How to Build an Irrigation System With a Rain Barrel

Rain barrels are food-grade plastic barrels, usually in a 55-gallon size, that you can use to collect rainwater for garden irrigation. The barrels provide much lower water pressure than a regular water irrigation system, but with the proper hose selection and placement of the rain barrel, you will be able to water your lawn or garden with free rainwater. Building an irrigation system with a rain barrel only requires objects you can easily find at a garden supply store.

2 cement blocks or wooden pallet
Plumber's tape
Soaker hose
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Put the rain barrel on top of two cement blocks or a wooden pallet, in a spot that is elevated above the lawn or garden. The added elevation will provide increased water pressure to move the rainwater through the hose.
- 2
  Wrap the threaded end of the rain barrel's spigot in two to three layers of plumber's tape. This will prevent water from leaking out of the connection between the spigot and the hose.
- 3
  Screw a garden soaker hose onto the spigot, and run the length of the hose through the middle of the lawn or garden area that you want to irrigate.
- 4
  Open the spigot when you want to irrigate the lawn or garden. The water will move down the soaker hose, which will disperse it into the soil.
- 5
  Cover the soaker hose with a 1- to 2-inch layer of mulch to prevent it from drying out or cracking.

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