How to Build a Rain-Collection Setup
- 1). Draw a circle in the center of the barrel lid using the open end of the atrium grate as a template. Cut a hole in the lid with a jig saw, following the outline of the grate.
- 2). Caulk the the flange of the atrium grate on the side with the slotted funnel. Place the funnel-end of the grate into the hole with the caulked flange making solid contact with the barrel lid.
- 3). Drill a 3/4-inch hole 2 to 3 inches from the bottom of the barrel.
- 4). Spread silicon caulk evenly on the threads of the hose bib. Screw the hose bib from the outside into the hole near the bottom of the barrel and position the hose bib pointing down or to the side.
- 5). Push the 3/4-inch rubber washer onto the threads of the hose bib on the inside of the barrel. Apply more caulk to the threads and tightly screw the 1/2-inch lock-nut onto the threads of the hose bib.
- 6). Drill a 1 and 1/4-inch hole approximately 2 inches from the top of the barrel for the overflow drain.
- 7). Spread caulk on the mail threads of the PVC ell and screw the threads through the newly drilled hole. Position the female end of the ell pointing down.
- 8). Apply more caulk to the threads on the inside of the barrel and screw on the 1-inch lock-nut, making it as tight as possible by hand.
- 9). Measure the distance from the female end of the PVC ell to approximately 2 inches above the ground. Cut the 1-inch PVC pipe to this length using the jig saw.
- 10
Apply PVC glue generously to both ends of the PVC pipe. Twist one end of the pipe into the PVC ell at the top of the barrel. Twist the remaining PVC ell onto the other end and point the open end of the ell toward your drainage location. - 11
Remove the existing downspout at the end of your home's gutter. Attach the flexible gutter downspout, following the manufacturer directions for your specific gutter system. - 12
Place the open end of the downspout above the atrium grate at the top of the barrel. - 13
Attach a garden hose to the hose bib at the bottom of the barrel for use when watering plants.
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