The Ultimate Rain Barrel Irrigation System
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- Опубликовано: 1 июл 2024
- ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS/IMPROVEMENTS:
Since posting this video, many recurring questions have arisen in three areas:
1) POWER OUTAGE
In the event of a power outage, the auto-refilling solenoid would be in the "open" position. This potentially wastes some water as the barrels would fill and overflow into the downspout system until the power is restored or the backfilling line is shut down. In the event of a power outage I would a) turn off the re-filler line at the spigot, 2) if I am away, I receive text messages when my power goes out and my neighbors know how to shut off the backup hose, or 3) an automated solution.
There is a simple automated solution for the power outage issue. Put a second solenoid on the hose backup water line and powered by the house main power (prior to the float swich, etc) which is in the open position when powered. In this case, when the main house power goes out, the solenoid flips to the closed position -- problem easily solved.
2) OPTIMIZING RAINWATER COLLECTION - REDUCING HOSE WATER
In the current configuration, with the float switch in the second barrel, the backup system fills the first barrel and about 25% of the second barrel before it shuts down. This provides about 2 days of "hose" water in the event the barrels run dry. If I were trying to minimize the hose water and keep the maximum capacity available for future rainwater, the best option is, rather than filling the barrel with the hose backup system, plumb the backup system directly into the feed after the pump, going to the garden irrigation system (bypassing the barrels completely). In this case, if the barrels are empty, the pump shuts down, the refiller solenoid opens and the house water pressure pumps directly into the garden irrigation system, downstream of the barrels and pumps.
ABOUT THIS VIDEO
This continuously running rain barrel irrigation system optimizes rainwater usage but also employs an innovative hose water back up system that keeps the system running when the barrels run dry.
I worked on perfecting this system for 10 years. It is the ultimate rain barrel irrigation system, in my opinion. The system includes:
Part 1: Rainwater Collection:
- 2 barrel system
- Seasonal diverter
- Overflow to downspout
Part 2: Pump System
- On-demand electric pump
- 45 psi
- DC / Solar Option
Part 3: Irrigation and Filtration
- 2 -stage filtration system
- Underground feed to garden
- Micro-drip irrigation system
- Automatic shutoff
Part 4: Backup Refill System
- Automatic hose water backup system
If you like this video, please subscribe to my channel, "Don't Screw It Up" for more videos like this!
Tom Cucuzza
Don't Screw It Up!
Cleveland, Ohio
PRODUCTS USED IN THIS VIDEO
Here is the solenoid I use. I bought mine on eBay (new). www.ebay.com/itm/3-4-Brass-So...
Pump (From Northern Tool). www.northerntool.com/shop/too...
Float Switch (from Amazon) www.amazon.com/dp/B082J71MJZ/...
75 Gallon Rain Barrels (from Gardener's Supply)
www.gardeners.com/buy/deluxe-...
Sections in this video:
0:00 Introduction
4:10 System Overview Diagram
4:53 Part 1 - Rainwater Collection
7:45 Part 2 - The Pump System
10:01 Do I need a pump?
11:36 The Float Switch
14:00 Part 3 - Filtration and Irrigation
18:50 Part 4 - Backup Refill System 
Хобби
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Before watching: "I'm not spending 25 minutes watching all of this."
25 minutes later: "That was fantastic!"
Well done, great project and very well explained.
Thanks for watching.
Same here. Now, I m thinking seriously to replicate your model.
Takes half the time in 2x playback speed.
I’ve probably watched 50 rain barrel videos and picked up tips to apply to my system. This presentation is the most comprehensive presentation I’ve seen! The pump installation is a great idea. The entire system is simple, yet covers all contingencies. Thank for the great presentation.
Thanks for the feedback!
He may need more barrels to contain rain water. Seems impossible to fill 600 gallons per 1000 sqft roof per in of water, in which where he lives can provide 18000 gallon per year!!!! We’ll make 10-15 55 gallons and it’s good to go. No need for step 4
@PhongNguyen-el2tz he needs a couple of IBC totes
Thank you for this video. Your content is excellent.
I was thinking, "geez I know that voice... of course! He's my go-to sourdough guru. You wear many hats my friend, and you wear them well! ❣️
Thank you. I actually started making these videos during the pandemic when I was also making many of my sourdough videos. But a little different persona. 😆
You caught me off guard laughing so hard “ My tomato plants probably know the difference between rain water and hose water”. Thank you for the video. This is exactly what I am looking for. Thank you!
Thank you!
Great system I built it with 2 - 275 Totes. My System has 2 zones 1 for the Garden and 1 for 200 Blueberry plants. I added a 1st flush system which gets anything that’s on the roof before it gets to the 1st screen. I also added an air vacuum relief valve on the highest point in the garden and in the blueberries to relieve any vacuum in the lines. PS this was a retirement project- I’m 72
Sounds great. Thanks!
Outstanding job on this set up. Impressive. Thanks
Thank you for the feedback.
Your videos are great. Please keep them coming.
Thanks, will do!
Tom, thank you for the great job at building your system, explain it in detail and most importantly sharing it!
You made my gardening season the more enjoyable!
Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate it.
Happy to bump into this video,,,,Genius stuff man!!!
Thank you for the feedback!
Wow! Just brilliant and well thought out!! I watched the whole video and paid attention to everything you said like I was in a lecture with my professor! Now, I really want one for my yard. Got to do some more home work and start working!! Thanks for sharing the fruit of all your hard work!! God bless you and your family!! 👍👍🙏🏼🙏🏼😀
Thank you for the feedback! I appreciate it.
I also suggest reading through the comments as there have been some clarifications and improvements discussed there. In particular, 1) discussion of a secondary solenoid to cut off the backup filler in the event of a power outage, and 2) plumbing the backup filler directly into the garden line just downstream of the pump. I have not made either of these modifications but others have shown an interest in them.
This is the best rain barrel video I've ever seen. Great job and thank you.
Thanks!
Now that’s a how to video. We’ll done! This is exactly what I need. Thanks for the links as well.
Thank you!
Just what I was looking for to plan our system for a new large garden this year, this was great! Thank you for sharing and now I'm a new subscriber.
Thank you. Good luck.
Brilliant setup 👍👍 love your idea for the backup.
Thank you!
This is everything I have been searching for. THANK YOU!!
Thanks for the feedback.
@@dontscrewitup the mister at the end was just icing on the cake!
What a great video, on what looks like a great system. Learned a lot in 25 minutes. Thank you.
Thanks. I’m just getting it set up now for the season. Still running like a champ.
Well conceived and succinctly explained - thank you, sir!
Thank you!
If somebody told me that I would spend 25 minutes listening to a rainwater irrigation system video and find it fascinating AND funny, I wouldn’t have believed him! I’m building mine up next weekend. And yes, the float switch is the brains of the whole operation!
Thank you! Good luck. 👍
I wish RUclips had 2 like buttons. This is what I've been looking for. Thank you so much for posting this.
Thank you!
This irrigation set up matched with this 👇🏽rain barrel set up is what I plan on doing. ruclips.net/video/H65ll6R3Tgc/видео.html
Loved this video. Great detailed instructions. This guy has nailed his irrigation system. Can't wait for the spring, to have a go at this myself. Many Thanks
Thanks!
Glad I found this video! It really covers all the bases....Thanks Tom!
Thank you!
Thank you for the best info on rainwater irrigation I've ever heard. With no stupid gimmicks bells and whistles. Cheers!!
Thank you. That’s how we roll here at the Don’t Screw It Up Workshop and World Headquarters.
Excellent video, thank you for posting and going into detail on your set up.
Thanks!
I LIKE THIS ALOT!!! THANK YOU FOR THIS. THIS ANSWERS ALL OF MY QUESTIONS. I CANT WAIT TO INSTALL THIS AT HOME IN MY GARDEN.
Thank you. Good luck!
Thank you. Best video on the subject i have come across.
Thank you!
Great system. I have been looking into doing a slow drip system for some raised garden beds I have. I don't think I will get around to it this year, but I might start buying the rain barrels and other items to slowly put everything together. Thanks for the great video.
Thank you. Good luck with your system.
Awesome. Thank you. Loved the float switch play by play.
Thanks!
One of the best videos I've seen, thank you
Thank you, I appreciate the feedback.
Outstanding presentation and ingenious setup to minimize the water transport (hose, pipe, black pipe, whatever).
Thank you. I appreciate the feedback.
That is totally awesome. And very entertaining. Wonderful job and thanks for sharing. By the way, your tomato plants left a comment. The word is out. Good luck.
Thank you!
This is an incredible video that helped me get to finally to the end. Appreciate it very much.
Thanks!
I am going to do this. Not sure if I will do the backup system yet but I will be tying in my sump pump to help fill the barrels
Thanks a ton. You filled in all the pieces I was missing.
Thank you! Good luck.
AWESOME training video. Great info. in order for me to do a similar system for my garden. Thank you so much.
Thanks! Good luck.
Brilliant and truly ultimate!
Thanks a lot!
Thank you!
Great job with this system sir 👍
Thanks!
Absophugginglutly brilliant video.!!!
A lot of info to absorb.!
Besides the perfect tutorial the added pleasure is none of the usual RUclips faff.
Thanks!
Really, really good info. Thanks for putting it together.
Thank you.
Great stuff! Lots of usable and tested ideas. I use a lot of the same connectors and hose types for our property. Many thanks.
Thanks.
Nice set up!
Thanks.
Wow nice video - very informative and entertaining as well ! This must be the first video in the history of RUclips that someone who has posted a video and have answered and responded to almost ALL of veiwers comments and questions - Well done - CHEERS!!!
Thank you.
very nicely done sir!
Thank you!
Great video. If you haven’t already looked into / done it, a first flush system will help out a lot with the sediment.
Very interesting. Thanks. I was not aware of that. Just looked it up.
This is freaking awesome. Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Thanks!
Excellent advice on irrigation.. 👍
Thank you.
Hi my name is tom and I have done part of what you are doing not all of it thanyou for the full version great stuff
Thanks!
You made me laugh more than twice. The mister out front is hilarious. Great system. Extremely satisfying for you. Well done.
Thank you for the feedback.
Thank you : we in BC Canada are in a level 5 drought now. Well owners have the same responsibilities, as those under water restrictions in the towns and municipalities, to conserve water.
I was super interested that you use a float switch as one is also used with the pump in my second tank of my yard anaerobic “ whitewater “ system. I’m very familiar as I’ve serviced or replaced both the pump and float switch, therefore I’m confident that I can try the system that you’ve devised and so kindly shared 😊 Great video !
Thank you! Good luck.
This is amazing. Thank you!
Thanks!
your system is awesome, let alone the video you did. I will be working to get to a similar system like yours...low maintenance and mostly automated
Thank you. It took some fine tuning but is virtually maintenance-free now. I barely touch it all year. Check out the comments for some other recommendations others have made for some minor modifications. I have not made any since making this video.
Great project. Well explained - the flow chart says it all. The only thing I would have done differently would be to put the overflow connection between the barrels at the bottom rather than the top. That way you can keep an even level of water between the two barrels. Otherwise this is an excellently designed system. You put a lot of thought into this project, and I commend you for your efforts.
Thank you for the feedback. I actually created a fully animated version of the flowchart, but ended up not including it in this video. I’ll create a supplemental video some day with that version.
This design is genius and you sire do a fantastic job of explaining it. Very inspirational. I honestly believe i can do this after watching you. Thank you so much. You are a valuable resource.
Thanks!
Outstanding video and we'll thought out system
Thank you!
Great job
Thank you.
Wow I am starting an irrigation system this summer for my gardens. Your system is a dream system! hoping I can get this implemented this summer or at least next summer. Being on a well, I would much rather use my rain barrels for irrigation instead of house water when I am not home.
Thanks. Good luck!
Very ingenious!
Thanks!
Amazing!!! Genius!!! Although we're off grid....
Thanks. You could run a solar power system with a DC powered pump. The pump I use if very similar to RV it boat pumps which can run on 12v solar collectors/batteries.
Nice job
Thanks!
This is exactly what I was looking for. I just bought a 200 gallon tank and am going to do every bit of this. I have a drip irrigation system connected to a second sprinkler meter and want to get to just rainwater and even grey water from our shower.
Great. Glad it is helpful. Check the comments in the description of the video where I discuss options for dealing with potential power outages. I’ve not implemented it, but many have asked about it. Also, if you are really trying ti optimize the rainwater, there are some small tweaks also discussed in those notes. Good luck!
Wow what a great idea you have certainly changed my design for my system that I am running off solar power and a 12v battery. Only issue I have is my pump is 12 v and not an on demand pump
12v is probably better (safer) than AC. On demand pump is only required if your timer is on downstream end of system. You can active the same thing just by putting a timer on the pump. But I also have a “manual” setting on my irrigation timer so I can turn it on in the gardens at any time and get water from the barrels.
Very helpful video thank you
Thank you!
Well explained - and a brilliant system! :-)
Thank you!
Thank you for very such a great video.
Thanks!
Nice! You should do a 3 years later update. Issues, tweeks, advice..
Thanks! Setup is still running exactly the same. Many people ask about power failure and I’ve added an answer in the description of the video.
Nice, Very Nice! Thx for sharing
Thanks!
Dude. This is awesome...
Thanks.
This video is excellent!
Thank you!
Great video!! Much appreciated!!!
Thanks!
You are a boss!!! Great system!
Thank you! I just got my system up and running again for this summer. It is still running like a champ. Almost zero maintenance.
nicely done!!!
Thank you!
This video alone deserved a sub and a like. This was amazing !
Thank you!
Exactly what i was looking for
Thanks.
Your setup is truly a Thing of Beauty. Simply wonderous.
Your droll wit kept me in smirk all the way through. That’s rare, but greatly appreciated when it happens.
Amazing explanation of parts and processes left me feeling as if I understood every thing you detailed out for us. How’d you do that?
New sub.
Thank you for the feedback. I appreciate it.
My guy is a genius. Badass.
Thanks.
Wow. Genius 😂😊 gonna take your advice
Thanks!
Thank you for the video. I liked it very much.
Only two things that I didn't like in the system, but at least one is already mentioned in the comments (and you are aware of that). When there is a power outage you will waist a tap water and the second one that you might fill the second tank a little bit lower, so both barrels be more in sync if I can say it that way.
One other potential problem could be if you forget to open the water before the pump and the irrigation system is on. I think this could also burn the pump, so maybe have to put other sensor there.
Thank you once again, it was a pleasure watching the video.
Good points. Thank you.
Best RUclips video ever!
Thanks!
Awesome video. One tip- you're only going to get a maximum of 1 psi for every 2.31 feet of elevation difference. That is without head loss, so to get 45 psi you'd need to build 100+ ft high rain barrels 😂
Yes. Thanks for the info. I realized pretty quickly I was not going to get pressure that way.
Thanks so much for this video. It's informative and hilarious . .. all the youtube rabbit holes I go down with million view videos that are meh . . . . . . . .
Thanks!
Really nice system, thanks for sharing. I am on travel a lot as well, and will probably borrow some of your ideas for my 8 barrel system that isn't really a system yet, but I don't know if I would feel comfortable with having hose pressure on for a month at a time while I'm gone so I will probably just do without. I thought for sure that mister was for the hummingbirds! They do tend to like using fountains for baths.
Thanka. As I’ve noted in some other comments, you can out a second solenoid, using house power to turn off the hose backup in the event of a power outage. Or, there are some wifi options now where you could remote trigger a baxkup refill of the system on demand, good luck
Love it. Thanks!
Thanks!
Really good and explanatory video! Will try to copy cat the same setup !👍🙏🏼
Thank you. Good luck.
9/10 I love the system. the redundancy is awesome. my onle concern is power failure may cause flooding from the redundancy system.
I’d the power goes out, the solenoid will be in the open state and the water will run into the downspout overflow (no flooding). In my case, I get a text message when we have a power outage and my neighbor knows how to shut down my system. If I wanted. Foolproof system, I would put another solenoid connected to the main power, before the outlet which would switch to the closed position in a power outage. Easy to do, but I didn’t feel the need to spend the money for that extra part.
Great video- thank you for passing on your tribal knowledge - I'm looking forward to starting this project now no
Thanks
I like it and definitely going to make one for my garden. Expect I want to add one more thing to it you throw away so much free water with the A/c system instead of draining the A/c condensation water to your house drains. You can Rerouted your a/c drainage system to your rain barrel where the black hose is and you can minimize the amount of water it takes to fill up the barrel if you go days without rain it would be a constant source of water when your a/c system is running. Then possibly making the backup water system run less saving water from the water hose
That’s a good idea, but this barrel is in a separate detached garage about 100 feet from my house. My AC unit is also in my basement so I would need to pump the water up to the barrels. But it is a good idea to reclaim condensation if you can and are really trying to conserve/reclaim.
Hmmmmm......the best irrigation system is putting the maid in charge of the watering of the plants and shrubs.....keeps her thin and fit with all the running around with the watering bucket ....best thing i ever did as she enjoys watching what she watered grow into fruits and vegetables....
👍
lol the "dont screw it up" at the end most def earned my sub x'D
Thank you!
Excellent video! Really, top notch! I couldn’t press that subscribe button fast enough. 😆
Thanks!
Love it!!
Thank you.
my god this guy thought of everthing. i will be doing a version of this next year
Thanks!
I think we can all agree this is the golden god of rain barrel irrigation
Thank you. I appreciate the feedback.
Thanks!
👍
Excellent, would have overlooked the mixing valve to draw down both barrels.
Thanks!
I was going to call BS on the Hall of Fame thing, but you had the hat to prove it, so... 🤷🏼♂️
Great vid, awesome info, thanks for sharing.
Thanks! I do have the hat to prove it. I also performed on stage there a few times if you really need my "cred."
Brilliant!
Thank you!
Outstanding vid! brilliant! I have a project where I’m installing a rain barrel drip irrigation system for my vegetable garden at my farm which is a 2 hr drive from my primary residence. I’m planing on a solar powered pump system on a timer with the water source being two 275 gal totes. I had not considered an auto shut off for the pump but realize this is essential for the system. My primary source of filling up the totes will be rain but I’ll have to haul water from my hunting shack when rain is insufficient to fill. I absolutely love the idea of auto fill with the selinoid. My shack is about a 1/4 mile from the garden but there is a spring about 25 yards away. I’m now scratching my head to determine if I can use that as a back up source. Great work! “Anything worth doing is worth over doing.”
Thanks. I have not tried it, but you could probably put a small submersible pump in the spring and use the float switch to trigger it on and off, similar to what I’ve done with the hose here (you would not need the solenoid). You could try an inexpensive one for about $50. Connect it up with a hose or some flexible irrigation tubing.
Boom! There it is!!!
Thank you.
Brilliant
Thank you.
Thank you for this excellently presented video. I currently have one rain barrel which I use to hand water my garden. I am looking to expand my garden and current basic rain barrel system. I was looking for something like this specifically that would allow me to install a drip system. Depending on how large I expand my garden, I may purchase larger rain water collection barrels to use implementing your system. Tap water is extremely expensive in my area so I'm trying to figure out anything I can to water my garden for less money.
Yes, you can add as many barrels as needed and link them all together.
I am sorry my first comment was only a part , Thank you for such an important info. I was just searching to help a friend. She wants to store water for plants but safely avoiding mosquitos. However, you are a brilliant engineer that can install for people who love nature and are thinking about
“The future of water”. Not many common people can afford such a system. But some agricultures and cattle raisers may be very interested. Water is becoming a very expensive liquid and its filtration processing may be much more expensive every day. In Your system, which I could not see because I do not know anything about electricity; a filtration system of rain water may be the easiest thing to add.
That I think you already done.
However, when I study you’d first diagram. I see that everything is posible for some resourceful people. Just that an electrician has to be hired to complete the job.
Yes, this is a more advanced system. There are many simpler methods.
Mind blown! Your a genius! Best system I've seen. I don't think my city allows rain water collection but fuck em, how they gonna find out.
Thank you! Good luck. 👍