Rain Barrel System DIY

Simple, effective rainwater collection system, off grid. Detailed Drawings: mcguiremechanism.com/rainwater/
Sizing the Steel Frame: • How to Size a Steel Frame
Clarification: The hydrostatic pressure equation at 3:20 is for average pressure. For maximum pressure, use the full height of the working fluid-not the height of its centroid. However, the equation shown is a reasonable approximation for max pressure in this type of rainwater collection system, considering inefficiencies like losses due to the internal roughness of the hose.

[@soulshiningOffGrid]

This is one of the best simpler water collections I've seen.I'm just beginning my Homestead here in New Mexico. I greatly appreciate at this video.✌🏽🙌🏽💧💧💧

[@McGuireMechanism]

Thank you, Renee! One upgrade to this design is a quick pivot to access the screen filter. Here is a video for that modification: ruclips.net/video/Gbu9gWmTb2M/видео.html
Best wishes on your new homestead :)

[@CaptainHaru]

This is the most concise and informative video on rainwater collection I have seen. Hope to see more. Subscribed.

[@louishagene3332]

Well done thank you

[@McGuireMechanism]

Thanks, Louis!

[@Katgirl2024]

This is awesome!!! Thank you. Amazing how much water we can harvest.

[@McGuireMechanism]

Thanks, Kathy! Sure is.

[@mannys4036]

Excellent video; easy to understand; well done.

[@McGuireMechanism]

Thank you, Manny!

[@Alex.Kandmor]

This is great! Thanks! It's nice learning how to set up a system like this but also be told why you are doing what your doing!

[@McGuireMechanism]

My pleasure! Thanks so much for the comment, Alex.

[@WalkerJones]

Loved your class, and love your videos.

[@McGuireMechanism]

Thanks Walker! Hope you're doing great :)

[@KingStix]

ball valve might be worth looking into if pressure is a priority, less turbulence

[@GanjaBro99]

Thanks for the video

[@stephensuter7242]

Thanks - good update

[@martinparmer]

Is the ball float really necessary? If it weren't there, seems to me, the first flush tube would just fill up and then over flow into the barrels. Yes, the water would slowly seep out but if you have a lot of rain, that would be ok. Thanks

[@McGuireMechanism]

Hi Martin, I've wondered the same thing! It ensures that the first volume of water (and the first volume only) is what gets flushed. If you let the tube fill up without a sealing ball, then you're relying on the backpressure on the tube to "seal" out that first flush-in that case, it's easy to imagine the new water mixing with the water in the tube, diluting the effectiveness of the filter.

[@bfrick]

Excellent video, thank you. I have 4 55 barrels ready to go. Any chance to get a parts list?

[@McGuireMechanism]

Thanks Frick! Parts are listed in the drawings here: mcguiremechanism.com/rainwater/
If you email me through the website, I can send you a spreadsheet of what I used, but when it comes to plumbing, just note that parts are dependent on your barrel positions vs. downspout location, so my list may not perfectly fit your particular application.

[@jiminitin]

You guys would shit your pants if you saw the size of the water tanks we have here in Aus. Good video 👍

[@McGuireMechanism]

Haha thanks jimini!

[@toddtaylor7204]

Clarification: Hydrostatic pressure is a function of the water SURFACE location. The height of the working fluid volume's centroid could be used to calculate the AVERAGE hydrostatic pressure available between full and empty.

[@McGuireMechanism]

Thanks for the clarification! Yes, I should have mentioned "average."

[@cargold7597]

Wish I knew where to get recycled barrels.

[@McGuireMechanism]

If you have a local scrapyard (where folks recycle things like scrap metal, old bearings & motors, etc.) recycled barrels show up there frequently where I live. Craigslist can also be a good source from time to time.

[@toddbellows5282]

Wouldn't one spigot be sufficient?

[@McGuireMechanism]

Yes! Great point! As long as they are connected in parallel, they can drain together through one spigot. I like my barrels to be modular, so if I wanted I could pull one out and I'd still have a complete system.

[@bethlyons6395]

Metal roofs you dont have that yucky taste from the asphalt roof if you want potable clean water of course a fine mesh filter to keep bugs out. Why not have some way to divert overflow to a manmade pond or plants animals etc

[@McGuireMechanism]

Interesting idea, Beth! I have heard of folks directing the overflow into aquaculture systems.

[@billiebruv]

So no one manufactures rain water tanks in america?

[@McGuireMechanism]

Hi Billie - taking a quick look, there are U.S. companies manufacturing rain water tanks. This example here is a budget DIY example, showing how you can use an $18 recycled drum.

[@billiebruv]

@@McGuireMechanism nice, but they are kinda small. Here in Oz, 30-40,000ltrs is common

[@charlescarroll6396]

the part numbers and your drawings arent searchable

[@McGuireMechanism]

Hi Charles, it is unclear to me what you mean, but I may be able to help if you have a specific example. Many of the the part numbers are internal and not intended to be searchable. Fittings are identified by the description. There are a couple kit part numbers from third party vendors, which are searchable.