How to Make a Rain Barrel Out of a Recycled Food-grade Plastic Drum

Rain barrels are a great way to help the environment by conserving water and reducing stormwater run-off, a major source of water pollution. A rain barrel can also help you save money on water bills during the hot summer months, allowing you to store rainwater and put it to good use watering your lawn or garden. Follow these instructions and you'll be making your own eco-friendly rain barrels in no time!

Tools and materials:

Recycled food-grade plastic drum

I recommend using a recycled plastic drum to help keep lost low, as well as to make the project as green as possible. Try to find one with a removable screw top lid. Make sure to use a food-grade container to ensure that the drum did not contain hazardous materials in its former life. Ideally, find one that still has the label on it to prove that it stored food. If you're resourceful and have the time, you can probably find one for free. You can save time by searching on Craigslist and other local online classifieds. The price of recycled food-grade plastic drum varies by seller and location, but I wouldn't pay more than $10 to $15 for one unless it is pre-cleaned or you're desperate.

Once the barrel is secured, you'll want to give it a thorough wash down with soap and disinfectant. I scrub my barrels down using Seventh Generation dish soap, followed up by disinfectant wipes.

3/4'" boiler drain

I use an American Valve ¾" boiler drain with a plastic compression nut. These can be purchased at Lowe's for around $10 to $11. The drain will serve as a spigot, allowing you to easily drain your rain barrel.

Overflow outlet and discharge hose

I recommend using the Utilitech's 1 ¼" X 24' Universal Sump Discharge Hose Kit. This includes 1 ¼" X 1 ½" outlet and 1 ¼" X 24' discharge hose. I get mine at Lowe's for between $10 and $11. If you have your rain barrel hooked up to your downspout, this crucial component will allow you to divert any overflow away from your foundation and basement.

Metal screen or screens:

I usually use a cheap Elite Line stainless steel mesh drain strainer purchased at The Christmas Tree Shop for less than a buck. Similar strainers can be found at Lowe's for bit more. The strainer will be placed in the hole(s) on top of your rain barrel, helping to keep out insects, leaves and other debris that could clog the spigot.

Power drill

2 ½" hole saw

1" hole saw

1 ¾" hole saw

1" metal washer

Silicon tape

Caulking compatible with plastic and metal

Wrench or pliers

How to assemble a rain barrel:

1. Use the 1" hole saw to drill a hole approximately 3" to 4" up from the bottom of the barrel.
2. Remove the plastic compression nut from the boiler drain.
3. Wrap the end of boiler drain with silicon tape - 2 to 3 rotations should do the trick.
4. On the outside of the barrel, place a bead of caulk around the hole you just drilled.
5. Center the washer around the hole and on top of the caulk.
6. Slowly screw the end of the boiler drain into the hole. The end that had the plastic compression nut on it should be screwed into the barrel so that the handle is on outside of the barrel. Avoid over tightening to prevent the plastic from stripping, making sure to keep the boiler drain straight and flush with the washer and barrel surface throughout the process.
7. Leaning inside the barrel, apply a bead of cock around the hole and boiler drain.
8. Inside the barrel, screw the plastic compression nut back onto the threads of the boiler drain until tight.
9. On the outside of the barrel, test the tightness of the boiler drain by trying to turn it clockwise. If it turns easily, have someone lean/crawl into the barrel to hold the compression nut tight using a wrench or pliers. Have another person on the outside of the barrel turn the boiler drain counter clockwise until it is tight and facing downward. Wear work gloves to protect your hands.
10. Use the 1 ¾" hole saw to drill a hole on the left or right side of the barrel near the top, below the threads if you are using the recommended screw top lid style barrel. Keep in mind this hole will act as the high water mark of your rain barrel, serving as an exit point for overflow.
11. On the outside of the barrel, screw the 1 ½" end of the 1 ¼" X 1 ½" overflow outlet into the hole you just drilled. You may need to use a bit of force to push the threads into the hole a ways before they will catch. It will be tight, so feel free to use a wrench or pliers to screw the outlet in place and wear work gloves to protect your hands.
12. Attach the discharge hose over the 1 ¼" end of the outlet on the outside of the barrel.
13. On top of the barrel, drill one or several holes using the 2 ½" hole saw
14. Place the stainless steel mesh drain strainer(s) over the hole(s) you just drilled
15. Viola - you have a rain barrel!