Posted on Dec 1, 2023 at 12:01 pm by James A
You are concerned about the environment and are looking for solutions to reduce your consumption of drinking water, especially for watering your garden?
A rainwater collector is an ideal solution for you! Not only does it help preserve our water resources, but it also saves you money on your bill. Rainwater is also beneficial for your plants because it is naturally soft and chlorine-free.
Table of Contents
The materials needed to make your own rainwater collector
To quickly and easily build a rainwater collector on a gutter, here are the materials you will need:
- A sturdy and waterproof container (barrel, tank, or drum)
- A gutter downspout (PVC or metal)
- A filter (mesh or mosquito net)
- A faucet with a fitting
- Special PVC glue (if necessary)
- Tools such as a cutter, a hacksaw, a drill, and a screwdriver
Building your rainwater collector in a few simple steps
Here are the main steps to make your rainwater collector:
- Choose the ideal location: Place your container near the gutter and on a stable and flat surface. You can optionally raise it with cinder blocks to facilitate access to the faucet.
- Adapt the gutter downspout: Cut the gutter to the height of the container, making sure to leave space to insert a filter. You can use a cutter or a hacksaw depending on the material of your gutter.
- Install the filter: Attach a piece of mesh or mosquito net to the end of the gutter to filter debris and prevent insects from accessing the water.
- Drill the container for the faucet: Using a drill, make a hole with a diameter suitable for the fitting of your faucet, near the bottom of the container. Make sure the hole is watertight by applying special PVC glue around the fitting if necessary.
- Attach the faucet: Screw the faucet with its fitting into the previously drilled hole. Make sure it is well fitted to avoid water leaks.
- Connect the gutter to the collector: Finally, connect the gutter downspout to your container using a flexible hose or a suitable fitting.
Maintaining your rainwater collector
To ensure clean and odorless water, it is essential to regularly maintain your rainwater collector. Here are some tips for optimal maintenance:
- Clean the filter regularly to prevent debris buildup and preserve water quality.
- Regularly check the joints and connection between the gutter and the collector to prevent leaks.
- To prevent the proliferation of algae and bacteria, make sure your container is opaque and light-tight.
By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily build your own rainwater collector on a gutter. You will contribute to preserving the environment while saving on your consumption of drinking water. So don’t hesitate, get started on this ecological and beneficial project for your garden!
