Rain Barrel Project

Scuba_Dave · 08-16-2010, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by no1hustler

This is a nice system. I wanted to make something but I don't have a good place to put it that would be out of site.

Many people build a wooden fence like structure around them to hide them from view

no1hustler · 08-16-2010, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave

Many people build a wooden fence like structure around them to hide them from view

Yeah, I've contemplated that but I don't think it would look good against my all brick house.

Itsdanf · 08-16-2010, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawktah

Hello!

How is the system working out? I may need to start on a larger scale system myself.

System works great. I wish now that I'd added more capacity, as the plumbing can certainly handle it. The barrels fill up in about 10-15 minutes of a strong rain. It's been another hot, dry summer in Texas, so the more captured, the better!

I'd be sure to add plenty of structural support for the barrels, if emulating this system. They weigh a LOT when full, and I think my framing may be sagging just a bit in the middle. Maybe....

frenchelectrican · 08-17-2010, 12:57 AM

Once you get your 55 US gallon Barrel full of water it will weight in 440 lbs each so total of 4 of them you will end up 1760 LBS total weight so that is pretty good weight so you may want to reforce the lower support with addtional 4X4 below of the main one.

Merci.
Marc

dwoloz · 08-17-2010, 01:24 AM

Very nice!

Couldn't the overflow simply be a drilled hole in any barrel near the top? It would sacrifice a small amount of capacity but make the overflow simpler in design

Itsdanf · 08-17-2010, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwoloz

Very nice!

Couldn't the overflow simply be a drilled hole in any barrel near the top? It would sacrifice a small amount of capacity but make the overflow simpler in design

Each barrel has a screened hole in the top (required for air pressure equalization). If we don't manually divert when the barrels are full, the excess water definitely comes out the tops -- but causes flooding around the structure.

Given how much rain can fall (whenever the rain gods decide to provide), we really need the overflow diverted away.

ChrisDIY · 08-17-2010, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Itsdanf

System works great. I wish now that I'd added more capacity, as the plumbing can certainly handle it. The barrels fill up in about 10-15 minutes of a strong rain. It's been another hot, dry summer in Texas, so the more captured, the better!

I'd be sure to add plenty of structural support for the barrels, if emulating this system. They weigh a LOT when full, and I think my framing may be sagging just a bit in the middle. Maybe....

I am contemplating 10,000 gallon polyethylene tank(s), would clearly be resting on the ground

.

dwoloz · 08-17-2010, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Itsdanf

Each barrel has a screened hole in the top (required for air pressure equalization). If we don't manually divert when the barrels are full, the excess water definitely comes out the tops -- but causes flooding around the structure.

Given how much rain can fall (whenever the rain gods decide to provide), we really need the overflow diverted away.

A crude picture of what I'm talking about is attached. The overflow would be sent through a pipe to anywhere you wanted (either to underground drainage or to another rain barrel system).
The barrel would have to either be tapped and threaded for the overflow pipe connection or a fitting glued in place. Its certainly possible though

BGGRNTXS · 10-04-2010, 10:29 AM

Very nice setup
Another project for my to do list
With everything on this site my list is getting longer

patriciathorney · 07-01-2011, 06:07 AM

Job well done! Keep it up!