The Rain Barrel

Thanks to the free barrel, fittings, and help of my father; I have a functioning rain barrel! We installed the barrel on Saturday morning by re-routing a downspout on the south side of the house. The barrel now collects rainwater from a large surface area.

As you can see, the barrel was empty last night....

Now, after today's rain...

This bad boy fills up quick. The amount of water you see is just from today's rain, and after draining 4-6 inches to make room for the rest of today's rain.

I need to get the over flow valve installed and drop the other barrel into place to collect excess rain water.

Cost of Rain Barrel:

Gutter Fitting for new downspout connection - $3.00

Caulking for sealing old connection hole in guttering - $8.00

1-1/4" Sump Pump Kit - $10.00

Downspout - Free (reused old connections)

Gutter - Free (modified connections)

Barrel - Free (thanks dad)

Fittings for "On/Off" Valve - Free (thanks dad)

Total Cost - $21.00

Amount of money saved from not using city water: ? (T.B.D.)

*If anyone is interested, I can post the procedure for building this style of rain barrel.