Build Your Own Rain Barrel — A Simple Weekend Project

Posted on July 10, 2026 by Laura Blood

A small section of roof can generate an astonishing amount of water — even an 8’x10′ area can produce about 48 gallons during a single one-inch rain event.

Instead of letting that water runoff into storm drains, a rain barrel lets you capture it and put it to use watering your garden, washing your car, or cleaning your garden pots. It’s an easy, low-cost way to cut down on your water bill, reduce runoff and erosion around your home, and make your yard a little more sustainable.

Best of all, you can build one yourself in an afternoon with basic tools.

SOURCING YOUR SUPPLIES

You don’t need to spend a lot to get started, about $70 for a barrel and a parts kit. Here’s where to look:

Barrel: Look for a food-grade, 55-gallon plastic drum (blue is common and helps reduce algae growth). Avoid any barrel that previously held chemicals. Blue Barrel Systems sells recycled, pre-screened food-grade barrels available for local pickup in many areas. You can also find them on Facebook Marketplace or Buy Nothing Groups.

Parts kit: A complete kit takes the guesswork out of drilling and fittings. EarthMinded makes a popular DIY kit with the spigot, diverter, hose, hole saws, and seals all included. Kits are also available through Home Depot and Amazon.

Secondhand finds: Check Facebook Marketplace and local Buy Nothing groups for barrels, cinder blocks, or stands — people often give these away or sell them cheap.

Tools: You typically only need a drill, hole saw bits, and measuring tape. Local tool libraries or hardware store rentals are also worth checking if you don’t own a drill.

SETTING UP YOUR LOCATION

Find a convenient location away from electrical boxes and cables under a downspout near where you will be using water. Keep the barrel within three feet of the downspout.

Flatten and level the area. You can do this with sand and bricks or cement blocks. Since 55 gallons of water weighs 459 pounds, make sure things are level before adding your barrel.

Elevate the barrel if possible. More height means more pressure. Keep this in mind if you want to do any type of irrigation.

INSTALLING THE SPIGOT AND DRAIN

We recommend both a spigot and a drain with valves to help with draining in the winter and keeping normal water flow free of debris.

The distance below the spigot should allow for a bucket or watering can to be placed underneath.

Measure and mark your spot, drill the hole with a 1 ¼-inch hole saw, pinch the threaded rubber seal into place, and thread the spigot in firmly until it points downward.

Tip: You can use bulkhead fittings (fittings on both the inside and outside of the barrel) for barrels that have a removable lid. Most kits are designed with fittings made to install from the front or only on the outside of the barrel (assuming you do not have a removable lid).

GETTING WATER TO YOUR RAIN BARREL

Three common ways to get water to the barrel:

Divertor. These require you to drill into your downspout. They are included in most rain barrel kits. If using a divertor, you can use the same inlet hose for an overflow if the hole going into the downspout is at the same level as the inlet hole going into the top of the barrel. Use a 1 ½ -inch hole bit to drill a hole into the barrel for the inlet hose and a 2 1/8 -inch hole bit to drill the hole in the downspout for the divertor.

Tip: Ensure that you measure your downspout before purchasing a divertor. Common divertors can be purchased for 2 x 3 inch, 3 x 4 inch, or round downspouts.

Cut your downspout and add a 45-degree elbow. (You may need to drill a larger hole into the top of the barrel for the water to flow into and add screening.) You will need to add an overflow hose and direct the water away from your home. After preparing your base, we recommend setting your barrel on top and measuring 2 inches above the top. You may wish to keep your piece of downspout for winterizing or attach a flexible spout extension.

Rain chain. This allows water to flow from an eave that does not have a downspout attached. You will need to install an overflow hose.

INSTALLING THE OUTLET/OVERFLOW

Add an overflow outlet so excess water has somewhere to go once the barrel fills up during a heavy rain.

Direct the overflow hose away from your home’s foundation, toward a garden bed is ideal. If you’re linking multiple barrels together, the overflow is also how you’ll connect them. You can use the same 1 ½-inch hole saw and hose as for the inlet hose.

MAINTENANCE

Throughout the season:

Check regularly for leaks.
Clear debris from the downspout, gutters, and inlet screen.
Make sure the spigot and inlet are working properly.

Seasonally:

Disconnect and fully empty the barrel before freezing temperatures. Trapped water can freeze and crack the barrel.
Ensure the downspout won’t accumulate ice.
Set up the barrel again in spring following any threat of freezing temperatures.

RECOMMENDED HOW-TO VIDEOS

Here is a great video using the Earthminded divertor kit
Here is another video for those who chose not to use a divertor

WATERSHEDS & RAIN BARREL WORKSHOPS
Free workshops available for customers serviced by American Water only

Wed, August 5, Butler, Butler County REGISTER NOW
Wed, August 12, Whitehall, Allegheny County REGISTER NOW
Tues, August 25, Exeter, Berks County REGISTER NOW

Visit prc.org/rainbarrel for a schedule of PRC workshops and webinars.

SOURCES

MEET PRC ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR LAURA BLOOD

On a day-to-day basis, Laura helps people of all ages learn to steward resources to prevent waste and conserve the environment. In the classroom and in the field, she teaches school students about a variety of topics ranging from waste reduction and recycling to environmental health and watershed protection. In-person and online, she teaches adults how to protect vital resources by taking action in their lives and in and around their homes. In her free time, Laura enjoys hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, zip lining, sewing/crafting, native landscaping, pistol shrimp and bladderworts.