recycle rain water?

[hausfrau]

Those are generally easy to set up. I think you just use the flexible black tube you'd hook to the end of your downspout to attach it and fill it up. It looks like there's a spigot you can attach a hose to as well, which makes it very easy to use. I think that there really isn't a downside to harvesting your rainwater if you find that you are using a lot of water to maintain your landscape.

The only big concern is that the water is screened/sealed in a way that keeps mosquitoes from breeding in there.

[FoxInFiji]

Yes it's really simple you just need to cut part of your gutter and add a divertor. That way when the rain barrel is full the rest is diverted back to your gutter. You also need the rain barrel to be cinder blocks or some kind of raised supports because the rain comes out only be gravity so you can't raise the hose end very high without it raised.

Ask This Old House just this weekend did this for a homeowner. Try looking at their website for the episode.

[munkii]

If you get a lot of rain, consider installing a diverter as well to prevent overflow.
www.amazon.com/Fiskars-5962-Barrel-DiverterPro-Black/dp/B00387FP5M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360611588&sr=8-1&keywords=Rain+Barrel+Diverter


They installed one on the TOH project, but I don't remember hearing them talk about it.

[grey56]

YHL has some posts about these. I know, I know. YHL.

[munkii]

Feb 11, 2013 14:44:54 GMT -5 @bluesky said:

Thanks!  I was wondering what the diverter is.  We don't get that much rain.  It wouldn't harm anything if we had some water overflow..  so I assume we could just go without the diverter?  The barrel would just start overflowing, right?

Yes, which can cause flooding and bug problems, but if it doesn't rain much, it's probably a non-issue.

[munkii]

@merida, bat houses are awesome! Bats are sweet, adorable, mosquito-eating machines. Sadly, well maybe not for you, it is unlikely you would ever see a bat even with houses.

[FoxInFiji]

Feb 11, 2013 14:44:54 GMT -5 @bluesky said:

Feb 11, 2013 14:41:36 GMT -5 munkii said:

If you get a lot of rain, consider installing a diverter as well to prevent overflow.
www.amazon.com/Fiskars-5962-Barrel-DiverterPro-Black/dp/B00387FP5M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360611588&sr=8-1&keywords=Rain+Barrel+Diverter


They installed one on the TOH project, but I don't remember hearing them talk about it.

Thanks!  I was wondering what the diverter is.  We don't get that much rain.  It wouldn't harm anything if we had some water overflow..  so I assume we could just go without the diverter?  The barrel would just start overflowing, right?

No it can harm things.  The whole point of having a gutter and downspout is to get the water away from your foundation.  Having excess water can lead to your foundation sinking in that corner or basement flooding.  You'd be surprised how much water a big roof can catch even if it's only rained a small amount. 

If you ever get below freezing you'll also need to drain your barrel and store it upside down during that period.  A divertor is great for that because you just disconnect it and it becomes a downspout like usual during that time. 

Divertors are cheap and easy there is no reason to not use one.
www.gardeners.com/Downspout-Diverter/33-991VS,default,pd.html

[pitterwoo]

I don't really have anything to add except that I have a rain barrel and really enjoy it. I think they are a great idea and to save money maybe there is a class near you that you can make your own from old plastic barrels for cheap.

[Marmee]

I was just gonna mention that it's illegal I some states. Runoff fills streams, lakes, rivers that are relied upon for irrigation for farms down stream. I'm in CO though...not sure what the rules are in CA. They look easy to install & use if it is OK.