would your house water going to flow non stop to the barrels?

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks. Yes, if thr power is out, the solenoid would open and the water would fill the barrels and then run into the downspout drain until power is restored. Power outages are infrequent here and my neighbors know how to turn off thr water if I were out of town, etc. The easy solution is to put a second solenoid on the house water, upstream from the whole system. It would be open with power on and would switch to closed with power off.

[@zachmoyer1849]

@@dontscrewitup your well pump would be off too so eventually its just gonna lose pressure

[@BobSmith-gh5wj]

Wow nice video - very informative and entertaining as well ! This must be the first video in the history of KZbin that someone who has posted a video and have answered and responded to almost ALL of veiwers comments and questions - Well done - CHEERS!!!

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you.

[@abdan8545]

The grass is getting out of control on my farm. How can I fight the grass?

[@dontscrewitup]

Sorry that’s not my expertise.

[@DJ-uk5mm]

Wow. Genius 😂😊 gonna take your advice

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks!

[@Maximeaucoin]

If somebody told me that I would spend 25 minutes listening to a rainwater irrigation system video and find it fascinating AND funny, I wouldn’t have believed him! I’m building mine up next weekend. And yes, the float switch is the brains of the whole operation!

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you! Good luck. 👍

[@nelsonadorno5472]

Happy to bump into this video,,,,Genius stuff man!!!

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@korganrivera4659]

How's the system a year later? I'm about to build this but with solar using Green Town Tech as a reference. I think combining those two ideas will be the best way to do it.

[@dontscrewitup]

Still working beautifully. Almost zero maintenance last summer. I only needed to clean the filter once. I did upgrade my electrical connections (for the pump and solenoid) to more fully waterproof connectors. I like the idea of using Solar and DC power, but have not tried it.

[@korganrivera4659]

@@dontscrewitup I think you should try it. It would be nice to see your system becoming even more bulletproof. If your power goes out while you're on the road, everything would be fine.

[@fern9234]

I wish KZbin had 2 like buttons. This is what I've been looking for. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you!

[@fern9234]

This irrigation set up matched with this 👇🏽rain barrel set up is what I plan on doing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmeYnZ9sh5iHncU

[@michaelkadin]

Hey Tom -- I've watched this a dozen times; it's so good! I've got the barrel + pump part of it set up, and am considering the hose / solenoid piece to refill when it gets low. A question -- do you worry about a power outage? In that case, won't the solenoid open and the hose dump water into the barrels (and then overflowing into the drain) continuously?

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks. I have very infrequent power outages here. My security system notifies me of outages and my neighbors both know where to shut off the valve if I were out of town. You could set up a second solenoid running on house power that would be open when power is on. That would control the flow from the backup hose. That’s a workable solution. Someone also suggested a motorized quarter turn valve which I believe remains in position (open or closed) of power goes out.

[@michaelkadin]

@@dontscrewitup thanks for the advice! A notification for a power outage should be enough!

[@dontscrewitup]

There are also some battery powered, wi-fi enabled shutoff valves you can put right on the hose bib now and shut it down remotely in the event of an outage.

[@becktribe940]

This is the best rain barrel video I've ever seen. Great job and thank you.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks!

[@clutch5sp989]

QUESTION....how high would those 4-barrels (55gallons each) need to be to get 40psi at the hose? There is no simple answer to be found.

[@dontscrewitup]

There is a formula to calculate that. Let me find it. It is higher than you think. I believe it may be 2 lbs of pressure per foot. That would be 20ft, but let me find the formula…

[@clutch5sp989]

@@dontscrewitup When I saw the math on the internet...it blocked my thoughts. Then there are all the other factors with head, mass amount etc etc. Please just use your 4-barrels and a hose for the calc. I'm imagining taking a barrel and lifting it up higher & higher to see what happens.

[@dontscrewitup]

Water pressure increases at .433 PSI per foot of elevation. Roughly 2 feet of height to increase 1 per pound of pressure (i had it reversed above). So over 80Ft to get 40 pounds of pressure. That’s why I use a pump.

[@solartwisttv1781]

This video and system is great! Thanks so much! Does the solenoid valve get hot? I've read that a lot of the valves get very hot... thanks!

[@dontscrewitup]

The solenoid does get quite warm. That’s why my housing is “open air” on front and bottom, with waterproof electrical connections. I would not put the solenoid in an enclosed housing.

[@solartwisttv1781]

@Don't Screw It Up thanks!

[@danalliss243]

How did you wire the solenoid valve into the flow switch?

[@dontscrewitup]

The solenoid is hard wired into the 3 prong plug for the pump. So one plug powers the pump and solenoid. That plug is connected to the “thru” plug on the float switch. Female on one side, male on the other.

[@enriqueazvz]

Have you had any issues with the solenoid overheating? Is it 100% duty cycle? Thanks

[@dontscrewitup]

It does stay warm but not hot. The housing I made is three sided to keep some air flow around it. I would not put it in fully enclosed housing or indoors. I’ve replaced it once in 8 years because the gasket/seal failed, not the actuator.

[@enriquealvarez5676]

@@dontscrewitup thanks for the quick reply, I think I am going to have a similar setup and will be replacing it with a motorized ball valve, which should solve the heat and gasket lifespan

[@dontscrewitup]

Motorized ball valve is a great idea. Also solves the problem of power outages. In my setup the solenoid opens when the power is out.

[@harrybond007]

Yes but what happens when the backup system fails?

[@dontscrewitup]

See other recent comments. I’ve answered this in the past.

[@milvolts1]

Thank you for the best info on rainwater irrigation I've ever heard. With no stupid gimmicks bells and whistles. Cheers!!

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you. That’s how we roll here at the Don’t Screw It Up Workshop and World Headquarters.

[@samchristy5427]

Can you tell me where you found the micro mesh screen?

[@dontscrewitup]

Amazon. Let me find the specs for you…

[@paulwharton8423]

Thanks so much for this video. It's informative and hilarious . .. all the youtube rabbit holes I go down with million view videos that are meh . . . . . . . .

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks!

[@KamSaskatchewan-tr8zw]

Pretty sweet system I have often thought of the same concept, however I always get stuck on power failures. The system is perfect until there is a power outage. If a power outage happens the solenoid valve opens. Thus over flowing your rain barrels and causing a mess beside the house. Not to mention that water is paid for water. I thought about possibly instally some sort of an api system? Or possibly a dc solenoid valve with dc float for the solenoid valve small solar panel and a small battery ?

[@KamSaskatchewan-tr8zw]

APU sorry not api

[@KamSaskatchewan-tr8zw]

Deep cycle battery small solar panel, dc 12 vold solenoid, dc 12 volt pump everything the same only dc.

[@dontscrewitup]

Install a second solenoid on house power that is open when power is on and off when power off. Upstream from the backup filler.

[@m_d587]

Nice, Very Nice! Thx for sharing

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks!

[@vanderbilt931]

Brilliant and truly ultimate! Thanks a lot!

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you!

[@longle3013]

Thank you for very such a great video.

[@dontscrewitup]

Thanks!

[@michaelkennedy2057]

Outstanding job on this set up. Impressive. Thanks

[@dontscrewitup]

Thank you for the feedback.