Quick Tips
DIY Rain Barrel: Friday Quickie
Nothing’s worse than rainy days to damper our clothes (and soul) and shock us into autumn.
Take advantage of the rain falling outside and use it to your advantage.
I’m talking rain barrels. Even as it’s getting cooler.
How to Use a Rain Barrel
- Place a barrel or bucket on your roof or side of your house to collect the rainwater.
- Use the water to hydrate your plants, lawns and even washing off outdoor equipment (think shovels & rakes).
- You don’t need a huge rain barrel: smaller buckets will do for smaller homes.
Readers, do you have any creative rain barrel techniques to share?
Photo: Philly Water Sheds
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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.
View all posts by Julie Hancher
For those people that don’t have gutters (mainly Southerners or houses with concrete slab foundations) the best way to gather rain run-off from the roof into a rain barrel is with a rain diverter. Mainly placed over uncovered doorways to move rain run-off out of the way so you don’t get drenched while trying to open your door. Just a simple piece of aluminum easily installed under the shingles. Install the rain diverter on a slight angle and place whatever you’re using to collect the rain under the stream of water following off the roof. Rain diverters can be installed anywehre on your roof. Easy and cheap.