A single rain barrel typically holds between 50 and 80 gallons, which may be insufficient for larger gardens or drier climates. By connecting multiple storage containers, homeowners can significantly increase their rainwater capacity, creating a reservoir capable of sustaining landscape needs through extended dry periods. This interconnected system ensures that the maximum amount of precipitation is captured and stored efficiently.
Preparation and Necessary Components
Before beginning installation, assembling the correct components ensures a smooth setup process. You will require a downspout diverter kit, linking kits (flexible tubing and specialized bulkhead fittings), silicone sealant, a power drill, and a hole saw matching the size of your fittings.
The installation site requires careful preparation to manage the weight of the water, as a full 55-gallon barrel weighs approximately 450 pounds. The ground underneath the barrels must be completely level and able to support the combined mass of the entire system. Elevating the barrels on concrete blocks or a sturdy wooden stand is recommended, as this utilizes gravity to create better water pressure. This elevation should ensure the bottom of the spigot is higher than the final delivery point.
Connecting the First Barrel to the Downspout
The first step involves modifying the existing gutter downspout to redirect water flow into the initial barrel. Hold the downspout diverter next to the spout and mark the section that needs to be removed, positioning the diverter slightly higher than the barrel’s inlet port. Use a hacksaw to carefully cut out the marked section, creating a clean opening for the diverter unit. Securely fit the diverter into the gap, often requiring screws to fasten it to the downspout.
Once the diverter is in place, attach the transfer hose between the diverter and the first rain barrel’s inlet opening, which is typically located near the top. If the barrel is not pre-drilled, use a hole saw matching the size of the inlet fitting to create an opening in the barrel wall. Thread the inlet fitting through this hole, applying a bead of silicone sealant around the flange or threads to establish a watertight seal against the plastic surface.
The flexible transfer hose connects the diverter’s outlet port to the newly installed inlet fitting on the barrel. This connection establishes the primary pathway for rainwater collection. Proper sealing at both the diverter and the barrel ensures that no water is lost before it enters the storage system.
Linking Barrels for Increased Capacity
To increase storage, individual barrels must be linked together to function as a single, large reservoir. The most efficient method involves connecting the barrels near the bottom in a parallel configuration. This ensures the water level equalizes rapidly across all connected barrels and that water is drawn evenly from the entire system.
The process begins by carefully marking the location for the linking holes on the side of each barrel at the exact same height above the ground. Use a hole saw matching the diameter of the chosen bulkhead fittings to drill the holes where the barrels face each other. Maintaining consistent height is important because any difference in elevation will prevent the water from flowing freely and equalizing the level.
Install a bulkhead fitting into each newly drilled hole. Thread the large nut onto the fitting from the inside of the barrel to secure it tightly against the plastic wall. A rubber gasket, typically included with the fitting, should be positioned on the outside to create a compression seal and prevent leaks under hydrostatic pressure.
The barrels are linked using a short section of flexible, kink-resistant hose or pipe connecting the two adjacent bulkhead fittings. This creates a continuous channel for water flow. This linking process is repeated for every barrel in the chain, transforming the individual containers into one large, unified storage network.
System Overflow Management and Drainage
Once the entire system is linked, the final step involves managing the overflow that occurs when storage capacity is reached. The last barrel in the sequence must be equipped with an overflow port installed near the top rim of the container. This port serves as the safety release point for the entire network, and a hose or pipe is attached to provide a controlled pathway for excess water.
Directing this overflow water away from the home’s foundation is necessary to prevent structural damage and soil erosion. The overflow hose should be extended at least six to ten feet away from the foundation wall. Alternatively, the hose can be routed toward a dedicated drainage solution, such as a rain garden, a dry well, or an existing French drain system.
The downspout diverter on the first barrel acts as a secondary overflow, automatically rerouting water back into the original downspout once the system is full. The dedicated overflow on the last barrel provides the primary controlled exit point, ensuring water pressure remains managed during heavy rainfall.