A growing number of property owners are installing rain barrel systems on their properties for landscaping and gardening purposes. They are cheap to purchase, easy to establish and require very little maintenance (if any). If this sounds like a project that you'd like to take on, I explain all of the materials that are required below.
A rain harvesting system typically consists of a diverter, a water collection tank, a spigot and a hose. Some decorative versions include additional features like planters, while homemade variations may not include things such as the diverter or hose.
A Diverter
The diverter affixes to the gutter downspout and diverts the water into the rain barrel. Diverters frequently include screens to keep out debris so that it does not wind up in the rain barrel. These can be bought separately or sometimes included in rain collection kits.
The Rainwater Collection Tank
The rainwater collection tank typically holds in between 30 and 100 gallons of water. Some containers are taller and narrow while other tanks are shorter and wider. When choosing which size and shape container you want, think of the space available where you want to utilize your system. Narrow walkways, for instance are not typically ideal for a large rain tank. On the flip side, if you have lots of space and lots of water runoff, having multiple barrels that you can connect together may be a better option for you.
A Water Release Spigot
The spigot lets out the water that has been gathered in the rain tank. Brass or other rust-free metal spigots are better than plastic versions, because they are stronger and last longer. Plastic spigots included in some rain barrel kits can usually be changed out for more durable spigots or just changed when they break.
A Hose
Sometimes hoses are included with rain barrel kits. These typically run in between 3 and 6 feet, so they are not very long. Additionally you can attach your existing garden hose to the spigot if you have to reach distances further away. Nonetheless, keep in mind that the water pressure from a rain barrel is not the same as what comes from your city or well.
Overall, rain collection systems are fairly basic. In fact, there is not much variation between styles. Some people build their own, while others opt to purchase more ornamental variations.
Since these smaller sized rain barrels are easy and inexpensive, it's less daunting for newbies to get started. When you have established your first rain barrel, you can actually increase your rainwater collection capability by installing more barrels and connecting them together with inexpensive connector kits that cost about $20.
A rain harvesting system typically consists of a diverter, a water collection tank, a spigot and a hose. Some decorative versions include additional features like planters, while homemade variations may not include things such as the diverter or hose.
A Diverter
The diverter affixes to the gutter downspout and diverts the water into the rain barrel. Diverters frequently include screens to keep out debris so that it does not wind up in the rain barrel. These can be bought separately or sometimes included in rain collection kits.
The Rainwater Collection Tank
The rainwater collection tank typically holds in between 30 and 100 gallons of water. Some containers are taller and narrow while other tanks are shorter and wider. When choosing which size and shape container you want, think of the space available where you want to utilize your system. Narrow walkways, for instance are not typically ideal for a large rain tank. On the flip side, if you have lots of space and lots of water runoff, having multiple barrels that you can connect together may be a better option for you.
A Water Release Spigot
The spigot lets out the water that has been gathered in the rain tank. Brass or other rust-free metal spigots are better than plastic versions, because they are stronger and last longer. Plastic spigots included in some rain barrel kits can usually be changed out for more durable spigots or just changed when they break.
A Hose
Sometimes hoses are included with rain barrel kits. These typically run in between 3 and 6 feet, so they are not very long. Additionally you can attach your existing garden hose to the spigot if you have to reach distances further away. Nonetheless, keep in mind that the water pressure from a rain barrel is not the same as what comes from your city or well.
Overall, rain collection systems are fairly basic. In fact, there is not much variation between styles. Some people build their own, while others opt to purchase more ornamental variations.
Since these smaller sized rain barrels are easy and inexpensive, it's less daunting for newbies to get started. When you have established your first rain barrel, you can actually increase your rainwater collection capability by installing more barrels and connecting them together with inexpensive connector kits that cost about $20.
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If you want to know more about creative ways you can use a rain tank, look at this
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