Rain Barrel How To

OBJECTIVE:
Store rain for an automatic chicken watering system.

I installed my rain barrel onto the back deck for gravity advantages.  This aids in function stacking, for example I can daisy-chain several water barrels together if needed, water my garden, or in a pinch filter the water for drinking (more likely washing or cooking).

RESOURCES:

http://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/urbanstormwater/rain-water-harvesting/

 

GEAR LIST:

• Barrel of your choosing. I had an extra blue barrel (filters light, which reduces algae).
• Rain gutter “tap”
  • http://www.amazon.com/Oatey-14209-Mystic-Rainwater-Collection/dp/B003E1RJVU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1459705422&sr=8-3&keywords=rain+catcher
• The following were cheaper at homedepo (for me)
  • http://www.amazon.com/RainPro-Barrel-Quarter-Bulkhead-Fitting/dp/B00NX697C0?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_9&smid=A2QK07761NCAQC
  • http://www.amazon.com/Anderson-Metals-Garden-Fitting-Connector/dp/B006PKMU0W?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
• Don’t forget a over-flow hole & hose (out spout).
  

   

CHICKEN BUCKET water feeder

Float valve
http://www.homedepot.com/p/1-4-in-Evaporative-Cooler-Standard-Float-Valve-4102/100073411

Verify your “inner diameter”
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Sioux-Chief-3-8-in-x-10-ft-Clear-PVC-Tubing-900-01163C00101/202309818
I hose-clamp’d the ⅜ over top the threads of the float valve.