How to Build a Rain Barrel

Conduit Adapters

Family Handyman

Cut holes in the bottoms of the barrels with a 2-1/4-in. hole saw. Then screw in a 2-in. male threaded electrical (gray PVC) conduit adapter (electrical adapters aren’t tapered like plumbing adapters, so you can tighten them down all the way) and a 2-in. female threaded conduit adapter to make a watertight hole from which the rainwater can flow. Squirt a thin bead of silicone caulk around the opening and screw on a threaded electrical PVC coupler to cinch the DIY rain barrel between the two fittings (see Figure A). Next, glue together sections of 2-in. PVC pipe, unions (to make winter disassembly easier), reducers and valves. As long as you’re at it, install an overflow pipe so you can direct the excess where you want it. Find out how you can cut your water bills and live more sustainably by implementing a rainwater harvesting system.