The right rain barrel has been purchased and the ideal location has been found. Now the construction only needs to be connected to the gutter. But how does that actually work? On this page you will find helpful instructions that will help even hobby DIY enthusiasts complete the connection. Get to know the different methods.
How do I connect a rain barrel to the gutter?
To connect a rain barrel to the gutter, there are two options available: a direct connection with a downpipe filter or a connection with a rain collector attachment pipe. In both cases, a hole is required in the downpipe to direct the rainwater into the barrel.
Various connection variants
If you would like to connect your rain barrel to the gutter, you have two options to choose from:
- Attach the rain collector directly to the downpipe
- or a rain collector with a clip-on pipe
The direct connection
Direct connection is the simplest connection method. The only difficulty is that the downpipe has to be drilled out. But don't worry, even if you're attempting this process for the first time, you'll be able to drill easily with these instructions.
- Hold the downpipe filter (€119.00 on Amazon) (available at hardware stores) to the downpipe.
- Choose a spot slightly above the top edge of the rain barrel.
- Mark these with a sharpie.
- Now drill a hole at the marked location.
- Insert the downpipe filter.
- Now the rainwater is channeled from the gutter into your rain barrel.
The rain collector with clip-on pipe
This method allows you to place the rain barrel at some distance from the gutter. A hose connection is used for this. However, you need a rain collector tube.
- Here, too, cut a correspondingly large hole in the downpipe.
- Put the connecting pipe into the hole.
- Connect the rain barrel to the downpipe of the gutter with a hose.
- Attach the hose at least 10 cm below the top edge. This is for overflow protection.
- Downpipe and rain barrel connection must be at the same height. Otherwise the water will flow back again.
Assemble the sieve
In addition, you should install a sieve in the gutter at the opening to the downpipe. This prevents leaves and coarse dirt particles such as bird droppings from getting into the rain barrel.
