Do Rain Barrels Work Without Gutters

Most sloping roofs can accommodate a rain chain even without a gutter.

Do rain barrels work without gutters.

A rain barrel is easy to install and simply needs to be hooked up to your gutter using one of a few methods all depending on the type of rain barrel you choose to purchase. When the rain travels down the chains and into the cups or bells that are spread across it then you get a pleasing sound that s a lot like a wind chime which makes them appeal to many people. Aesthetically pleasing as a rain chain might be however there are some things you should know about them before you. Many householders set up rain barrels to catch the water as it drips from the roof reducing runoff and erosion while preserving water for garden.

The barrel would have to be open top and you d have to put it in a place where the downpour was greatest off the roof. With the barrel on its side use a power drill with a 1 inch drill bit to drill a hole about 5 inches above the base of the barrel for the drain. I was wondering if a rainbarrel would really catch enough rain if you didn t use gutters. You should be able to find a style of rain barrel that fits in with your overall landscaping plan.

Drill an additional hole about 3 inches below the top of the barrel for the overflow. A rain barrel seemed like the perfect solution as we have a shed in the back near the garden. If it does not you will have to cut it off in order to use your barrel without gutters. Actually there are many homeowners who enjoy the benefits of rain barrels even though their home does not have gutters.

Insert a hose bibb or spigot in the drain hole. So what to do. Heavy rains can also erode your home s foundation. Some barrels are even connected to underground pipes that automatically channel the water in certain areas.

Neither roof nor gutters are needed and after it rains the water can be used for whatever gardening purpose you want. Since roof slopes will vary from home to home so will the trajectory of the water that streams from a roof through a crevice or crease during a storm. Any rain will be collected or harvested for future use. Then place metal and rubber washers and waterproof sealant on both the inside and outside of the barrel.

Rain chain downspouts are an ornamental beautiful addition to gutter systems. Once connected turn on the spigot or tap and you re good to go. If your barrel has a removable top simply take it off. Only problem is most of the diy rain barrel tutorials rely on gutters to channel rainwater and my shed is gutterless.