Build a Rain Barrel​

Lower your bills and protect local streams — all from your backyard.

A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores rainwater from downspouts and rooftops for future use watering lawns and gardens.

Rain barrels are affordable and easy to build. Follow these detailed instructions to make your own rain barrel. 

A blue rain barrel outside a house with a drain pipe going in it.

What are the benefits of using a rain barrel?

Capturing and using rainwater protects local creeks and rivers from erosion and sedimentation by reducing the volume of fast-moving stormwater runoff. 

Rainwater can be better for plants because it doesn’t contain added minerals or water‑treatment chemicals like chlorine or fluoride. These substances can sometimes accumulate in soil and harm delicate plants. These chemicals are safe for people to drink and play an important role in keeping our public water supply healthy.
gallons
~ 0

Amount of water generated by one inch of rain on 1,000 square foot roof drainage area.

Instructions to build your own rain barrel

Rain barrels are affordable and easy to build. Get detailed instructions to make your own rain barrel. 

Tools needed

  • Electric drill and 7/8” spade drill bit
  • Electric jigsaw
  • Utility knife
  • Marker

Supplies

  • 55-gallon drum
  • 2 outdoor safe spigots (3/4”) and female coupling
  • Extension
  • Standpipe cap
  • Skimmer basket

Choose the right location

  • Choose a good location for your rain barrel
    Pick a spot directly under a downspout on ground that is flat and level. Try to place it close to a garden or flower bed so watering is easier.
  • Plan where extra water will go
    When the barrel fills up, the overflow should drain at least 5 feet away from your home’s foundation and nowhere near a septic system.

Cut downspout entry and spigot holes for overflow and watering

Cut the top opening for the downspout

  • Place the skimmer basket upside down on top of the barrel.
  • Trace around the basket’s opening to create a cutting guide.
  • Drill a small starter hole inside the circle using a spade bit.
  • Insert a jigsaw blade into the starter hole and cut along the inside of the circle.
    This opening should be just big enough for the skimmer basket to sit securely on the cut edge.

Drill holes for the spigots

  • Lower watering spigot:
    Mark a spot about 2 inches above the bottom of the barrel.
    Drill the hole using a spade drill bit.
  • Upper overflow spigot:
    Mark a second spot about 2 inches below the top of the barrel.
    Drill this hole with the same type of bit.

Attach spigots

  • Test opening sizes by fitting spigots into holes, use utility knife as needed to size up 
  • Remove spigots, wrap threads in tape, caulk threads and place into openings 
  • Caulk around cut openings to seal 

Glue and cut screen to skimmer basket

  • Caulk or use plumbing sealant to trace a line on top of skimmer basket lip 
  • Center window screen over skimmer basket opening and press into caulking 
  • Allow several hours to dry 
  • Cut off excess fiberglass window screen that extends past lip of basket 
  • Set skimmer basket into top opening 

Optional: Build a base

  • Raise your rain barrel
    Place it on something sturdy like cinder blocks, concrete pavers, or build a stand that’s 2–3 feet tall.

  • Make sure the base is strong
    A full 55‑gallon barrel weighs about 480 pounds, so whatever you use must be solid, level, and stable.

Attach hoses

  • Measure the hose length you need

    • Measure the distance from the top spigot down to the ground.
    • Add a little extra length if you want the hose to rest in a splash block, drip channel, or watering can.

  • Cut the hose

    • Cut one piece using the measurement above.
    • Cut a second, shorter piece (about 6–12 inches long) for the bottom spigot.

  • Attach hose couplers

    • Push each cut end of the hose pieces onto a hose coupler.
    • Tighten the screws on the coupler so the hose stays firmly in place.

  • Install the hoses

    • Screw the long hose section onto the top spigot.
    • Screw the short hose section onto the bottom spigot.

Connect

  • Set your rain barrel in place

    • Put the barrel on the ground or on the stand/base you built.
    • Make sure it sits right next to the downspout you picked in Step 1.

  • Cut the downspout

    • Using the instructions you linked earlier, disconnect or cut the downspout above the top of the barrel so water can flow into it.

  • Attach the downspout extender

    • Connect a downspout extender to the cut end of the downspout.
    • Position the extender so water flows through the skimmer basket screen and into the barrel.
A plastic green rain barrel with a faux wood finish.

Purchasing a rain barrel

If you’d prefer to purchase a pre-made rain barrel, check your local home improvement store or resale sites, like Craigslist or Facebook. 

Use water wisely

Once you have collected rain in your barrel, use it wisely.

Always leave upper overflow release spigot open and directed to lawn, splash pad, or landscaping

Attach a hose to the lowering watering spigot or fill a watering can to irrigate your lawn or garden.

Water during early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and waste.

Pair your rain barrel with native plants or a rain garden

Boost soil water absorption and reduce maintenance by planting native species around your home and water with collected rainwater. 

Consider building a rain garden nearby to collect any overflow and filter water naturally. 

Red and purple flowering native plants in a backyard.
Photo source: Down to Earth Services