Rain Barrels and Cisterns


Rain Barrel Construction

Simple Rain Barrel Design

Simple rain barrel design.
(Source: Maryland DNR Green Building Program)

 

 

 

 

Home made rain barrels are relatively easy to construct from 55-gallon drums and a few other basic components.

The following is a simple construction sequence: 1

1.     Drill holes for fittings. First drill three holes in the barrel.  One for the spigot to connect your garden house to the barrel and the other fittings to allow for more barrels in the future.  One of the barrels must have an overflow fitting near the top of the barrel.  If you plan on using 3/4 inch fittings use a 1 inch hole saw to cut the holes.  If you have an adjustable hole saw make it a little smaller than 1 inch. 

2.     Attach fittings. Place plumbing sealant on a 3/4 inch galvanized metal nipple and its threads. Using a pair of locking pliers, thread the nipple into the barrel hole for the fitting.  [See picture below]

3.     Cut the down spout at the proper height.  You should place the rainbarrel on one or two concrete blocks and then determine the proper height.  After cutting the down spout attach the necessary elbows and extensions to have the down spout reach the barrel.  Attach a 4 inch by 2 inch ABS plastic converter to the end of the down spout and attach a fine mesh screen over the converter (you can use a paint sprayer filter which you can get at a hardware store for about $1). 

4.     Add additional barrels. If you wish to add more barrels do so at this time.  Attach a garden hose Y fitting on the 3/4 inch nipples.  Position the barrels on top of the concrete blocks and cut the right length of garden hose to connect the barrels (with male fittings attached to both ends). 

5.     End product.  Attach an overflow line on the first barrel.  Place it near the top of the barrel and attach it to hose or tube for any overflow.  Note that you must remove one of the two bung fittings on the top of the barrel and cover it with a small screen.  [See picture below]

 

Attach fittings to rain barrel
Step 2: Attach Fittings
(Source: How to make a rain barrel)

Rain barrel end product
Step 5: End Product
(Source: How to make a rain barrel)

 

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Excavated Cisterns2

Cistern design

 

Simple cistern design.
(Source: U.S. EPA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a simple sequence for constructing a cistern below ground:

1.     Excavate the hole to the required dimensions. This is usually done with a back hoe. For example, 8 ft by 12 ft and 8 ft deep. Make sure the hole is dug to the dimensions you desire or your storage will be seriously compromised.

2.     Pour the cistern floor. First form up the floor of the cistern much as you would a sidewalk, driveway or other flat work. Construct a rectangular framework from 2 x 4s and secure it with 2 x 4 stakes driven into the ground at intervals of about 2 feet.

3.     Form the cistern walls. The cistern walls should be constructed by first building the outside forms and then installing #6 rebar wired together on an approximate 1 foot grid. Set the grid into the holes bored into the concrete floor of the cistern with a hammer drill. With the reinforcing grid in place build the inside forms. Make sure the walls are adequately braced and then pour the concrete.

4.     Let the concrete set for the required time period recommended by the manufacturer and then remove the forms.

5.     Seal the inside of the cistern, a Portland-based product with a latex additive is recommended, possibly Damtite, or another acceptable alternative available at your local building supply store.

6.     Create the lid and hatches. The lid can be made of any acceptable material but should fit snuggly to keep potential pest from entering.

 

References


1 How to make a Rainbarrel, Web page of Mr. Brad Crowley,
http://www.geocities.com/rainsystem/howto.html 

2 Kessner, K., 2000: How to Build a Rainwater Catchment Cistern. The March Hare, Summer 2000, Issue 25,  http://www.dancingrabbit.org/newsletter/

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