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I bought a couple of them but I can't figure out how to attach them to the downspouts or what fittings I need. I think maybe the downspouts need to be shortened but I don't have the tools to do this. Does anyone know how? Or, even better, if you know someone who does this work, please pm me. Thanks.
Rain gutters are just aluminum so they can be cut with a simple hacksaw or powersaw for the weak wristed. Your local HD/Lowes will have all of the connections, elbows and joints you'll need to direct rain water into your barrel. If your barrel has an overflow spigot you'll want to run a hose sway from the barrel to a spot that can handle the overflow.
As for the install I found instructions online here:
The New England Rain Barrel Company (http://www.nerainbarrel.com/Installation.html - broken link)
Gardening : Rain Barrels : Home & Garden Television (http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gardening/article/0,,HGTV_3546_2165903,00.html - broken link)
http://www.capitolregionwd.org/Education%20Outreach%20Events/Assemble%20a%20Rain%20Barrel.pdf (broken link)
This is a great idea. Does anyone have a list of companies in the Raleigh area that you could get used "food grade" plastic barrels from? There have to be companies out there that are throwing them out I would think.
Thanks Machine Head but I do not feel comfortable using a saw or tools or things. I have never used a saw and I am sure I am weak wristed too. (Sux to be old!) I guess I am an "old lady" from the days when all of that was "man's work." I am looking to hire someone to do it. Any ideas?
Thanks Machine Head but I do not feel comfortable using a saw or tools or things. I have never used a saw and I am sure I am weak wristed too. (Sux to be old!) I guess I am an "old lady" from the days when all of that was "man's work." I am looking to hire someone to do it. Any ideas?
I'm sure any local handy man could get it done if you bought all the supplies. I would start there.
Thanks Machine Head but I do not feel comfortable using a saw or tools or things. I have never used a saw and I am sure I am weak wristed too. (Sux to be old!) I guess I am an "old lady" from the days when all of that was "man's work." I am looking to hire someone to do it. Any ideas?
Sundaze, I found a few listings on Craigslist under services & "rain barrels".
A couple of them listed a cost of $35.00 per barrel for installation. I haven't used any of these guys so I can't make a recommendation. If you have ever had gutter work done you might try calling your gutter company.
I bought a rain barrel today and installed it in a short time. I cut the gutter off at the right height and replaced the angled piece to aim into the barrel. This required a hack saw, a drill, pliers and a screwdriver. I also created a level platform for the barrel and placed brick pavers down to raise the barrel a little higher above ground level to give better access to the spout. I put a Y-valve on the spigot with one side running to a hose reel and the other set up for a short 3' hose for filling the watering can. I also ran a hose from the overflow outlet down and behind the barrel terminating on a runout so that it water runs away from the foundation. The full installation, including painting trim where the gutter was cut away, took just over an hour. Installing a second one now, having done it once already, will most certainly take me half that time or less.
NRG - I bought my barrel at the hardware store in the Falls River SC for $99. They were completely out of stock on Saturday but had them in today. While I was there I saw three other people also buying rain barrels. With that sort of demand and a short supply, I don't imagine you'll find too many places selling an 80 gallon barrel for less than that $99 more...but good luck in your quest.
I bought a rain barrel today and installed it in a short time. I cut the gutter off at the right height and replaced the angled piece to aim into the barrel. This required a hack saw, a drill, pliers and a screwdriver. I also created a level platform for the barrel and placed brick pavers down to raise the barrel a little higher above ground level to give better access to the spout. I put a Y-valve on the spigot with one side running to a hose reel and the other set up for a short 3' hose for filling the watering can. I also ran a hose from the overflow outlet down and behind the barrel terminating on a runout so that it water runs away from the foundation. The full installation, including painting trim where the gutter was cut away, took just over an hour. Installing a second one now, having done it once already, will most certainly take me half that time or less.
NRG - I bought my barrel at the hardware store in the Falls River SC for $99. They were completely out of stock on Saturday but had them in today. While I was there I saw three other people also buying rain barrels. With that sort of demand and a short supply, I don't imagine you'll find too many places selling an 80 gallon barrel for less than that $99 more...but good luck in your quest.
Agreed, I think it is going to be tough to find one for cheaper than $99.
By the way, did your barrel fill up from the rain last night!
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