We have a 32 gallon rain barrel that is connected to our gutter system. During a normal rain, our barrel will fill in approximately 10 minutes. Hmmm... time to set up another? I think so! I really wanted to get a second barrel but my darling husband wasn't too keen on the idea of two rain barrels gushing water after 10 minutes of rain and no gutters to direct the overflow in the back of our house. If you're in the same boat with your spouse here's an argument-free idea: Link the barrels!! It's insanely easy.
What You Need:
-Second Barrel
-Short hose with connectors on each end.
What To Do:
Connect the two barrel spouts using the short hose.Turn the spout handles so that both spouts are open. This will allow the second barrel to become the overflow barrel when the first barrel begins to fill. When you are ready to use the water,be sure to close BOTH spouts. Remove one side of the connector hose.This will allow you to connect your garden hose to one barrel and save the other barrel's water.
Go ahead with your bad self, you just made your very own "overflow tank"!
I've gotten pretty handy with a drill and I'm going to attempt making my second barrel using this YouTube tutorial.
Once it's made I'll add a video tutorial of how to link the barrels, but I know guys are so smart that you can do it without my terrible video making skills. ;)
If you are not handy with a drill and you're in the Raleigh area (which I know most of you aren't, sorry!!), we bought our first rain barrel from one of the Give Them Roots' readers! Her husband makes 32 gallon rain barrels and sells them for $25. If you've ever looked at rain barrels then you probably know that's a steal. You can email Nathan for details or to purchase a barrel at nshedgpe@hotmail.com .
Here's to lots of summer showers to fill your barrel... or barrels!
4 comments:
Funny you should mention this! I just asked dear hubby to buy me one the other day and he said, "They're illegal in Utah!" What?? Sure enough, they are illegal in Utah and Colorado. It doesn't seem like they'll mind one in your yard, but you'll get fined or arrested for more than one!! Weird law, huh? I guess they'll start charging me for the air I breath soon! Thanks for the info! I'm getting one anyway...
Our rain barrel fills quickly too! During the last FLorida rainstorm (they are frequent) we put the discharge hose into the pool, so as the barrel filled, it overflowed into our swimming pool. The barrel is still full, and so is the pool!
To the comment above, I can't even believe that you could not have more than one in those states! That is totally crazy!!!!
That is INSANE! I am also shocked abt that law. Especially Colorado!! What is the reasoning?
Not really sure, other than they say we're stealing from people downstream... but if I take the water and pour it on my garden, it's still going "downstream." Lame, huh?
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