What do a rain barrel and a Barrel of Monkeys have in common?
Not much except both are all about a chain of events – all working together.
A rain barrel is simply a way to catch and store rainwater that flows over the roof of a building, through the gutters, and down the downspouts. The barrel stores the water for use in watering gardens and lawns. The water makes the plants grow and those little drops of rain have a big impact.
A rain barrel is good for the environment and the chain of events is almost like that little chain of plastic monkeys – one is not such a big deal, but if you think of the whole then the fun begins. City water is treated at a local treatment plant so that it is suitable for drinking. That process takes energy; therefore using rainwater conserves energy. Plus water that falls on impervious surfaces flows into the drainage system and can flood. The beauty of catching water in a rain barrel is that you are able to release the water back into the soil when needed and help replenish the ground water in a natural way.
Your plants will love you for using rain water instead of city treated water. Rain water does not have the chlorine, fluoride and other chemicals required by city water systems. Note: Anything that you treat your roof with will be in your rain barrel water so you will want to use caution if you are watering vegetable gardens. Instructions for making a rain barrel can be found by going to our website: www.lifestylerealestateadvisors.com – Go to NEWS on the home page and click on Rain Barrel Article.
They have a listing of other places to purchase barrels in case you live outside of Nashville.
Now, about that Barrel of Monkeys, do you know how many monkeys are in a barrel? (Answer: 12) The toy was first created in 1965 and the original sets had primary colors – red, blue, and yellow inside a cardboard tube. Soon the barrel was improved to a brown plastic container. Today, the sets are color coded and the monkeys match their barrel. You will need to buy 3 sets to get all of the original colors – modern marketing at work.
The summer is passing quickly, so whether you were thinking of stopping to have a little fun (Barrel of Monkeys) or planning on that garden project (Barrel O’ Rain) there is no time like the present to get going. The moments go by so quickly, don’t let another pass you by without doing something that you want to do.
(Keep going below for instructions on how to make a rain barrel.)
How to Make a Rain Barrel
List of Materials:
1. The Barrel:
The barrel should be “food clean” plastic with a removable lid for
cleaning and assembling. Barrels come in various sizes, the most
common being 55 gallons. A heavy duty barrel works best, but a
something as thin as a Rubbermaid trash barrel would work, just not as
well. Barrels can be obtained from various sources, such as Food and
Beverage companies and Barrel and Drum suppliers.
2. The Spigot & Hardware:
You will need a 3/4” hose bib spigot (1/2” will work but with smaller locknut
and washer). These have male threads at one end to screw into the barrel and
at the other to attach a standard size garden hose. You will also need a 3/4”
galvanized locknut, a rubber washer with a 1” inner diameter, Teflon tape,
superglue and silicone sealant.
3. The Overflow Valve & Hardware:
You will need a 3/4” brass overflow valve (plastic will work too) which has
male threads on both ends with the outer end able to connect with the female
end of a hose. These are called “male hose MIP adapter ¾ X ¾ X ½ “at Lowe’s
and #A-665 at Home Depot. You will also need the locknut, rubber washer,
Teflon tape, superglue, and silicone sealant.
Tools:
• Drill
• 1” hole saw or drill bit (use 15/16” for very secure fit)
• Utility knife
• Needle nose pliers or wrench
• Vegetable oil and cloth
• Screw driver and 6 screws (see # 14)
• Mesh screen for top filter
Making the Rain Barrel
1. Clean and rinse your food-clean container with a mild soap
and water (rainwater if you have any yet)
2. Drill a 1” hole with your hole saw or drill bit, just off the
bottom of the container for the spigot assembly. Put it as low
as possible for easy maximum water use. It’s designed to be
on a stand; you can use 4 cinder blocks. Note: if you are
unable to reach down to the inside bottom of the barrel, you
might want to use a 15/16’ bit and put the washer on the
outside of the barrel.
3. Drill a 1” hole an inch or so below the rim for your overflow valve assembly. This
hole can go anywhere around the barrel at that level. Keep in mind: don’t put it
too close to the top (overflow) or too low (lose water storage). Please note that if
you have a 2,000 square foot roof and large downspouts, you may want to get a
larger overflow valve.
4. Use the 1” drill bit to make a dozen or so holes in the lid, Rainwater will filter
through the mesh screen then through the holes into the barrel.
5. Take the utility knife to clean scraps from around the holes.
6. Wrap the barrel end of the spigot three times around with Teflon tape and then
screw in the spigot squarely. It should go in by hand.
7. Take the rubber washer and glue the surface of one side with strong glue and
reach into the barrel and work it over the threads, flush with the barrel side.
8. Screw on the locknut and finish tightening by turning the spigot while holding the
locknut with a wrench or pliers. You may need a second person to turn while you
hold.
9. Wrap the longer end of the overflow valve with Teflon tape three times and then
screw it into the overflow hole by hand, or use a wrench or pliers if necessary.
The outside male threads should be able to connect with a standard size garden
hose to divert the overflow.
10. Repeat step # 7 above.
11. Screw on the locknut as far as possible by hand on the outside threads. Then hold
the locknut while tightening overflow valve with wrench or pliers until it is very
tight.
12. Take a tube of all-purpose silicone sealant and apply a bead where overflow valve
meets the outside of the barrel. Note: If you have a secure seal, this step may not
be necessary.
13. Repeat step #12 on the spigot assembly.
14. Trace the outline of the lid on a mesh fiberglass screen and then cut it out. Screw
on, if necessary, or just tighten ring around cap to secure. This screen is designed
to keep mosquitoes out.
15. Take the cloth and vegetable oil, and apply it to the scratched areas of the barrel
to clean and shine it up.
