How Are Rain Barrels Used For Roof Drains

Rain barrels sit beneath a building s downspout to collect water from the roof during each rain event.
How are rain barrels used for roof drains. Rain barrels provide an alternative to using municipal water or well water for irrigation. Save water and decrease storm water runoff. A spigot or hose connector lets you drain the water for use around your landscape. A rain barrel is a container that collects runoff from your home s gutter system connecting to the downspout with a rain diverter or fitting under a modified downspout.
By setting up a rain barrel you can save money and water. Residential rain barrels range from small 15 gallon models to larger commercial and industrial models that hold up to 5 000 gallons. With the barrel on its side use a power drill with a 1 inch drill bit to drill a hole about 5 inches above the base of the barrel for the drain. Walk around your house during the next rain and observe the water dripping from your roof.
Insert a hose bibb or spigot in the drain hole. A rain barrel sits next to our shed to collect and store rainwater that would otherwise pour from the roof and rush off to storm drains and streams. Then place metal and rubber washers and waterproof sealant on both the inside and outside of the barrel. Drill an additional hole about 3 inches below the top of the barrel for the overflow.
Some spots drain more water than others depending on your roof s design and the prevailing winds. Rain barrels which are especially useful for lawns and gardens during droughts or periods of water restrictions can be made of plastic ceramic wood stone or metal pick the type that matches your home s exterior style and meets your water saving needs. Rain barrels come in different shapes and sizes but they all do the same thing. For example 660.