BUILD YOUR OWN RAIN BARREL

Supplies for this project can be found at most home-improvement stores.

1 plastic outdoor garbage can w/ lid 1 threaded pipe union fitting

1 brass spigot (or 2 rubber washers, 2 metal washers and 1 nut)

1 roll of Teflon tape (optional) Power drill and bit

1 tube of watertight sealant Box cutter or utility knife
Landscaping fabric
(or fine mesh screen)

HOW IT’S DONE:

1. DRILL SPIGOT HOLE 5. ATTACH SCREEN

Drill a hole a few inches from the bottom of the Cut a piece of landscaping fabric or fine mesh
trash can that is smaller or the same size as your slightly larger than your entry hole to create a
spigot or union fitting. screen. Apply a layer of watertight sealant to the
underside of the trash can lid around the entry hole

2. ATTACH & SEAL SPIGOT and adhere the screen. Make sure to allow time to dry.

Wrap spigot threads in Teflon tape, attach washers

or pipe union fitting and insert into the drilled hole.
Make sure to leave a little room on each side for
applying a watertight sealant before securing to
the barrel.
RAIN BARREL USES
With a completed rain barrel, you can now collect
water for gardening, lawn care, washing your car,
cleaning outdoor items and so much more. What will

3. CUT ENTRY HOLE you do first?

While the sealant on the spigot dries, begin cutting

an entry hole on the top of the trash can’s lid with a
utility knife. Hole size can vary to fit your needs.

Pro Tip: Place your rain barrel underneath a gutter

downspout extension on an elevated base. This will
allow direct water collection and extra flow from
gravity while using rainwater.

4. DRILL EXIT HOLES

Once the entry hole is complete, drill one or two exit
holes right near the very top of the trash can to
allow water to overflow if necessary.