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Create a Rain Barrel from a Garbage Can
You can purchase a rain barrel at many hardware stores, but if you
prefer to make one yourself, this guide will show you to making one
at home by using a heavy duty plastic trash can. It only takes a few
minutes and the cost savings are substantial.
Parts you'll need
- 1 - Heavy duty trash can
- 1 - ½” Hose bib
- 1 – 6” Chimney pipe trim collar
- 2 – ½” Faucet tailpipe nuts
- 2 - #15 O-rings
- 1 – ½” Threaded nipple
- 1 – ½” Threaded PVC extender
- 4 – Small screws
- 1 - piece 7”x 7” nylon screen
Tools
- Drill w/ screw tip
- ¾” paddle drill bit
- Tin Snips or Jig Saw
Directions
- Drill ¾” hole approximately 3” to 4” from
bottom of barrel.
- Drill ¾” hole near top of barrel
- Screw ½” treaded nipple into hose bib and
insert into bottom hole.
- Slide O-ring over treaded nipple from
inside of barrel and screw on Faucet tailpipe nut until secure.
- Insert ½” Treaded PVC extender into upper
hole.
- Slide O-ring onto treaded end from inside
and secure with faucet tailpipe nut.
- Cut 5” hole in trash can lid using tin
snips or jigsaw.
- Trim nylon screening to fit Chimney pipe
trim collar.
- Place screen, then trim cover over hole in
lid and attach with screws.
- It is recommended to sit rain barrel on
two concrete block to provide for level surface.
Total construction time averages 10 to 15 min and the cost is
approximately $45 depending on size of trash can purchased.
This article was provided by the the City of
Raleigh, NC.
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