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19 Rainwater Collecting Ideas That Are Functional, Beautiful, and Easy to Build
#7. Vertical Rain Barrel Tower System
When space is tight but your thirst for rainwater isn’t, this vertical barrel system is a game-changer. Water flows down from the roof through a gutter into the top barrel and connects through tubing into each one below.
Materials Needed:
- 4 white 55-gallon plastic barrels (horizontal placement)
- 4 heavy-duty wooden posts (4″x4″, 8 ft+)
- 8 wooden cross-beams (2″x6″)
- Metal brackets and bolts
- Hose or PVC tubing
- Spigots and fittings
- Gutter
- Drill, saw, wrench
Step-by-step Guide:
Step 1: Build a tall rectangular frame using four vertical posts and cross-beams spaced to hold each barrel horizontally. Reinforce with metal brackets and bolts.
Step 2: Cut holes and install a spigot at the base of the bottom barrel and overflow/drain fittings on each of the others.
Step 3: Stack the barrels on the frame, securing each one between the beams. Connect them using tubing or hose so water flows from the top down.
Step 4: Position a gutter or downspout to feed directly into the top barrel’s inlet. Seal all fittings and connections for watertight flow.
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