Do You Need To Cut Gutter For Rain Barrel

Or you can bore a hole into the side of the downspout and install a diverter that runs water off into the rain barrel.

Do you need to cut gutter for rain barrel.

A rain barrel gives you a simple way to collect rainwater for use around your landscape. Use the old adage measure twice and cut once then turn the gutter upside down on the table and mark it all the way around. Use metal snips to cut the downspout to the appropriate length. Many times you can simply direct your gutter downspout into a top opening in the rain barrel.

Rain barrels collect rainwater from your roof by rerouting a section of your gutter s downpipe into a nearby reservoir. Creating a drainage hole toward the top of the barrel will enable overflow water to escape. Prep the area for rain barrels. Use a carpenter s square to get around to the bottom.

You can cut it to where you can install elbow sections to bring the downspout directly into the rain barrel. You could also opt for cutting the downspout and installing a flexible extension to run to the barrel. However you can purchase a downspout diverter instead for about 25 50 and this can make your rain collection system a little easier and more versatile. They are fairly simple to install and once you have one set up the environmental protection agency estimates a single 55 gallon rain barrel can save you up to 1 300 gallons of water during the hot summer months.

Use a 1 1 8 inch spade bit to create the bottom and top drain holes. Most homes direct water into the barrel with gutters and downspouts but even homes without gutters can use a rain barrel. Cut or drill a hole in the rain barrel lid large enough for the downspout or diverter to fit. Using a rain barrel.

One thing we learned with our first system is that gravity is your friend when it comes to rain barrels. Shorten or adjust your downspout as necessary. You may not need any additional parts or accessories and your project is done. Or you may need to place a gutter splash block under the overflow outlet.

A hole toward the bottom will allow you to drain captured water for use around your home. Cutting the downspout to allow the barrel to fit under it and attaching an elbow section if needed. A 55 gallon plastic drum with an intake hole cut in the top will work well.