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Old 05-06-2009, 10:13 PM
 
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I don't live in Austin, I'm in New Mexico. I found 55 gallon barrels at my local swap meet for 7 bucks each. I intend to try them out as rain barrels. I don't know their origin and neither did the seller as she didn't speak English, but I took the risk anyway. I figure after a few flushes with fresh water they should be OK. If it seems the water from them kills plants I'm only out 7 bucks.
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Old 05-06-2009, 10:15 PM
 
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I have no idea where there is a swap meet here. Anyways, use some sanitizer also when cleaning those barrels.
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Old 05-07-2009, 07:23 AM
 
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I bought a couple for long-term emergency water storage at one of the farm supply stores around the edge of town (can't rememeber which one, but I think they are a pretty common item at those kinds of places.) They were $25 each.
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Old 05-07-2009, 08:08 PM
 
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Okay, I just got all the parts I needed to do this. Now I have a question. If I wanted to put a relief value or overflow value towards the top of the barrel to allow water out if the barrel becomes full, does anyone know what kind of part or valve I would use?
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Old 05-07-2009, 10:11 PM
 
Location: Avery Ranch, Austin, TX
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[quote=shaxs;8706051]Okay, I just got all the parts I needed to do this. Now I have a question. If I wanted to put a relief value or overflow value towards the top of the barrel to allow water out if the barrel becomes full, does anyone know what kind of part or valve I would use?[/quote]

Ours was fitted with a plastic 'garden hose' fitting...attached a hose to direct run-over...don't think it would keep up with one of our 'gully washers'. I've seen other fittings that would accommodate a larger hose(maybe 2") that would handle more water...could be run to another barrel or drain. These were nylon or PVC.
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Old 05-07-2009, 10:54 PM
 
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[quote=10scoachrick;8708022]
Quote:
Originally Posted by shaxs View Post
Okay, I just got all the parts I needed to do this. Now I have a question. If I wanted to put a relief value or overflow value towards the top of the barrel to allow water out if the barrel becomes full, does anyone know what kind of part or valve I would use?[/quote]

Ours was fitted with a plastic 'garden hose' fitting...attached a hose to direct run-over...don't think it would keep up with one of our 'gully washers'. I've seen other fittings that would accommodate a larger hose(maybe 2") that would handle more water...could be run to another barrel or drain. These were nylon or PVC.
Yes that is what I need to get... thanks!
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Old 05-07-2009, 10:58 PM
 
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Here is a good find. Shows how it can be done.
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Old 05-09-2009, 11:24 AM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shaxs View Post
Here is a good find. Shows how it can be done.
55 Gallon Poly Plastic Air Tight Locking Lid Barrels (http://austin.craigslist.org/bfs/1161339774.html - broken link)

There are a few ads on craigslist right now selling these barrels.
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Old 05-09-2009, 02:39 PM
 
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Yep. I bought some on Craigslist. In fact, I finished my prototype and installed it today. See the attached pictures.

I need a different hose from the overflow valve. The hose that is there now would make a nice hose to connect two barrels together, but not for an overflow hose that high off the ground.
Attached Thumbnails
Anyone know where to get 55+ Gallon Plastic Drums for Cheap? I want to make a rain barrel system-img_1536.jpg   Anyone know where to get 55+ Gallon Plastic Drums for Cheap? I want to make a rain barrel system-img_1537.jpg  
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Old 05-09-2009, 10:42 PM
 
Location: Avery Ranch, Austin, TX
8,977 posts, read 17,544,472 times
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ACE and the big boxes usually carry a 'remnant' length of hose for $6 bucks or so(around 15' IIRC)...that could be used to direct the overflow. One of our barrels in ATL was near the underground pipe originally used for the downspout directly. We just placed the end of the hose into the opening of the pipe to send the water away from the house. Remember, a garden hose will not keep up with a Texas frog strangler downpour.
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