DIY: Rain Barrel

I think being more environmentally friendly has been on everyone's minds the last few years. The surge in "green" products, hybrid cars, LEED certification, recycling and global warming are just a few headliners that I see daily. A rain barrel system is a great way to collect rain water to use in your garden, help cut down on water bills, and do your little part to help. My husband wants to build me one, so I found this little tutorial online that I'd like to share. Read the article here for all of the steps. It's too long to post the entire thing, so I'll just highlight it for you.

Materials needed:
55 gallon barrel
hole saw or paddle drill bit
½ PVC parts (Used for overflow vent)
1 - Male Threaded Connector
2 - 900 Elbows
4' of pipe
1" PVC parts:
1 - Male Threaded Connector
1 - 900 Elbow
1 - 3-Way ‘T’
1 - Ball Valve (threaded) (*per barrel system)
3' Pipe
3" PVC parts (*per barrel system)
2 - 450 Elbows
3' of pipe
1 Down Spout to Drain Pipe Connector
Other supplies:
Clear PVC Glue
Pack of 100 Grit Sandpaper
Tube of Silicone Glue
1" Brass Hose Connecter

Here are what the barrels look like before...

After you prime/paint the barrels...

with a little help from the good ole' PVC, hook it up to your drain

build a little platform with a spout for them to sit on so gravity works in your favor...