An increasing number of homeowners are setting up rain barrel systems on their properties for landscaping and gardening purposes. They are cheap to buy, easy to establish and require very little maintenance (if any). If this seems like something that interests you, I explain all of the supplies that is involved below.
A rain harvesting system usually consists of a rainwater diverter, a water collection tank, a spigot and a hose. Some decorative models include extra functions like planters, while homemade variations may not have things like the diverter or hose.
A Diverter
The diverter connects to the rain gutter downspout and diverts the water into the rain barrel. Diverters typically include screens to filter out debris so that it does not wind up in the rain barrel. These can be bought individually or in some cases come with the rain barrel kit.
The Rain Collection Tank
The rainwater collection tank typically holds in between 30 and 100 gallons of water. Some containers are taller and slim while other models are more round. When choosing which size and shape container you want, consider the space available where you want to use your barrel. Narrow walkways, for instance are not generally ideal for a large rain barrel. On the other hand, if you have lots of space and lots of water runoff, having multiple tanks that you can connect together may be a better option for you.
A Spigot
The spigot releases the water that has been gathered in the rain tank. Brass or other rust-free metal spigots are preferred over plastic variations, since they are more durable and last longer. Plastic spigots included in some rain barrel kits can generally be switched out for more long lasting spigots or just changed when they break.
A Hose Attachment
In some cases hoses are included with rain barrel kits. These generally run between 3 and 6 feet, so they are not long. You can also attach your existing garden hose to the spigot if you have to reach distances further away. Nonetheless, bear in mind that the water pressure from a rain barrel is not the same as what originates from your city or well.
All in all, rain collection systems are fairly basic. In fact, there is not much variation between styles. Some people construct their own, while others choose to purchase more ornamental versions.
Due to the fact that these smaller sized rain barrels are simple and economical, it's less intimidating for newbies to begin. Once you have set up your first rain harvester, you can actually increase your rainwater collection capability by setting up more barrels and linking them together with cost-effective connector kits that are priced at about $20.
A rain harvesting system usually consists of a rainwater diverter, a water collection tank, a spigot and a hose. Some decorative models include extra functions like planters, while homemade variations may not have things like the diverter or hose.
A Diverter
The diverter connects to the rain gutter downspout and diverts the water into the rain barrel. Diverters typically include screens to filter out debris so that it does not wind up in the rain barrel. These can be bought individually or in some cases come with the rain barrel kit.
The Rain Collection Tank
The rainwater collection tank typically holds in between 30 and 100 gallons of water. Some containers are taller and slim while other models are more round. When choosing which size and shape container you want, consider the space available where you want to use your barrel. Narrow walkways, for instance are not generally ideal for a large rain barrel. On the other hand, if you have lots of space and lots of water runoff, having multiple tanks that you can connect together may be a better option for you.
A Spigot
The spigot releases the water that has been gathered in the rain tank. Brass or other rust-free metal spigots are preferred over plastic variations, since they are more durable and last longer. Plastic spigots included in some rain barrel kits can generally be switched out for more long lasting spigots or just changed when they break.
A Hose Attachment
In some cases hoses are included with rain barrel kits. These generally run between 3 and 6 feet, so they are not long. You can also attach your existing garden hose to the spigot if you have to reach distances further away. Nonetheless, bear in mind that the water pressure from a rain barrel is not the same as what originates from your city or well.
All in all, rain collection systems are fairly basic. In fact, there is not much variation between styles. Some people construct their own, while others choose to purchase more ornamental versions.
Due to the fact that these smaller sized rain barrels are simple and economical, it's less intimidating for newbies to begin. Once you have set up your first rain harvester, you can actually increase your rainwater collection capability by setting up more barrels and linking them together with cost-effective connector kits that are priced at about $20.
About the Author:
If you want to learn more about interesting ways you can use a rain tank, see this page
No comments:
Post a Comment