Downspout Rainwater

[Durgan]

http://www.durgan.org/URL/?Rainwater 8 April 2009 Downspout Rainwater

Pictures indicating a simple, practical method of utilizing downspout rainwater. Barrels cost 15 dollars and all parts and tools are readily available. Any urban downspout system must address the overflow problem during rainfall. The large bung hole is a reasonable compromise for overflow. The height is such that a hose may be utilized for watering plants. The system is readily expandable. I have four barrels, two on each side of the house.

http://www.durgan.org/URL/?Downspout 16 April 2009 Downspout Water Connection
The downspout water system was switched over to Summer mode by connecting the downspout to the storage barrels.

[Durgan]

http://www.durgan.org/URL/?CFIAT 23 May 2010 Transporting Downspout Rainwater
Moving small quantities of rainwater can get tiresome carrying in five gallon pails. The two wheeled car in conjunction with a five gallon pail eases the burden. The lid on the five gallon pail eliminates spillage.

[Trailblaze1]

I like it! I've been lugging those gallon -water jugs from my rainbarrels, quite a hike to the gardens. I must give this a try. I do have one of those large white pails, from soap oils I buy in 50-pound buckets. I hope I still have the lids.
Palm oils used to come with plastic lids; coconut in metal. I prefer the plastic ones, but can't get palm anymore that way....it seems they've stopped selling palm to soapmakers, hoping to use it for ethanol sales instead...

[cathy morey]

nice rig,i got lots of rain ,if you need some lol

[Durgan]

nice rig,i got lots of rain ,if you need some lol

I need rain and how. If it wasn't for my mulch the garden would be a disaster area. About five near 30 days have died up everything. even the grass is starting to turn brown.

Rain is forecast today, but often the rains bypasses with a roll of thunder. I keep my fingers crossed.

My four barrels of rainwater are bone dry.

[Elena Zimmerman]

Where do you get a barel lke that for 15$? All the 'rain barrels' in the gardening centres cost $80+, and my grandmother had a barell very similar to yours. I'd really want to get a RB for this summer, but the cost is prohibitive!

[Durgan]

Where do you get a barel lke that for 15$? All the 'rain barrels' in the gardening centres cost $80+, and my grandmother had a barell very similar to yours. I'd really want to get a RB for this summer, but the cost is prohibitive!

This is one supplier, and I think they have a depot in Bolton.

RIN Enterprises Ltd
http://www.rinenterprises.com
32 Jaffa Drive
Brampton, ON L6S 4C5
(905) 790-3266

I got my barrels in Ancaster off Lincoln Alexander avenue. I think I got the address off the internet, but can't find the information. There was a yard full of food grade used barrels. I think mine had olive oIl at one time. There were several hundred to choose from. Steel or plastic. Price was 10 or 15 dollars. I bought six steel and one plastic. There are many suppliers. Search around on the internet and locate one in you locality.

The gardening centers are a ripoff. All one needs is a few common barrels. The fittings are all standard NPT, available in any hardware store..

[Elena Zimmerman]

Thank you for the tip! !!

Found a local shop that will outfit a used 55 gal barrel as a rain barrel for about $40. That's 50% off as a minimum.

[Durgan]

Thank you for the tip! !!

Found a local shop that will outfit a used 55 gal barrel as a rain barrel for about $40. That's 50% off as a minimum.

The fitting is an off the shelf tap for five dollars. The connection to the downspout is the main issue, plus some type of reasonable overflow. It has to be large diameter, I use the barrel large bung hole and it is just sufficient. Some systems sold use use a two inch hole, which is totally useless.

A lot depends upon what one wants. A container under the downspout is very simple and most annoying to use. My system is relatively simple and functional.

I use to have garbage cans under the downspout, and soon got rid of that mess. During heavy rain I had flooding around the area.

Where are you located?

[Elena Zimmerman]

I am in Calgary, AB. I'd stick a garbage can under the spout, but with our winds, it will probably be airborne before filled with water. I think I really like the idea of paying the handy guys $9 they ask to outfit the barrell with a spout/overflow. Better than all the whining and procrastination I'd get from my husband - handyman he is not.