How To Harvest Rain

Contents:

How To Install A Rain Barrel

How To Paint A Rain Barrel

Suggested Product Links

More Rain Harvesting Methods

Frequently Asked Questions

Time to join the movement. Harvesting rainwater is easier than you think. With just six tools (three of which you likely already have) and six simple steps, you'll have a rain barrel installed in under 30 minutes. It can last for over a decade and save you money on your water bill, eventually paying for itself. You can also ask your gardener (or local gardener) to install it for you. See the suggested product links below—using the correct products is important, as the wrong ones can affect the barrel’s durability and finish.

How To Install A Rain Barrel

  • 1. Gather tools

    First, you will need to gather the tools for installing a rain barrel. You will need: Rain barrel, hacksaw, stand or cement blocks, drill & screws, flexible elbow or diverter. See the suggested product links below.

  • 2. Choose location

    Choose the roof downspout(s) you will be using. Choose a spot close to your garden or plants so the collected water is easy to use.

  • 3. Create a stable base

    Level the ground under your chosen downspout. If on dirt, create a firm base using compacted gravel or concrete pavers to prevent sinking. Then elevate the barrel on bricks, concrete blocks, or a small wooden platform to improve water flow and make filling easier.

  • 4. Mark and cut downspout

    After placing the barrel on top of the riser, mark the downspout just above the barrel’s inlet. A sharpie/marker works best for this. Then carefully cut the downspout using a hacksaw or tin snips. If accessible, this step can be easier by unscrewing your downspout and cutting it on a table. Take your time so the cut is straight and clean.

  • 5. Install diverter or elbow

    Attach a downspout diverter or elbow to the cut section of the downspout. A diverter diverts all the water to the rain barrel, while an elbow redirects rainwater from the gutter into the rain barrel while still allowing overflow to continue down the drain when the barrel is full. Follow the instructions on your specific diverter/elbow. Screw it in place if needed. Direct the opening of the diverter/elbow to the inlet on the rain barrel.

  • 6. Add an overflow hose/rain garden (optional)

    You can attach a hose to the top spout near the lid and redirect it to a nearby tree, plant, or rain garden. To make a simple rain garden, choose a low-lying spot near the barrel and plant native, water-tolerant plants or seeds in a shallow depression


How To Paint A Rain Barrel

  • 1. Gather Tools

    To paint a rain barrel, you will need: Soap/water, sponge, sandpaper, plastic primer, paint, paint brushes, tape, and sealer. See suggested product links below. 

  • 2. Clean

    Clean the exterior to remove dirt, grime, and labels using soap/water or a 1:1 mixture of water/vinegar. Scrub the entire barrel and rinse, let it fully dry.

  • 3. Sand

    Sand the entire surface with 220-grit to 400-grit sandpaper to remove the glossy waxy coating and create a better surface for the primer to adhere to. If you dont sand the paint will likley not adhere and could peel off.

  • 4. Prime

    Tape the barrels rim and spouts, then apply a plastic primer to the barrel. Use the form of a spray can: Shake the bottle for 2 minutes before using, wear a mask, and spray the entire barrel from 8-10 inches away. Spray the barrel outisde and on a tarp. Apply 3 coats and wait 20 min between each one. If you're using a paint+primer mix after the 3 coats, you should not be able to see the original barrel colour. Use 1 can per barrel.

  • 5. Paint

    Get creative! This is where you can turn your rain barrel into something unique and expressive. Ideally, use outdoor acrylic paint. You can sketch your design lightly with a pencil first and use painter’s tape to create clean lines.

  • 6. Seal

    After the paint is fully dry (24-48 hours), apply a clear, UV-resistant water-based protective coat to prevent chipping and fading. If it is oil-based, it will add a yellow grime to any light-colored painted areas. Apply the sealer indoors. Do not use a spray sealer, as it is hard to tell if it is evenly distributed. Use a paint-on version, stir it, do not shake, and use a large brush and or paint roller for flat surfaces. Apply 3 even coats. Allow the sealer to fully cure before installing the barrel (2-7 days)

Suggested Products

This list includes all the tools and materials needed to install and paint a rain barrel. Some products are commonly available used at local marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Other items are generally purchased new for the best results. Each product page notes whether a used option is practical or recommended.

 

If you’re ready to go beyond the barrel, you can turn your entire yard into a living sponge through passive harvesting. First, find a level path across your slope. Dig a shallow, flat-bottomed trench—your swale—along this line to catch runoff. Take the dirt you’ve dug out and pile it into a small, rounded mound called a berm on the downhill side of the trench. This creates a basin that forces rainwater to “slow, spread, and sink” into the dirt instead of rushing away. To finish, cover the berm with mulch and plants to prevent erosion. This simple earthwork recharges groundwater and keeps your garden hydrated long after the clouds clear.

 

Maximize Your Impact: Swales/Berms

 Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Rain barrels are available at most hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's, through online retailers, or even cheaper on used marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Check out our suggested products above for vetted options you can order online.

  • Rain barrels require very little maintenance. Check the screened lid occasionally to make sure leaves and debris are not blocking it. Clear the screen if needed. If the water starts to smell off, empty the barrel and wait for the next rain to wash it out or clean it.

  • Rinse the barrel occasionally to remove sediment and organic material. A gentle cleaning solution can be made with a small amount of castile soap and vinegar or lemon juice mixed with water. After cleaning, empty the water onto landscaping where the diluted solution will not harm plants.

  • Most rain barrels include a screened lid designed to keep mosquitoes out. Using the water regularly and keeping the screen intact helps prevent mosquito problems. Non-toxic mosquito control products can also be used if necessary.

  • No. Rain barrel water is non-potable and should not be used for drinking or cooking. It may contain dust, roof materials, bird droppings, or other pollutants. Use the water for anything you would use your hose for. You can filter the water at your own caution.

  • Some algae growth is normal and generally does not harm plants. However, algae can occasionally clog the spigot, so periodic cleaning may be helpful.

  • Water can be stored for varying amounts of time depending on use and conditions. In general, it is best to use the water regularly so the barrel is ready to capture the next rainfall.

  • Rainwater is generally safe for garden use and is actually better for your plants than tap water; it's free of chlorine, fluoride, and the agricultural pesticides that can leach into Ojai's groundwater wells. While microplastics are present in rainwater due to atmospheric pollution, they exist at trace levels consistent with the environment broadly and do not pose a meaningful risk for garden irrigation.