DIY Rainwater Harvesting: Build a Rain Barrel System for Under $50

Rain barrels capture free water for gardens, lower bills, and ease drought restrictions. Two paths: buy a kit ($100+) or build your own for half the cost.

Commercial Systems

• 65-gal capacity, spigot, overflow, diverter options, some with pumps.
• Round barrels only—square ones split at corners.
• Install: cut downspout, redirect, level base.

Build Your Own (Under $50)

Barrel: 55-gal food-grade blue drum ($50 online) or 32+ gal heavy-duty trash can with lid (~$30).

Tools: Drill, hacksaw, screwdriver.

Parts (~$25):

• Downspout diverter
• ½" or ¾" hose bib (spigot)
• Teflon tape
• Plastic mesh screen

Step-by-Step

1. Drill spigot hole near bottom. Install with Teflon tape—keep straight.
2. Cut rectangular inlet in lid/top. Drill corner holes, saw out. Cover with mesh screen (screw on).
3. Measure barrel height. Cut downspout several inches above that. Install diverter. Position barrel under inlet.
4. Attach hose to spigot. Wait for rain.

Legal & Safety

• Residential rooftop collection is legal in all states (western restrictions relaxed).
• Some municipalities require permits—check local codes.
• Don't drink it. Roof shingles leach petroleum, grit, bird droppings. Use for irrigation, washing only.

Why DIY?

Same function, fraction of cost, customizable. A 55-gal barrel fills in one good storm—weeks of free watering. If you're handy, build it. If you want pretty, buy it. Either way, you're banking rain.