Quick Rain Barrel

Our Permaculture Group has these barrels for members. $35

They can be used for rain water, storage, compost, or anything.

They are clean and ready to go.

For the top inlet I am using one of my soil sieves to catch the leaves and gutter junk.

I will cut a small piece of screen to fit in it too. Using what I have is important to me.

I have boxes of old hardware that is first choice for any project.

Be Creative and Use What You Have First. Plus I can still use the sieve for soil too.

The opening will be big enough for dipping a bucket.

Use a sharpie to mark the outer edge of your sieve lip.

I place it as close to the barrel edge as possible

Then I may another line an inch inside so the lip of the sieve will rest on the edge of the barrel.

Next I use a saber saw to cut the opening.

The saber saw works great and the barrel cuts easily.

Notice the cut is inside the marked edge of the sieve.

I'll keep the cut-out for someday.

Looks nice.

Nice fit.

Stewart makes the soil sieves. I am sure there are more things like it.

Now for the hose spigot at the bottom.

Just a couple inches above so sediment will not clog the valve.

Using a 1.25 inch drill bit. I make a hole just large enough for a threaded nylon bushing.

This is softer and screws right into the hole I made. A better seal than the metal spout.

Plus I can adapt it later to other fittings.

The spigot screws right in and seals the deal.

I plan on running this into the garden for a low pressure drip irrigation system.

I have another barrel on a two wheel cart I can move around the property while I plant.

More photos later.