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.
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.
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
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
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!
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.
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. 😆
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 😂
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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 !
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
Don't know if anyone mentioned this but another problem I see with your system is: a heavy rain falls just after your tanks are filled with city water and you end up in an off cycle with the weather patterns to where most of the times you're using more city water than rain water. Seems like you need to incorporate more storage capacity between rain cycles to really make the system ultimate.
Yes, I can always add more capacity. I could also connect the city water backup system directly into the irrigation line and bypass the barrel filling altogether to leave it fully available only for rainwater. It would still run off the float switch, but rather than filling barrel capacity, it would go directly into the hose line after the pump. Just a little more plumbing than I preferred to do with the initial setup.
@@dontscrewitup Got it! Congratulations on your excellent work. You're much appreciated for your selfless sharing of a decades long effort--that is an extremely rare thing in our world today.
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.
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.
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.
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
Well produced video. My only question, is what happens if you lose power to your house during a storm or outage. I think your backup system is going to fill your barrels non stop and then overflow out until power is restored.
That is correct. You would want to put a second solenoid on the house power before the float switch to shut off the backup hose when power is off. Our power outages are infrequent, I get texts from my security system when power is down, and my neighbors know how to shut down the backup filler. Worst case, I waste some water, so I never invested in the second auto shutoff.
Oh. That would be a simple fix. Power outages are infrequent around me too but it was just an interesting thought experiment. Thanks for the reply. Keep up the good work.
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.
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.
The problem is that if it rains on day 5 to 7 your rain water barrels still have house water on day 4right right after it fills with house water you'll have a day's worth of house water in the tank should have a splitter after the pump to inject the house water in but you'll need a back flow preventer in line that way your tanks stay empty until it rains but other than that your system is perfect as even as is if it rains right after the float switch has refilled the barrels with house water you'll only lose a day's worth of rain water just a suggestion I do like the filtration idea I did mine without and I now need to rebuild my pump as for the automatic and the drip irrigation that's my last step my next one is to conect my rain barrels at the 3 corners of my house with the rain barrels by my 2 sheds and my garage together and for that I like your quick coupling idea
Thanks, yes that is the most efficient way, to connect the backup filler downstream of the pump directly inline to the garden. This way was a simple setup for me with less plumbing and it worked, so I haven’t changed it. My system is still running, virtually maintenance-free.
Thank you for that video which I found very interesting but I do believe that it is over complicated. I have installed a rainwater collection system in my garden with back up from the mains water supply, no pumps, no electricity (only a couple of batteries for the irrigation timers) 1100 litres of rain water, totally automatic. I fill the barrels from the bottom not the top, run the micro drip system in a circle from the rain barrels to the mains water. Put an irrigation controller on the rain barrels (0 bar eg plantiit) and an irrigation controller on the mains tap (eg gardena) The gardena controller has a water sensor. If the rain water runs out and the ground runs dry mains water will kick in. Thanks for your post, these rainwater systems can be more complicated than they appear at first sight it seems to me.
Great video and innovative design! I do have a question regarding "2) OPTIMIZING RAINWATER COLLECTION - REDUCING HOSE WATER"... Wouldn't one need to install a check valve on the outlet side of the pump to prevent filling the water tanks? This assumes the main shutoff valve is open of course.
Thanks. Good question. I believe the pump essentially has an internal check valve when it is in the “off” position. I believe it has backflow prevention built in, but I’m not 100% certain.
Great stuff. It really shows you have put a lot of thought into this system. I really prefer it when someone shows something that is working for them and not a work in progress. Thanks for the insights. I do have an unrelated question however, what are those cabinets behind you in your workshop? They look exactly like what I’m looking for.
Thanks! The cabinets are a set I got from Lowes about 12 years ago. I believe it was a Craftsman branded set but the manufacturer is Sauder. The pegboard cabinets are something I custom made. They open up with pegboard on the inside as well (basically 2x more space than what you’re seeing when they are closed)
Thank you for the great video! Three quick questions: 1 - What are you using to keep the float switch upright in the barrel? It looks like just PVC, but is one end capped? How to you keep it in the tank without it going sideways? 2 - For the solenoid, I see some similar ones on Amazon, but most of the reviews say that they get extremely hot very quickly. Do you have that issue with the one you got on eBay? 3 - How do you have the solenoid wired up? When you discuss the electrical parts, you say that the plug that goes into the float switch pump is for the on-demand pump and the solenoid, are the wires just tied together where you have that pigtail connected to the on-demand pump?
Thanks. The float switch is attached to the pvc. I have a circular weight in the bottom of the barrel that holds the bottom in place and the top end is cut to the proper length to it wedges into lattice in the top of the rain barrel. The solenoid can get hot. My housing it 3 sided so it always has air flow, and it is outdoors. I would never fully enclose it or have it inside. Another person suggested a motorized ball valve which may be another option to consider. The solenoid is wired in directly with the pump wiring using a waterproof connector. And they both go to the male plug which then goes into the float switch female receptical. I’ll look into the motorized ball valve later this week and see if that would be a workable option.
Hey Tom: Thank you for your 10-year's worth of effort to create this rain barrel irrigation system. I will be recreating your setup for my house. One quick question: since the solenoid will be constantly powered to stay closed, are you concerned about it getting too hot? Thanks again for all your hard work!
Pretty sweet system I have often thought of the same concept, however I always get stuck on power failures. The system is perfect until there is a power outage. If a power outage happens the solenoid valve opens. Thus over flowing your rain barrels and causing a mess beside the house. Not to mention that water is paid for water. I thought about possibly instally some sort of an api system? Or possibly a dc solenoid valve with dc float for the solenoid valve small solar panel and a small battery ?
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.
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.
The solenoid and pump each have hot, neutral and ground. Use a three pronged plug and connect pump hot-solenoid hot-plug hot, pump neutral-solenoid neutral-plug neutral and pump ground-solenoid ground-plug ground. Very straightforward, then plug that outlet into the female side of the float switch thru-plug. I also use waterproof connectors. I don’t recall if I showed them in the video but I use this product now. ATPWONZ 3 Way Junction Box IP68 Waterproof Electrical Junction Box for Ø 5mm-10mm Cable Range (AC 500V, 25A) a.co/d/4An0ZEK
At 7:17 you show how both barrels will drain simultaneously. That connection to both barrels eliminates the need for the connection at the top of the barrels to allow 2nd barrel to begin filling once the first barrel becomes full. Correct? They'll both fill at the same rate, as long as that valve is open, which I assume it is all the time.
Good question. That mixing hose actually has two separate streams in the valve (probably to prevent back flow), so the second barrel does not fill from the bottom up. But that would be an option with a different mixing hose.
Nice job with this fellow clevelander. Im a year4 gardener and finally getting some great yields. I have contemplated wifi timer modules and stuff but this is just way better. Have you made any adjustments or improvements to your original design?
Thanks. No changes. It’s still running exactly the same way. I have looked at WiFi timers so I could easily skip water on days it rains. Now I need to manually turn off the timer and then turn it on the next day, which is not a super reliable or convenient method for me.
Just watch your viedo, great tips on setup. I like the logic of either rain or city water. One thing that I saw in the video is you black filter. I have the same looking item and mine is a pressure regulator and filter. Is that the reason why there wasnt any pressure without the pump? Thank you again of the great tips.
Good question. No, I’ve tried it with not filters at all. And the pressure regulator in my system takes it down to 20 psi before the drip irrigation. But I wasn’t even close to 20 without the pump.
So just tuned in and a great, and simply explained, video. One question tho, apologies if it’s been asked already. So the float and the solenoid are powered correct? What happens during a power outage? We have them all the darn time here in Florida. Wouldn’t the tap continue to fill the barrels if the float that’s detects the barrels being full is disabled due to the power being out? The solenoid is powered shut but without power it’s open runs the tap until closed. I foresee one heck of a water bill potentially looming?
Yes, in the event of a power outage, the solenoid will run in the open position. To prevent this, you would another solenoid on the house power (before the float switch) that would close the hose filler in the event of an outage. Our outages are infrequent, my neighbor knows how to shut down the hose backup if I’m not home, I get Wi-Fi notified in the event of an outage, and if it runs, it overflows into the downspout, does not flood (and our water is cheap here). But you are correct, a second solenoid would be the foolproof configuration.
Very awesome system. Powered selonoid. I need to try to find a different solution. My collection will probably be contained inside my house in my basement. (HOA). So a powered selonoid to keep water from pouring in sounds lime a disaster if I loose power. A always closed selonoid that needs power to open would be better but I'm trying to figure out the work around. I'm designing a similar system except for my sump pump water. My sump pump pumps 5 gallons every 25 seconds. So I'm looking into collecting that and doing something very similar.
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
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!
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. 👍
This is the best rain barrel video I've ever seen. Great job and thank you.
Thanks!
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.
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
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. 😆
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.
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.
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.
Outstanding presentation and ingenious setup to minimize the water transport (hose, pipe, black pipe, whatever).
Thank you. I appreciate the feedback.
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.
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. 👍
I think we can all agree this is the golden god of rain barrel irrigation
Thank you. I appreciate the feedback.
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!
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!
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.
Yeah this is fantastic, well presented! Thank you captain, going to get my system going here soon
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 really is brilliant, I just got two tanks, 8000 gallons worth, delivered cuz it stops raining here for months..
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.
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.
Fantastic video brother! Very clear a precise. Well done and simple too .
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
Excellent advice on irrigation.. 👍
Thank you.
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!
AWESOME training video. Great info. in order for me to do a similar system for my garden. Thank you so much.
Thanks! Good luck.
Glad I found this video! It really covers all the bases....Thanks Tom!
Thank you!
This is an incredible video that helped me get to finally to the end. Appreciate it very much.
Thanks!
Don't know if anyone mentioned this but another problem I see with your system is:
a heavy rain falls just after your tanks are filled with city water and you end up in an off cycle with the weather patterns to where most of the times you're using more city water than rain water. Seems like you need to incorporate more storage capacity between rain cycles to really make the system ultimate.
Yes, I can always add more capacity. I could also connect the city water backup system directly into the irrigation line and bypass the barrel filling altogether to leave it fully available only for rainwater. It would still run off the float switch, but rather than filling barrel capacity, it would go directly into the hose line after the pump. Just a little more plumbing than I preferred to do with the initial setup.
@@dontscrewitup Got it! Congratulations on your excellent work. You're much appreciated for your selfless sharing of a decades long effort--that is an extremely rare thing in our world today.
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.
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.
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.
Jeez, not only did I learn how the ultimate rain barrel irrigation system, I also learned how to make the ultimate RUclips video.
Thanks. I appreciate the feedback.
Also check out my video on How to Fly a Drone. That’s even better.
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 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.
Hmmmm......just the barrel pressure is good if your watering newly planted shrubs or trees as you water to seep into the dirt....good video....
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
Brilliant and truly ultimate!
Thanks a lot!
Thank you!
Absophugginglutly brilliant video.!!!
A lot of info to absorb.!
Besides the perfect tutorial the added pleasure is none of the usual RUclips faff.
Thanks!
Well produced video. My only question, is what happens if you lose power to your house during a storm or outage. I think your backup system is going to fill your barrels non stop and then overflow out until power is restored.
That is correct. You would want to put a second solenoid on the house power before the float switch to shut off the backup hose when power is off. Our power outages are infrequent, I get texts from my security system when power is down, and my neighbors know how to shut down the backup filler. Worst case, I waste some water, so I never invested in the second auto shutoff.
Oh. That would be a simple fix. Power outages are infrequent around me too but it was just an interesting thought experiment.
Thanks for the reply. Keep up the good work.
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.
Outstanding job on this set up. Impressive. Thanks
Thank you for the feedback.
The garden may be well watered, but the humor is bone dry. Thanks for this walk through, exactly what I am putting together now!
haha. 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!
The problem is that if it rains on day 5 to 7 your rain water barrels still have house water on day 4right right after it fills with house water you'll have a day's worth of house water in the tank should have a splitter after the pump to inject the house water in but you'll need a back flow preventer in line that way your tanks stay empty until it rains but other than that your system is perfect as even as is if it rains right after the float switch has refilled the barrels with house water you'll only lose a day's worth of rain water just a suggestion I do like the filtration idea I did mine without and I now need to rebuild my pump as for the automatic and the drip irrigation that's my last step my next one is to conect my rain barrels at the 3 corners of my house with the rain barrels by my 2 sheds and my garage together and for that I like your quick coupling idea
Thanks, yes that is the most efficient way, to connect the backup filler downstream of the pump directly inline to the garden. This way was a simple setup for me with less plumbing and it worked, so I haven’t changed it. My system is still running, virtually maintenance-free.
This is freaking awesome. Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Thanks!
my god this guy thought of everthing. i will be doing a version of this next year
Thanks!
Thank you for that video which I found very interesting but I do believe that it is over complicated. I have installed a rainwater collection system in my garden with back up from the mains water supply, no pumps, no electricity (only a couple of batteries for the irrigation timers) 1100 litres of rain water, totally automatic. I fill the barrels from the bottom not the top, run the micro drip system in a circle from the rain barrels to the mains water. Put an irrigation controller on the rain barrels (0 bar eg plantiit) and an irrigation controller on the mains tap (eg gardena) The gardena controller has a water sensor. If the rain water runs out and the ground runs dry mains water will kick in.
Thanks for your post, these rainwater systems can be more complicated than they appear at first sight it seems to me.
That’s a good design also. I was not aware of the Gardena sensor system (or if that existed 10+ years ago when I set this up). Thanks for sharing.
Now that’s a how to video. We’ll done! This is exactly what I need. Thanks for the links as well.
Thank you!
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."
Interesting video.
Where is the pressure regulator installed for the drip system?
Thanks. It’s in-line right after the irrigation timer in the garden. These come with the micro-drip irrigation systems.
Thank you. Best video on the subject i have come across.
Thank you!
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.
where can i get those quick connects? amazing presentation thank you
Thanks. I got mine at Lowe’s and Home Depot.
Your videos are great. Please keep them coming.
Thanks, will do!
Exactly what i was looking for
Thanks.
Great video and innovative design!
I do have a question regarding "2) OPTIMIZING RAINWATER COLLECTION - REDUCING HOSE WATER"... Wouldn't one need to install a check valve on the outlet side of the pump to prevent filling the water tanks? This assumes the main shutoff valve is open of course.
Thanks. Good question. I believe the pump essentially has an internal check valve when it is in the “off” position. I believe it has backflow prevention built in, but I’m not 100% certain.
What an incredible video Thank You! My guess is that the system doesn’t have enough pump pressure to run lawn type sprinklers… is that true?
These pumps run at about 60 psi which is the same as standard hose pressure. Test your house water psi and select a pump at that same pressure.
Great stuff. It really shows you have put a lot of thought into this system. I really prefer it when someone shows something that is working for them and not a work in progress. Thanks for the insights. I do have an unrelated question however, what are those cabinets behind you in your workshop? They look exactly like what I’m looking for.
Thanks! The cabinets are a set I got from Lowes about 12 years ago. I believe it was a Craftsman branded set but the manufacturer is Sauder. The pegboard cabinets are something I custom made. They open up with pegboard on the inside as well (basically 2x more space than what you’re seeing when they are closed)
Thank you for the great video! Three quick questions:
1 - What are you using to keep the float switch upright in the barrel? It looks like just PVC, but is one end capped? How to you keep it in the tank without it going sideways?
2 - For the solenoid, I see some similar ones on Amazon, but most of the reviews say that they get extremely hot very quickly. Do you have that issue with the one you got on eBay?
3 - How do you have the solenoid wired up? When you discuss the electrical parts, you say that the plug that goes into the float switch pump is for the on-demand pump and the solenoid, are the wires just tied together where you have that pigtail connected to the on-demand pump?
Thanks. The float switch is attached to the pvc. I have a circular weight in the bottom of the barrel that holds the bottom in place and the top end is cut to the proper length to it wedges into lattice in the top of the rain barrel.
The solenoid can get hot. My housing it 3 sided so it always has air flow, and it is outdoors. I would never fully enclose it or have it inside. Another person suggested a motorized ball valve which may be another option to consider.
The solenoid is wired in directly with the pump wiring using a waterproof connector. And they both go to the male plug which then goes into the float switch female receptical.
I’ll look into the motorized ball valve later this week and see if that would be a workable option.
@@dontscrewitup Thank you so much! My wife's only comment was "is this all necessary?" Obviously, the answer is yes.
Nice set up!
Thanks.
Hey Tom: Thank you for your 10-year's worth of effort to create this rain barrel irrigation system. I will be recreating your setup for my house. One quick question: since the solenoid will be constantly powered to stay closed, are you concerned about it getting too hot? Thanks again for all your hard work!
It does get warm. That’s why i keep the pump outside and in that three-sided housing. I would not put the solenoid indoors or in a closed housing.
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!
Edison didn't invent many things, although held patents! Gr8 video, will help out!
Yes, thanks.
Brilliant setup 👍👍 love your idea for the backup.
Thank you!
Well conceived and succinctly explained - thank you, sir!
Thank you!
Pretty sweet system I have often thought of the same concept, however I always get stuck on power failures. The system is perfect until there is a power outage. If a power outage happens the solenoid valve opens. Thus over flowing your rain barrels and causing a mess beside the house. Not to mention that water is paid for water. I thought about possibly instally some sort of an api system? Or possibly a dc solenoid valve with dc float for the solenoid valve small solar panel and a small battery ?
APU sorry not api
Deep cycle battery small solar panel, dc 12 vold solenoid, dc 12 volt pump everything the same only dc.
Install a second solenoid on house power that is open when power is on and off when power off. Upstream from the backup filler.
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.
I love your system, it’s so cool!!
Thanks.
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!
Excellent video! Really, top notch! I couldn’t press that subscribe button fast enough. 😆
Thanks!
Happy to bump into this video,,,,Genius stuff man!!!
Thank you for the feedback!
Can you give an in-depth wiring view of how the solenoid and pump connects and/or is powered
Scratch that, found it in one of your comments. Thxs Imma bout to knock this same system out, got all the gear !
The solenoid and pump each have hot, neutral and ground. Use a three pronged plug and connect pump hot-solenoid hot-plug hot, pump neutral-solenoid neutral-plug neutral and pump ground-solenoid ground-plug ground. Very straightforward, then plug that outlet into the female side of the float switch thru-plug.
I also use waterproof connectors. I don’t recall if I showed them in the video but I use this product now.
ATPWONZ 3 Way Junction Box IP68 Waterproof Electrical Junction Box for Ø 5mm-10mm Cable Range (AC 500V, 25A) a.co/d/4An0ZEK
Thanks.
Great video- thank you for passing on your tribal knowledge - I'm looking forward to starting this project now no
Thanks
Nice video. Have you thought about adding a Boogie Blue filter to the water coming from the house?
I’m not familiar with that but will look into it.
Great job with this system sir 👍
Thanks!
At 7:17 you show how both barrels will drain simultaneously. That connection to both barrels eliminates the need for the connection at the top of the barrels to allow 2nd barrel to begin filling once the first barrel becomes full. Correct? They'll both fill at the same rate, as long as that valve is open, which I assume it is all the time.
Good question. That mixing hose actually has two separate streams in the valve (probably to prevent back flow), so the second barrel does not fill from the bottom up. But that would be an option with a different mixing hose.
Best RUclips video ever!
Thanks!
Thank you for very such a great video.
Thanks!
Great system and I picked up some great tips. One question. If the power goes out, will the backup system start the hose and never stop?
Yes. If you read some of the other responses to this question, there are a few easy solutions.
Nice job with this fellow clevelander. Im a year4 gardener and finally getting some great yields. I have contemplated wifi timer modules and stuff but this is just way better. Have you made any adjustments or improvements to your original design?
Thanks. No changes. It’s still running exactly the same way. I have looked at WiFi timers so I could easily skip water on days it rains. Now I need to manually turn off the timer and then turn it on the next day, which is not a super reliable or convenient method for me.
My guy is a genius. Badass.
Thanks.
Just watch your viedo, great tips on setup. I like the logic of either rain or city water. One thing that I saw in the video is you black filter. I have the same looking item and mine is a pressure regulator and filter. Is that the reason why there wasnt any pressure without the pump? Thank you again of the great tips.
Good question. No, I’ve tried it with not filters at all. And the pressure regulator in my system takes it down to 20 psi before the drip irrigation. But I wasn’t even close to 20 without the pump.
This is amazing. Thank you!
Thanks!
Excellent, would have overlooked the mixing valve to draw down both barrels.
Thanks!
So just tuned in and a great, and simply explained, video. One question tho, apologies if it’s been asked already. So the float and the solenoid are powered correct? What happens during a power outage? We have them all the darn time here in Florida. Wouldn’t the tap continue to fill the barrels if the float that’s detects the barrels being full is disabled due to the power being out? The solenoid is powered shut but without power it’s open runs the tap until closed. I foresee one heck of a water bill potentially looming?
Yes, in the event of a power outage, the solenoid will run in the open position. To prevent this, you would another solenoid on the house power (before the float switch) that would close the hose filler in the event of an outage.
Our outages are infrequent, my neighbor knows how to shut down the hose backup if I’m not home, I get Wi-Fi notified in the event of an outage, and if it runs, it overflows into the downspout, does not flood (and our water is cheap here).
But you are correct, a second solenoid would be the foolproof configuration.
Very awesome system. Powered selonoid. I need to try to find a different solution. My collection will probably be contained inside my house in my basement. (HOA). So a powered selonoid to keep water from pouring in sounds lime a disaster if I loose power. A always closed selonoid that needs power to open would be better but I'm trying to figure out the work around. I'm designing a similar system except for my sump pump water. My sump pump pumps 5 gallons every 25 seconds. So I'm looking into collecting that and doing something very similar.
There are many WiFi based water and pump controllers out there now. I’d look into something like that. Either as primary or a backup shutoff.