How to Install a Rain Barrel | Ask This Old House

In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada first takes us on a trip to learn more about watersheds and how to control runoff before meeting carpenter Nathan Gilbert to tackle a rain barrel installation.
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Landscape designer Jenn Nawada and carpenter Nathan Gilbert travel to Tulsa, OK to help a homeowner make a rain barrel using an aged whiskey barrel and learn about the ecological impact of stormwater runoff.
Where to find it?
To prep the gutter to receive the downspout, Nathan drills a hole using a 2-1/8” hole saw [homedepot.sjv.io/NkabEb] and then cuts it to size with snips [homedepot.sjv.io/m5dG1a], to fit the downspout outlet [homedepot.sjv.io/jrdma6].
After dry fitting the downspout in place, Nathan uses a hack saw [homedepot.sjv.io/MmW4Vn] to cut the downspout to size and secures it to the siding with gutter straps [homedepot.sjv.io/rQdXW5] and rivets.
To prep the base area, Jenn and Maggie use shovels [homedepot.sjv.io/rQPDPd] to clear the topsoil [homedepot.sjv.io/JzP2Yr]. Once the topsoil is removed, 2x4s are used as a screed [homedepot.sjv.io/WqoNPG] to compact and level the ground before adding paver stone dust [homedepot.sjv.io/badVgP] or sand [homedepot.sjv.io/3e1EMX].
With the base area prepped, Nathan places the base block firmly in the sand before using a mallet [homedepot.sjv.io/nLVg7a] to set them in place.
The oak barrel was sourced from Midwest Barrel Company [midwestbarrelco.com/].
Credits: City of Tulsa Streets and Stormwater Department [bit.ly/3xC1ie5]
Special Thanks: Tulsa Remote [www.tulsaremote.com/], Jasmine Teer [bit.ly/443oIFm]
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Materials:
T-fittings (solderless) [homedepot.sjv.io/LXNL6a]
Compression connections [homedepot.sjv.io/DKN6oy]
Push-to-connect fittings [homedepot.sjv.io/GmNyWE]
Transfer plates [homedepot.sjv.io/NkqxLO]
PEX pipe [homedepot.sjv.io/75N6P3]
A heat exchanger with pumps [homedepot.sjv.io/XYeaBX]
Screws [homedepot.sjv.io/vNaKdv]
A variety of check valves [homedepot.sjv.io/rQPKmG]
Pressure relief valves [homedepot.sjv.io/g1Enx5]
Expansion tank [homedepot.sjv.io/zNVKom]
Fiberglass insulation [homedepot.sjv.io/baoBMB]
Tools:
Power drill [homedepot.sjv.io/R50Wna]
Propress for solderless connections [homedepot.sjv.io/KjN6Ma]
Oscillating tool [homedepot.sjv.io/g1LKDB]
Rubber mallet [homedepot.sjv.io/nLVg7a]
PEX cutter [homedepot.sjv.io/KjN65N]
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From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment-your home.
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How to Install a Rain Barrel | Ask This Old House
/ thisoldhouse

[@jordanbabcock]

I'm the homeowner, that's my wife, we use the barrel all the time to water our plants over a year later (the vegetable garden idea was a flop LOL). It works great and there have been no issues! It was so fun having ATOH over!

[@kalijasin]

Jenn Nawada did an excellent job. Very good idea to use the blocking. That keeps it off the ground and more level. The plants and the mulch really dress it up and make it look nice.

[@davidparker9676]

Poorly executed and overbudget.

[@Kevin-ip8uf]

It would need elevation for the hydrostatic head pressure to push water through a hose. You gain 0.433 psi of pressure for every foot of water above your outlet. So if the outlet is a drip irrigation hose at ground level, elevating the barrel above that point is an advantage

[@vicfeazell]

@@davidparker9676 Your response is poorly executed when you don't explain why the project is poorly executed.

[@tedbellWRV]

We had two galvanized metal cisterns made in Texas by "Texas Metal Tanks". We thought they offered a nice look compared to the less expensive plastic tanks commonly available. We'd fill our 1,400 gallons of storage twice a year in the Sonoran Desert in Tucson Arizona. By placing the tanks at the high side of our property, we could water all over the property with only garden hoses and no pumps needed.

[@garthbutton699]

Good easy DIY project that most could do🤗😎🤗😎

[@claytonsadventures7607]

I have this exact same kit. It really does work well.

[@kamelinkyttyrat7043]

me too, but full of bourbon 😂

[@baxt1412]

Link for kit?

[@claytonsadventures7607]

@baxt1412 I bought it at my local hardware store 3 years ago.

[@kenmore01]

We love Jen!

[@drregmonster4371]

My dad got a 100 gallon food grade plastic barrel that a food producer was going to trash.

[@joelheaton8738]

Needs to be on a platform 3' - 4' high for some water pressure!

[@davidparker9676]

Roger would have done it right.

[@MrDflores1]

Yup, exactly. That 1.732 extra psi would have made all the difference.

[@davidc1490]

yes, the barrel is way too low. I have 3 wine/rain barrels on platforms in my yard. the height matters.

[@Kevin-ip8uf]

You will gain 0.433 PSI of hydrostatic head pressure for every foot of elevation above your outlet, which would be at ground level if you're connecting it to a drip irrigation hose or something. The resistance of the hose varies wildly so it's a tough calculation to do to figure out an ideal height... Also dependent on how much pressure you want

[@brandonhouse7446]

Rain barrel restrictions usually have to do with water rights. For instance if here in CO someone captures water in a rain barrel, irrigates with it instead of letting it run off into a stream, then it won't be in the stream for use by others downstream (like in Tulsa). It's a bit pedantic and fortunately states like CO have rolled back those restrictions.

[@AB-nu5we]

I had to get rid of my whiskey cask rain barrel. My grass was hammered all day and got absolutely nothing done. (No, really, the barrel is a nice looking and functional yard device)

[@nufcedkidyup8627]

Ba-dum, tsssss

[@jmason61]

Wish they would talk more about the H2O itself when it's in the barrel...if it gets super hot in the summer does it get moldy? Also after a dry spell seems like all the first wash off the roof would be seriously dusty/bird crap/dead bugs etc

[@kamelinkyttyrat7043]

thats why you do not drink it, just water flowers and lawn

[@Farmer-bh3cg]

I've set mine on old red bricks, with two overflow holes near the top and a drain hole 3 inches from the bottom plugged with a 1/2 inch dowel. It works and don't need a big project and a zillion man crew. Wintertime? Simple, pull the plug and turn the barrel over -- done for the winter

[@Gideon_Judges6]

Uh there's a little more to it than just "turning the barrel over" because then your gutter drains and splashes all over the place near your foundation.

[@patirvin-bz9pg]

You redirect the runoff back to your downspout. Not complicated

[@Farmer-bh3cg]

@@Gideon_Judges6 Not when it either freezes or splashes into a French drain to go under the wood shed and out into the fields

[@BradThePitts]

It seems odd, but in some places rain barrels are *illegal* because it takes away from the underground aquifers.

[@ponderanceofagravedigger2564]

Shouldn't the hose from the downspout to rain barrel be slightly higher at downspout and not straight across. Water flows downhill correct?

[@david24442]

I think it might be intentional to prevent it from overfilling barrel, but they really should explain why. It must have been intentional. I want to know if they put something at the top of the downspout too to prevent debris.

[@fadetounforgiven]

As long as you're not installing it lower, you're good to go. You have to take into account that the diverter has to deal with the excess water once the barrel is full so, yes, it will go downhill towards the barrel to begin with, but if it's full, you're making the water go uphill, which it will as long as there's no leak in the tube (there could be a leak that is only noticeable when the tube is full, therefore going uphill, and not while the barrel is filling up) but having it horizontal is just ok.

[@fadetounforgiven]

@@david24442 It seems they have not installed any filter as they haven't shown it and Nathan tells her to check for leaves.

[@davidparker9676]

@@david24442 Not intentional, just a demonstration of ignorance. The new cast wasn't hired on merit.

[@Gideon_Judges6]

​@@fadetounforgivenI think Oklahoma doesn't have as many deciduous trees that would clog the downspout. You would for sure have to consider this in New England (where This Old House is from)

[@allanwind295]

Why do need the spigot when there is a drain?

[@MorrMedia1]

How is water pressure created when a hose is attached? Or would she just be using this to fill a watering can?

[@sanyopoweraid1]

watering can

[@durangodave]

i was in tulsa years ago for a bike convention. Camped at the lake. Tulsa is by far the most humid and most uncomfortable places to live other than maybe houston, and i deal with E. Texas humidity every year. I found it very hard to even breathe in tulsa.

[@nifethrubutter]

Dumping water directly in the walkway is a recipe for dead grass and a muddy path.

[@david24442]

And for making a path accented in the winter with a beautiful sheet of hip cracking ice. Notice the shameful silence when that first paver was lifted up and there was no base below it…. followed immediately by explaining they are putting a base below the blocks they brought to install. 😂

[@johnnywadd7960]

Just play along 😁😊

[@sssungail]

Not mentioned, you can not use water coming off asphalt for edible plants. Only use is for shrubs.

[@jeffreybaker7406]

What effect do the asphalt shingles have on the water quality?

[@IOSARBX]

This Old House, You're fantastic! Let's be friends and have fun!

[@orend10]

Real pros

[@reaperbot5226]

I swear they have done this type of install multiple times already over the years.

[@davidparker9676]

Creativity is a lost art with the new generation. All they know how to do is ruin what has already been done well before.

[@vicfeazell]

@@davidparker9676 That's been said for every generation that has come before you. It was said about your generation as well.

[@barrymccaulkiner7092]

Would that create a breeding ground for mosquitoes?

[@travisrussell3128]

Might aswell of dug a hole for pool at the same time because that what’s going to result after running the overflow there. Why not just put the barrel where there is already a down spout with proper drainage?

[@LD9user]

Not scripted at all. 🎉

[@davidparker9676]

No personality or presence.

[@BamBamBigelow..]

A rain barrell, simple and useful. But TOH needs to make it complicated and more pricey….

[@davidparker9676]

And inclusive...

[@aayotechnology]

How so?

[@thomasreedy4751]

So it’s not safe to have the contaminated water go to the river but it is ok to use it to irrigate for consumable plants???? You want to water your lawn with it great, but I’d be a bit concerned using it for consumption.

[@nickk05281982]

Except if you forget it will ruin your foundation lol

[@jasonsgroovemachine]

Beep bop. I am robo home owner. Beep bop. I am excited about this location. Boop beep.

[@user-xu3ql7tp6y]

There be a fine be telling the judge to piss off

[@RandomVids519]

Nerd alert😂

[@johnnywadd7960]

Illegal rain barrel bwahaahaa 😁

[@Dirtyharry70585]

Commie democrat states

[@johnnywadd7960]

​@@Dirtyharry70585Exactly 💯....Trump 2024

[@davidparker9676]

That water belongs to the government, you must buy it back with all the extra toxic chemicals added to it.

[@LetsGoBrandon-FJB]

Texas is the heart of oil country not chokelahoma.

[@vicfeazell]

Yep. It brings us Texans earthquakes, sinkholes, water pollution, air pollution, and greed.

[@LetsGoBrandon-FJB]

@@vicfeazell that's not true at all.

[@zerg232]

ah another rain barrel that will be used 2 times then never again

[@tree3po]

should never be illegal to catch rainwater. ESPECIALLY if there is a shortage. Makes. zero sense. I would never comply with that BS.

[@josemv25]

Congratulations

[@johnnywadd7960]

Democratic law's

[@kalijasin]

@@johnnywadd7960 No, its the environmental pollution agency.

[@tree3po]

@@kalijasin you mean Environmental Protection Agency?

[@tree3po]

@@josemv25 Hey if some states like CA cannot figure out how to collect their own water for drought season, why should it stop me? Luckily I moved from that comi state and live in a place where you're freer.

[@MindsDozer]

Illegal. Arrest them.

[@Ham68229]

Not illegal in Oklahoma where they were at

[@nilpo]

What is illegal?

[@dvxAznxvb]

@@nilpowatch the video closer chef

[@AW-fb8hr]

😂

[@damiandriscoll2562]

It's going to end up back in the earth anyway , that's just a dumb law

[@johnnywadd7960]

Democratic laws against rain barrels bwahaahaa 😂

[@davidparker9676]

You can brainwash a leftist to chug their own sewage... for the environment.

[@aayotechnology]

Like republicans pay attention to laws anyway #lockHIMup!

[@davidparker9676]

@@aayotechnology You sure do love the swamp. I'd love to see your meltdown when he wins again. His support is going up, not down with all of the bogus charges. You are helping him win again.

[@williamjensen674]

No it’s because of very old water rights. Thankfully denver dropped the restriction recently.

[@ekujj13]

This is one of those things that makes you feel good but makes no actual difference.

[@vicfeazell]

Wrong. 1. It makes a difference on my water bill. 2. I allows me to grow food during a drought. 3. It shows how uninformed you are.

[@jaggercruz12]

No views, 15 seconds ago. Fell off🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@bryandale7125]

It's insane to make collecting rain illegal, which no sane person would follow this insane law that violates property owner's rights.

[@geongsi6991]

There is a good reason why it's illegal, but maybe just regulation how much can be collected is better than straight illegal

[@IOSALive]

This Old House, I really like your videos! Let's be friends!

[@davidparker9676]

Kick rocks!