RainScapes Rain Barrel User manual

During the past several years,
the Rainscapes Program staff
have worked with a number of
designs to develop a basic, long-
lasting, and easy-to-assemble
rain barrel, using parts readily
found at most home improve-
ment centers. The following
instructions reflect the most
recent model.
If you have picked up your rain
barrel through one of our
“Make and Take” workshops,
many of the preliminary steps
have been completed for you.
Skip to the appropriate instruc-
tions for guidance in finishing
your rain barrel.
The following listing provides
the name and model number of
the parts used to make our Rain
Barrel. The cost for all parts at a
standard hardware store is
approximately 15 dollars.
Rain Barrel Hardware
Overflow:
1-1/4” Adapter Insert MPT (SWP151)
Size 24 25-50mm Metal Hose Clamp
1-1/4” Sump Pump Hose (Flotec
FP0012-6F)
Silicone sealer or teflon tape (opt.)
Inlet Grate:
6” NDS Green Grate
6-7” Metal Clamp #10
12” square Window Screen
Hose Bibb/Sillcock:
Brass Sillcock/Hose Bibb 3/4” MPT
Silicone sealer or teflon tape (opt.)
Rain Barrel Assembly
FACTSHEET
Basic Instructions
Step A: Cut a hole in the top of your barrel for the inlet drain. The
hole should only be large enough to allow the grate to rest on its
flange. Cut the hole using either a RotoZipTM drill or carefully measure
and mark the area to be cut, start a pilot hole, and cut out the
marked area with a jigsaw.
Step B: Use a 1-1/2 inch keyhole bit to cut a hole to accommodate
the 1-1/4 inch Overflow Adapter. You may need to rasp or sand the
hole somewhat larger to screw in the Adapter. Expect a snug fit.
Step C: Use a 15/16 inch drill bit to cut a hole for the 3/4-inch Brass
Hose Bibb.

For more information,visit
www.montgomerycoun-
tymd.gov/rainscapes
Montgomery County
Department of
Environmental Protection
255 Rockville Pike, Suite 120
Rockville, MD 20850
240.777.7700 fax [phone]
Step D: Insert the threaded end
of the Overflow Adapter Insert
into the overflow hole. Keep the
adapter straight as you screw it
into the barrel.
Step E: Insert the threaded
Hose Bibb into the already drilled
hole. Keep the hose bibb
straight as you screw it into the
barrel. You may also apply a
bead of silicone caulk or wrap
teflon tape around the bibb
before inserting it to ensure a
tight, drip-free connection.
Step F: Use the larger #10
Metal Clamp to firmly attach the
window screen to the bottom of
the Green Grate. Tighten the
clamp with a screwdriver or nut-
driver. Place the Inlet Assembly
into the barrel.
Step G: Slide the smaller size 25
Metal Hose Clamp over the
barbed section of the Adapter
Insert. Slide one end of the Sump
Pump Hose over the Adapter and
use the Hose Clamp to firmly
attach the Hose to the Adapter.
Step H: Attach a garden hose or
soaker hose to your Hose Bibb.
Step I: Use cinderblocks or similar
pavers to elevate the completed
Rain Barrel off the ground to
ensure easier access to the Hose
Bibb, and to facilitate gravity-fed
drainage.
Notes: Be sure to use/drain your
rain barrel at regular intervals,
and before the winter season.
Keep rain gutters clean of debris
to prevent mosquito eggs and lar-
vae from entering your barrel.
Check connections routinely;
clean debris from the Grate
Assembly when needed.
Local sources for
barrels and hard-
ware kits
Plastic, food-grade barrels:
JAMES T. WARRING SONS INC.
4545 'S' STREET
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD.20743
www.warringbarrels.com
Phone [phone]
Fax. [phone]
Hardware and tool kit:
(different from list shown on this
fact sheet, but comes with own
set of instructions)
AQUABARREL
878 Muddy Branch Road #25
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
www.aquabarrel.com/
240-683-RAIN (7246)
206-202-1487 FAX and
voice mail only