You can connect rain barrels to increase your water storage capacity by using a linking kit and drilling a hole in each barrel for connection. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Steps to Connect Rain Barrels:
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Determine the Number of Barrels & Placement: Decide how many rain barrels you want to connect and where they will be positioned relative to each other. Ideally, they should be on a level surface and close together.
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Gather Your Supplies: You'll need the following:
- Rain barrels
- Rain barrel linking kit (This usually includes couplings, a length of hose, and sometimes a hole saw)
- Drill
- Hole saw (likely 1" or sized appropriately for the coupling - may be included in the kit)
- Pliers (optional, for tightening)
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Pencil or marker
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Drill the Connection Holes:
- Choose the location for the connection on each rain barrel. This is typically near the bottom to maximize water transfer. Ensure all barrels are drilled at the same height!
- Use the hole saw attachment on your drill to carefully drill a hole in each barrel. Refer to the linking kit instructions for the correct hole size.
- Important: Go slowly to prevent cracking the plastic.
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Install the Couplings:
- Slightly heat the area around the drilled hole with a heat gun or hairdryer. Be careful not to melt the plastic. This step softens it for easier coupling insertion.
- Insert a hose coupling into each hole. They should fit snugly.
- Tighten the couplings from both inside and outside the barrel if possible. Pliers can be used gently to secure the connections.
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Connect the Hose:
- Attach the hose to the couplings between the rain barrels.
- Ensure the hose is securely clamped to prevent leaks.
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Test for Leaks:
- After connecting, test the system by filling the first barrel and observing for any leaks around the connections. Tighten any loose connections as needed.
Important Considerations:
- Overflow: Plan for overflow. Connect an overflow hose to the last barrel in the series to direct excess water away from your foundation.
- Level Surface: Place the barrels on a level surface to ensure even water distribution.
- Winterizing: In cold climates, disconnect and drain the barrels before freezing temperatures to prevent damage.
- Material Compatibility: Make sure that the materials used for the connections are compatible with the plastic of the rain barrels to avoid any chemical reactions or degradation.
