Rain Barrel Profile View
Because I was worried that the rain would flow into the barrel faster than it could handle, I built a downspout overflow mechanism (the thing wrapped in screening in this picture).
I used a downspout T-connector with both end caps in place and directed the pre-existing downspout right into that. Then, I sealed up the ends of the T-junction-box with clear acrylic caulk, cut a hole in the back wall of the "T" and inserted the corrugated black tubing into that.
The tubing came with a threaded junction adapter for the end of the hose, which is exactly the same threading as a slip joint (like the kind on a plastic goose neck trap under your sink). I went to the hardware store and got two slip nuts, ground the top off of one for outside of the T-junction-box, and then tightened the second one right up to it creating a water-tight seal around the end of the t-junction-box and the black tube.
I then bought a used window screen from the re-store in town and pulled the fiberglass screen out of it. I doubled that up and wrapped it around the entire assembly, and replaced the downspout.
The whole T-junction-box fit into an adapter which reduced the opening to the size of the hole I cut into the top of the barrel. I did have to spray some "Great Stuff" expanding seal spray around the T box and the reducing collar, but it works great.
I finished the project by taking some zip-ties and connecting them end-to-end to hold the screening in place. By the way, the screening keeps debris out of the rain barrel, if you hadn't guessed.
For detailed plans, visit here:
Rain Barrel Profile View
Because I was worried that the rain would flow into the barrel faster than it could handle, I built a downspout overflow mechanism (the thing wrapped in screening in this picture).
I used a downspout T-connector with both end caps in place and directed the pre-existing downspout right into that. Then, I sealed up the ends of the T-junction-box with clear acrylic caulk, cut a hole in the back wall of the "T" and inserted the corrugated black tubing into that.
The tubing came with a threaded junction adapter for the end of the hose, which is exactly the same threading as a slip joint (like the kind on a plastic goose neck trap under your sink). I went to the hardware store and got two slip nuts, ground the top off of one for outside of the T-junction-box, and then tightened the second one right up to it creating a water-tight seal around the end of the t-junction-box and the black tube.
I then bought a used window screen from the re-store in town and pulled the fiberglass screen out of it. I doubled that up and wrapped it around the entire assembly, and replaced the downspout.
The whole T-junction-box fit into an adapter which reduced the opening to the size of the hole I cut into the top of the barrel. I did have to spray some "Great Stuff" expanding seal spray around the T box and the reducing collar, but it works great.
I finished the project by taking some zip-ties and connecting them end-to-end to hold the screening in place. By the way, the screening keeps debris out of the rain barrel, if you hadn't guessed.
For detailed plans, visit here: