How to Install a Rain Barrel System

Rainwater is a high-quality, chlorine-free resource that sits right on your roof, waiting to be harvested. A properly installed rain barrel system acts as a decentralized reservoir, keeping your garden hydrated during dry spells while simultaneously reducing the strain on your local storm drains. Done well, this project involves more than just sticking a bucket under a pipe. It requires a level base, a reliable diverter kit, and an overflow system to ensure water moves away from your home's foundation rather than toward it. When finished, you should have a steady supply of irrigation water that works effortlessly with gravity, provided you locate the barrel at a high enough elevation.

Create a stable foundation. Clear a flat area directly beneath your downspout. Use a tamper to compact the soil, then lay down a base of concrete pavers or gravel to ensure the barrel remains stable once it begins filling with heavy water.
Raise for gravity flow. Place cinder blocks or a sturdy custom stand on your prepared base. You need the spigot of the barrel to be at least 12 inches off the ground to allow enough clearance for a watering can or a garden hose connection.
Mark your cut line. Hold your diverter kit against the downspout to mark the exact height for the cut. Most diverters are designed to fit standard 2x3 or 3x4-inch residential downspouts.
Cut and deburr cleanly. Using a hacksaw, carefully cut the section of the downspout as marked. Deburr the metal edges with a file so they don't snag or rust, and ensure the remaining sections are securely supported.
Seal the diverter tight. Insert the diverter unit into the gap you created and secure it with the provided sheet metal screws. Connect the flexible hose from the diverter to the inlet port on the top of your rain barrel.
Route overflow safely away. Attach a standard garden hose to the overflow port near the top of the barrel. Run this hose at least 6 to 10 feet away from your home foundation to prevent moisture issues.