I build the barrels out of recycled food-grade drums. I try to keep several sizes and colours on hand, but the most popular one is the large “55 gallon” drum (the actual usable size is generally between 50 and 55 gallons). In most cases, the drums previously contained pickles, olives, capers or fruit. I do not use barrels which previously stored chemicals.
These barrels are much stronger and more durable than most store-bought rain barrels, and since they are reused, they are the most environmentally friendly choice. All barrels include a removable screened top, a length of rigid overflow hose, and 5/8 inch garden hose outlet.
The tops of the barrels are removable, and have a screen in order to prevent mosquito breeding. If larvae do hatch inside the barrel, the screen keeps them in, and they die before they get a chance to escape and bite you. Please do not collect rainwater in an open top container without screening – keeping standing water is illegal within the city!
All of my complete barrels come with two outlets. The bottom outlet is used to draw water. I have designed the outlet to accept standard 5/8″ garden hose, which you will need to provide at whichever length you desire. Note that this is the larger of the two commonly available hose sizes. I include the stainless steel hose clamp you’ll need to connect your hose. For longevity and simplicity, there is no integrated shut off – I have found that the plastic valves on most store bought barrels are the first point of failure, and such a failure often renders the barrel useless. If you need a shutoff, the best option is to affix a removable valve to the end of the hose.
The top outlet is for overflow. I include 6 feet of rigid overflow hose (not the floppy flat hose often seen on the store bought barrels). If you need more, I can provide it, but I have designed it to accept standard sump pump hose from the hardware store, so it is easy to replace your overflow with a longer hose at any time in the future. You will be surprised at the amount of water you can collect in one rainstorm. Do not place the barrel without running the overflow hose – you do not want the spill-over leading directly to your home’s foundation!
