The rainy season is a precious gift of nature to us, but have you ever wondered how this rainwater can be saved from going to waste? If we make a simple DIY Rain Barrel System at home, then not only can water be saved, but it can also be used for watering plants, taking care of the garden and for small everyday tasks. This method will help reduce your water bill as well as being beneficial for the environment. In this article, we will tell you how you can easily make a this system at your home and what its benefits are.
Every year during the monsoon season in India, lakhs of litres of water flow into the drains and go to waste. If we save this water, it can be very useful during a drought. This system is an easy and economical solution that anyone can make at home. For this, you will only need some basic things, such as an old drum, pipes and a little time. It is also fun to make, as you can make it with your family and learn something new.
Now, without wasting any time, let us find out how this system is made and why it is so important for us.
What is a DIY Rain Barrel System?
The rain barrel system is a method of collecting and storing rainwater. The water falling from the roof of your house is collected in a barrel or drum with the help of this system, which can later be used for watering plants in the garden, washing the car, or other household purposes. It is very easy to make and does not require expensive equipment.
Many areas in India face water shortages during summer. In such a situation, if we save rainwater, it can prove to be very helpful in summer. This is also a great way to save the environment, as it reduces our dependence on groundwater.
Materials required to build a DIY rain barrel system
If you want to make a rain barrel system at home, then you will need some essential things. These things are easily available in the market, and some items may already be present in your house. Let us know what things will be needed –
- A large drum or barrel: A 50-100 liter plastic drum is best. An old oil drum or food-grade container can also be used.
- Faucet or spout: So that you can easily drain water from the barrel.
- Piece of pipe: To channel water falling from the roof to the barrel.
- Mesh or screen: To prevent insects and leaves from entering the barrel.
- Brick or stand: To keep the barrel slightly elevated, so that it is easier to drain the water.
- Drill machine and screws: For making holes and joining things.
All these items are cheap and easily available, and it does not take much time to collect them.
Easy process to build
Now we will tell you step-by-step how to make a rain barrel system. It is easy to make and fun too.
- Step 1: Choose the right location
First of all, choose a place near the roof of the house from where the water falls. Usually, this place is near the drain ( downspout ) attached to the roof. Place the barrel there so that the water can easily collect in it. Keep in mind that the surface should be flat, so that the barrel can stand properly.
- Step 2: Prepare the Barrel
Now, make two holes in the barrel. Make one hole at the bottom, from where you will take out the water. Use a drill machine for this. Make the second hole at the top, so that the water can flow out if the barrel gets full. Fit the tap in the bottom hole and seal it properly, so that the water does not leak.
- Step 3: Add the Pipes
Now connect a pipe to the top of the barrel to bring the water falling from the roof into the barrel. For this, take a pipe and fit it in such a way that the water goes directly into the barrel. Do not forget to put a mesh on the top, so that leaves and garbage do not go inside.
- Step 4: Keep the barrel elevated
Place the barrel on bricks or a stand. This will ensure good water pressure, and it will be easy to draw water from the tap. Also, make sure that the stand is strong, as a barrel full of water becomes quite heavy.
- Step 5: Test it
Now wait and let the first rain fall. When it rains, check if the water is collecting properly in the barrel. If there is a leak or blockage, fix it immediately.
That’s it, your DIY rain barrel system is ready. You can now use this water to water your plants, irrigate the garden, or for other household purposes.
Benefits of a Rain Barrel System
Once you create this system, you will start seeing many benefits of it. Let us know how it proves useful—
- Water conservation: Rainwater, which was previously wasted, will now be useful to you. This will also reduce your water bill.
- Protecting the environment: When we use this water, there is less exploitation of groundwater, which keeps the water sources safe.
- Cheap and easy solution: You don’t need to spend much money to make it. Also, it doesn’t require much effort.
- Beneficial for plants: Rainwater is natural and clean, without chemicals like chlorine, which is good for plants.
- Helpful in times of drought: This saved water comes in handy during summers when there is water scarcity.
Precautions and care
To use the rain barrel system for a long time, some precautions need to be taken-
- Always keep the barrel covered so that mosquitoes and insects cannot enter it.
- Clean the barrel every few months to prevent dirt from accumulating.
- Don’t keep the water in the barrel for too long, or it may spoil.
- Keep checking the overflow pipe so that water continues to flow out properly.
- Do not allow children to play near the barrel to avoid any accidents.
Need to save water
Today, water scarcity is becoming a big problem in the world. In summer, many cities face a drinking water crisis. According to a report by Niti Aayog, by 2020, there was a danger of groundwater running out in 21 big cities of the country. If we adopt small techniques like a rain barrel system, this crisis can be reduced.
A DIY rain barrel system is a cheap, easy, and effective way to save water. By making it, you can save water in your home and contribute to keeping the environment safe. So this time save rainwater and use it for your household purposes.
