Rain barrel daisy-chaining connects multiple storage containers to function as a single, unified system. This process significantly increases the overall capacity for harvesting rainwater from a single downspout. Instead of relying on the limited volume of one barrel, a linked system allows users to capture and store hundreds of gallons of water. This maximizes water conservation efforts, providing a larger reserve for landscape irrigation or other non-potable uses.
Gathering Your Supplies and Tools
To begin, you need the rain barrels and specialized linking hardware. This includes one or more bulkhead fittings, which are connectors designed to create a watertight seal when installed through the barrel wall.
You also need a connecting hose or pipe, such as flexible PVC tubing, sized to fit the fittings. Silicone sealant or plumber’s tape ensures the connections remain leak-proof.
Tools required include an electric drill, a hole saw matching the diameter of the fittings, and a tape measure. A level is also important to ensure the foundation for your system is properly installed.
Preparing the Primary Barrel
The first step is selecting the placement for the primary barrel, which receives water directly from the downspout. This location must be on stable, compacted ground, as a full 55-gallon barrel can weigh over 450 pounds, requiring a substantial foundation.
Prepare a solid, level base using concrete pavers, cinder blocks, or a wood platform. Elevating the barrel 12 to 18 inches above the ground is recommended; this allows gravity to assist in water retrieval and provides better pressure for hose attachment.
Next, install a diverter kit on the downspout to channel water into the barrel while preventing debris from entering. The diverter must be positioned so the inlet port rests above the maximum fill line to prevent backflow into the gutter system.
Finally, install the spigot near the bottom of the primary barrel. This serves as the access point for drawing water from the entire linked system. Secure the spigot with threading and sealant to prevent water loss.
Executing the Barrel Connection
The connection process begins by determining the precise height for the linking port on all barrels to ensure hydrostatic equilibrium. The port must be placed at the exact same height on every barrel so water flows freely and fills all containers equally. Placing holes too low may interfere with sediment, while placing them too high reduces usable capacity.
Mark the connection point on both the primary and secondary barrels using the tape measure. This location is typically 6 to 8 inches below the top rim, leaving room for an air gap and debris.
Use the hole saw attached to the drill to bore a clean, circular opening through the barrel wall. The hole diameter must exactly match the bulkhead fitting specifications to ensure a proper mechanical seal.
Install the bulkhead fitting into the hole, applying silicone sealant around the exterior flange before securing the retaining nut inside. Allow the sealant sufficient time to cure (up to 24 hours) before introducing water pressure.
With the fittings secured, measure and cut the connecting pipe or flexible tubing to span the distance. The connecting hose should be installed with minimal slack or bends to maintain optimal flow dynamics.
Securely attach the connecting hose to the bulkhead fittings, tightening clamps or compression fittings to establish a leak-proof pathway. If linking a third barrel, repeat the process, ensuring the linking height remains identical.
The final barrel requires an overflow mechanism near the top rim. This prevents pressure buildup and uncontrolled spilling when the system reaches maximum capacity. Direct this overflow away from the foundation toward a suitable drainage area, such as a rain garden or storm drain.
Testing the System and Essential Upkeep
After connections are secured and the sealant has fully cured, test the system by allowing water to enter the primary barrel. Inspect every connection point, especially the bulkhead fittings and the spigot, for any sign of dripping or seepage under pressure.
Confirm water flows freely into the secondary and subsequent barrels until the water level equalizes across all containers. If levels are unequal, it indicates a flow restriction or an inconsistency in the drilled linking height that needs correction.
For longevity, minor maintenance is required, including occasional draining and flushing to remove accumulated sediment and organic material. Sediment buildup can eventually clog the linking hoses and reduce system efficiency.
In regions with freezing temperatures, the entire system must be winterized. Drain all water and disconnect the barrels and downspout diverter. Failing to empty the containers can result in the expansion of freezing water, which will crack the barrel walls and fittings.