The best examples of 3 examples of how to build a rain barrel system (plus more DIY ideas)

1. Simple starter setup – the easiest example of a rain barrel system

Let’s start with the easiest example of a rain barrel system you can build with basic tools and a free afternoon. When people ask for examples of 3 examples of how to build a rain barrel system, this is usually the first one I recommend: a single 55‑gallon barrel hooked to one downspout.

You’ll need:

• One food‑grade 55‑gallon barrel (often free or cheap from local bottling plants or car‑wash suppliers)
• A spigot kit made for rain barrels
• A downspout diverter kit
• A few cinder blocks or a sturdy stand
• Teflon tape and a drill with a hole saw

How it works in practice
You place the barrel on a stand (about 1–2 feet high) so you can get a watering can under the spigot. You cut a small section out of your existing downspout, insert the diverter, and run a short hose into the top of the barrel. When the barrel fills, the diverter sends excess water back down the downspout, so you’re not flooding your foundation.

This example of a rain barrel system is perfect if:

• You rent and need something you can remove later
• You just want to water a few raised beds or containers
• You’re testing whether rainwater harvesting fits your lifestyle

In 2024–2025, starter kits like this have gotten easier to find at big‑box stores and online, and many cities in the U.S. still offer rebates or discounts for a basic example of a rain barrel system. Check your city or county website; the U.S. EPA has a good overview of rainwater harvesting benefits and programs here: https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain.

2. Best examples of multi‑barrel systems for serious gardeners

Once people see how well a single barrel works, they usually start asking for examples of 3 examples of how to build a rain barrel system that can store more water. That’s where multi‑barrel systems come in.

Instead of one lonely barrel, you connect two or three barrels together so they fill and drain as a unit. For many gardeners, these are the best examples of rain barrel builds because they balance cost, storage, and simplicity.

Example of a side‑by‑side 3‑barrel system

Picture three 55‑gallon barrels lined up along the side of your house, all sitting on a long, level stand made from concrete blocks and 2x6 lumber. The downspout diverter feeds the first barrel. Near the bottom of each barrel, you install bulkhead fittings and connect them with short sections of 1” hose or PVC pipe, so the water level equalizes across all three.

Why this works well:

• You triple your storage without needing a complicated pump
• You still have a single spigot at the end barrel
• Maintenance is straightforward—flush one, flush them all

In real examples like this, gardeners often collect 150–165 gallons from a single moderate storm. In many U.S. regions, that’s enough to hand‑water beds for a week or keep fruit trees happy during a dry spell.

Example of a vertical stack using slimline barrels

Not everyone has space for three fat drums. Another example of a multi‑barrel rain barrel system uses tall, slimline barrels (sometimes called “wall tanks”). You place two tall barrels end‑to‑end along a fence and connect them high and low so they fill and drain evenly.

This example of a rain barrel system is popular in narrow side yards or townhomes where every foot matters. It’s one of the best examples for urban gardeners who want capacity without losing walking space.

Simple upgrades for multi‑barrel systems

For 2024–2025, I’m seeing more people add:

• Quick‑connect fittings so hoses and drip lines can swap easily
• Overflow hoses routed to a rain garden or lawn, reducing runoff
• Shutoff valves between barrels, so you can isolate one for cleaning

The U.S. Department of Energy notes that outdoor water use can be a big chunk of household consumption in dry regions, and systems like these help cut that down: https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/water-conservation.

3. Gravity‑fed example of a rain barrel system with basic filtration

If you want to go a step beyond “just a barrel,” here’s one of the more advanced examples of 3 examples of how to build a rain barrel system: a raised barrel or cistern that feeds hoses or drip irrigation by gravity, with simple filtration to keep gunk out.

In this example of a system, you:

• Build a taller, stronger stand (3–4 feet high) from pressure‑treated lumber or concrete blocks
• Install a first‑flush diverter or leaf filter on the downspout to remove roof debris
• Add a screened inlet and a removable filter basket at the top of the barrel
• Run a ½” or ¾” line from the barrel to your garden beds

Because the barrel sits higher, you get more water pressure. It won’t match city water, but it’s enough to run short drip lines or soaker hoses if your garden is slightly downhill.

This is one of the best examples for:

• People with larger vegetable gardens
• Homeowners interested in low‑tech, off‑grid‑friendly setups
• Anyone tired of hauling watering cans back and forth

If you’re in a region with water restrictions, this kind of gravity‑fed system can help you keep plants alive without breaking local rules—as long as rainwater harvesting is legal where you live. Some states regulate it, so always check your local or state government site first. The National Conference of State Legislatures has a helpful summary of U.S. state rainwater laws: https://www.ncsl.org.

4. Real examples of upcycled and low‑budget rain barrel builds

Not every project needs store‑bought kits. Some of the best examples of rain barrel systems are cobbled together from cast‑off materials—and they work just as well.

Here are a few real examples I’ve seen or helped build:

Upcycled food‑grade drums from local businesses
Bakeries, soda bottling plants, and car‑wash suppliers often have surplus plastic drums that once held syrup or detergents. You clean them thoroughly, install a spigot, add an overflow, and you’ve got a functional example of a rain barrel system for a fraction of retail cost.

Repurposed IBC totes for high‑capacity storage
Intermediate bulk containers (those square, caged 250–330 gallon tanks) are popular with homesteaders. One real example: a small farm in Arizona raised two IBC totes on a sturdy timber frame, fed them from a barn roof, and now waters orchard trees almost entirely from captured rain during the cooler months.

Salvaged stand materials
Cinder blocks from an old project, leftover 4x4s, or even a retired pallet can become a stand. As long as the platform is level and can handle the weight (a full 55‑gallon barrel is over 450 pounds), you’re good.

These real examples show that the “best” system is the one you can actually afford and build, not necessarily the prettiest one in the catalog.

5. Examples include smart add‑ons people are using in 2024–2025

Modern examples of 3 examples of how to build a rain barrel system don’t stop at a barrel and spigot. In 2024–2025, more homeowners are blending old‑school collection with smart tech and health‑minded design.

Here are a few upgrades that real examples often include now:

Mosquito‑safe lids and screens
Standing water can become mosquito habitat if you don’t cover it. Many of the best examples include tight‑fitting lids with mesh screens over every opening. The CDC has guidance on preventing mosquitoes around the home that’s worth reading: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes.

Simple first‑flush diverters
These devices catch the first few gallons of dirty roof runoff (pollen, bird droppings, dust) and then automatically switch to filling your barrel. They’re a small detail that makes a big difference in water clarity.

Solar‑powered transfer pumps
In some examples of rain barrel systems, especially where yards are flat, people add a small 12V pump powered by a solar panel. This lets them run longer drip lines or fill elevated tanks without tapping the grid.

Overflow routing to rain gardens
Instead of dumping overflow onto a driveway, many of the best examples now route it to a shallow, planted depression—a rain garden—that soaks up excess water and supports pollinator‑friendly plants. The EPA has a helpful overview of rain gardens and green infrastructure: https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure.

These examples include both low‑tech and higher‑tech tweaks, but they all share the same goal: keep more water on your property and less rushing down storm drains.

6. Step‑by‑step: a clear example of how to build your first system

To tie all these examples together, here’s a straightforward example of a build that borrows the best ideas from the systems above. Think of it as a hybrid between the simple starter and the gravity‑fed setup.

You:

1. Pick the spot – Choose a downspout near your garden, on stable ground. Make sure there’s room for at least one barrel plus overflow routing.
2. Build a stand – Stack cinder blocks two high, side‑by‑side, and top with a pressure‑treated 2x6. Check for level in all directions.
3. Prepare the barrel – Drill a hole near the bottom for the spigot (follow your kit’s instructions), wrap threads with Teflon tape, and tighten. Add an overflow fitting near the top side.
4. Add the inlet screen – Cut a hole in the lid for the diverter hose and cover it with fine mesh to keep out debris and insects.
5. Install the diverter – Cut a section out of your downspout at the height of the barrel inlet. Attach the diverter and run the hose into the lid.
6. Route the overflow – Attach a hose to the overflow fitting and direct it away from your foundation—ideally toward a garden bed or lawn.
7. Test in the next rain – After the first storm, check for leaks, make sure the diverter is working, and adjust the stand if anything has shifted.

This single example of a rain barrel system can later be expanded into a multi‑barrel setup by adding more barrels and connecting them at the bottom.

7. Choosing the best example of a rain barrel system for your yard

With all these examples of 3 examples of how to build a rain barrel system floating around, how do you pick the one that actually fits your life?

Ask yourself:

• How much space do I have?
  Small patio? Go with the simple single‑barrel example. Long side yard? A 2–3 barrel series might be your best example.

• How much water do I really need?
  A few containers vs. a 500‑square‑foot garden are very different needs. Real examples from gardeners suggest 50–100 gallons per week in hot, dry spells for a modest vegetable plot.

• Do I want to automate anything?
  If yes, lean toward the gravity‑fed example with a stand high enough for drip lines, or plan for a small pump.

• What’s legal where I live?
  In most U.S. states, small‑scale rain barrel systems are allowed or encouraged, but a few places have limits. Always check your state or local rules.

The “best examples” aren’t necessarily the fanciest. They’re the ones that match your climate, your yard, and your willingness to maintain them.

FAQ: real examples and common questions about rain barrel systems

Q1. Can you give examples of what I can use rain barrel water for?
Yes. Common examples include watering vegetable gardens, fruit trees, lawns, ornamental beds, and houseplants (after letting the water come to room temperature). Many people also use it for washing garden tools or rinsing muddy boots. Health agencies such as the CDC generally advise against using untreated rain barrel water for drinking, cooking, or kids’ play pools.

Q2. What’s one simple example of a rain barrel system for beginners?
A classic example of a beginner system is a single 55‑gallon food‑grade barrel on a cinder‑block stand, fed by a downspout diverter, with a screened lid and a hose‑bib spigot. It’s cheap, quick to build, and easy to remove if you move or change your mind.

Q3. Are there examples of low‑maintenance systems?
Low‑maintenance examples include barrels with tight‑fitting lids, built‑in leaf screens, and first‑flush diverters. These reduce how often you need to clean the barrel. Smooth, opaque barrels that block sunlight also cut down on algae growth.

Q4. Do these examples of systems work in cold climates?
Yes, but you need to winterize. In freezing climates, real examples of long‑lasting systems all follow the same pattern: drain the barrel before hard freezes, disconnect or open diverters so water bypasses the barrel, and store hoses and fittings indoors. Some people flip their barrels upside‑down for winter to keep snow and ice out.

Q5. What are examples of safety tips I shouldn’t ignore?
Examples include: securing the barrel so it can’t tip, using food‑grade plastic or purpose‑built barrels, keeping all openings screened to block mosquitoes, routing overflow away from your foundation, and never letting kids climb or sit on the barrel or stand.

If you take nothing else from these examples of 3 examples of how to build a rain barrel system, let it be this: start simple, build something you’ll actually use, and leave room to expand. Every gallon you catch is one less gallon treated, pumped, and piped to your house—and one more step toward a yard that works with your climate instead of against it.