Are you looking for DIY Rain Barrel Ideas for your homestead?
Collecting rainwater is an excellent way to conserve water, save money, and help the environment.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it only takes 1/4 inch of rain on your roof to fill a rain barrel. A 1,000 sq ft. roof plus 1 inch of rain equals about 600 FREE gallons of water!
Rain Barrels can provide the average home with about 1300 gallons of water/yr.
Depending on the type of rain barrel collecting system and the average rainfall in a particular location, it is not hard to exceed 2000 gallons a year.
Rain barrel water can be used in your garden and for many non-potable needs both indoors and out.
If you are in a rush this is the rain barrel our readers buy most often.
It might seem hard to believe that there are certain states that have restrictions on rainwater collection.
Some of these laws are long overdue for reform and others are based on some practical factors that are not hard to comply with.
As you will see most restrictions are not based on concerns about rainwater collecting having an impact on the hydrologic water cycle.
Private homes collecting water was studied and not found to be a concern if the water was used for personal use Scientific World Journal.
The state restrictions are actually quite reasonable and make sense to avoid abusing the use of this natural resource.
Below, is a list of some of the restrictions states may or may not impose on rainwater collection.
The most common stipulation or restriction that states require is that water collected on your property stays on your property and is not transported to another facility or location.
* This prevents the sale of rainwater and the disruption of the hydrologic water cycle for a particular location.
Collecting Rainwater:
- It is to be used on the property where it was collected.
- It cannot be used indoors.
- The collecting system must be designed by trained engineers.
- Total water collection restrictions apply in some states (Colorado, Utah, etc..)
- The collection is for personal use.
- Some states offer DIY rain barrel ideas.
- Many states encourage it for conservation.
- Some states have incentives (Florida, Rhode Island).
- This list is only some of the restrictions a state might impose. Many states have no restrictions and actually encourage the collection of rainwater. Since this list is being constantly updated, it is important to check with your local water supply company to be aware of the most current guidelines for rainwater collection in your community.
The following website is an excellent resource to determine what the legalities are of collecting rainwater in your state: Is it Illegal to Collect Rainwater in 2020: State by State Guide
There is no federal law restricting rainwater collection which is great news for homesteaders!
Let’s jump in and take a look at some simple DIY rain barrel designs.
10 DIY Rain Barrel Ideas For Your Homestead
1. Rain Barrel Stand by Practically Functional
Having a secure rain barrel stand is a must.
Depending on how much rain you will be collecting using one of these DIY Rain Barrel Ideas, the collection tank can get very heavy.
If not securely fastened, it could be extremely dangerous if the collection tank was to fall on top of a child or animal.
The Rain Barrel stand presented by Practically Functional is an excellent plan and is very stable.
2. Easy Trash Can Rain Barrel by A Cultivated Nest
Coming up with creative DIY Rain Barrel Ideas for your home is not difficult and best of all, they can be very inexpensive.
There are so many examples of DIY Rain Barrel Ideas online that your head will be spinning.
Whatever rain barrel you choose for your home, there are a few important details you want to keep in mind:
- Make sure it is secured when filled.
- Avoid collecting water that may contain toxic substances.
- Determine the capacity you will need to serve your needs.
- Construct out of materials that will hold up best through multiple seasons.
- Consider DIY rain barrel ideas that you can add on to, so you can make collection and storage modifications if your water needs increase.
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3. DIY Raised Rain Barrels by Pretty Handy Girl
Rain barrels need to be winterized to prevent damage. All standing water needs to be removed or ice will form and will crack the rain barrel. Whatever is channeling water into your rain barrel has to be disconnected or diverted. Lastly, it is important to wash out the inside and remove the spigot.
4. Your Rain Barrel by Condo Blues
Remember to winterize your rain barrel if you live in an area that has winter weather with temperatures dipping below freezing. If ice forms in your rain barrel it will crack.
To avoid this make sure your fall checklist includes making sure there is no standing water in the rain barrel before the onset of freezing temperatures.
In addition, you will also want to disconnect your downspout connection to the rain barrel or use a downspout diverter. With all the chores we need to do in preparation for winter, it is easy to forget to drain your rain barrel. Add this to your list so you won’t forget.
5. Garbage Can Rain Barrel with Hose by Design Decor
DIY rain barrel ideas are endless. This design includes a hose for easier water distribution. This an inexpensive way to get your rain barrel system up and running.
You can always swap it out for a prettier or fancier one later on.
You’ll have access to free water for your garden or other homestead projects quickly.
When you start homesteading you learn fast that it can be expensive. Inexpensive or free is the way we approach projects on our homestead.
Can we do it for free?
If not, can we do it inexpensively?
6. Rain Barrel Stand by The Handyman’s Daughter
If a rain barrel is going to become a permanent fixture on your homestead, you will want to be sure it is supported by a solid stand.
Even the smallest rain barrel, when filled with water, is extremely heavy.
If it is perched on a stand that is not designed properly it can pose a significant danger if it were to fall.
7. $35 Rain Barrel by Measuring Up
If you are looking for easy DIY rain barrel ideas that won’t break the bank, this rain barrel is a great option.
It is made from a 55-gallon plastic trash can.
The only additional items are a spigot to be attached at the bottom, a stand that you can make, or improvise with stones and a screen to cover the water to keep mosquitoes away.
Though this gutter-less rain barrel can stand alone. You can also learn ways to increase rain collection!
8. Backyard Rainwater Collection System by Salvage Sister and Mister
If you are looking for a done-for-you rainwater collection system, this is for you.
Follow the process of installing a rain barrel system to supplement your outdoor watering needs.
9. Gutter-Less Rain Barrel by Confessions of an Overworked Mom
If you are considering using one of these DIY rain barrel ideas it is important to note that you don’t have to collect the water from your gutter.
If you do not have gutters, during a rainstorm, go out and observe where the water from your roof collects and runs off the roof.
That will be the place you will want to put a catch basin that will funnel into a collection tube. Water run-off volume is usually the largest where two portions of the roof intersect.
If your roof has gables, dormers, etc. knowing the place with the most water runoff is best done by observation during a heavy storm.
You can measure and design all the plans in the world, but ultimately the channel water takes off your roof is most easily determined through observation. Once you funnel the water, a rain barrel pump can be used to direct the water to additional storage units.
