Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

How to Use a Rain Barrel for a Sprinkler System

Warning

To prevent electric shock, do not submerge the electric pump in water.

Always use a grounded electric cord connected to a GFCI outlet. This type of outlet acts as its own circuit breaker and is specifically designed to trip in the event water and electricity are within close proximity of each other.

The water you collect in the rain barrel is not suitable for drinking.

Rain barrels collect rainwater and store it for future use in watering your lawn and garden. Setting up a rain barrel is the ideal way to cut water costs. Place the barrel under your gutter spout to collect any water coming down and to prevent flooding around the base of your home. Adding a hose and sprinkler to the rain barrel can create an efficient watering system for your lawn and garden which can be used throughout the year.

Fill up the rain barrel to ensure you have enough water for your sprinkler. Most barrels hold 55 gallons and can adequately water your garden and lawn.

Attach an electric pump to the bottom of the rain barrel where the spigot is located. An electric pump uses an intake hose to draw water away from the rain barrel, which is attached to the spigot. Fittings will be included with your pump. Attach the rain barrel pump to the fittings, which will then be connected to the hose for irrigation.

  • Rain barrels collect rainwater and store it for future use in watering your lawn and garden.
  • Place the barrel under your gutter spout to collect any water coming down and to prevent flooding around the base of your home.

Attach a hose to the rain barrel irrigation spigot and then attach the pump. All standard hoses will work. Run the hose to the section of garden or lawn you wish to water.

Attach the sprinkler to the end of the hose. Turn the spigot valve clockwise to open up the valve inside the rain barrel and set the water flowing into the hose.

Attach the power cord to the pump and plug into an outdoor outlet. Turn on the electric pump motor to activate the sprinkler and water your lawn or garden.

  • Attach a hose to the rain barrel irrigation spigot and then attach the pump.
  • Attach the power cord to the pump and plug into an outdoor outlet.

Related Articles

How to Build an In-Line Sprinkler Fertilizer System
How to Build an In-Line Sprinkler Fertilizer System
How to Make a Rain Chain Water Feature
How to Make a Rain Chain Water Feature
How to Gravity Feed a Water Feature
How to Gravity Feed a Water Feature
How to Use Polaris Pool Cleaner
How to Use Polaris Pool Cleaner
How to Connect Multiple 55 Gallon Drums
How to Connect Multiple 55 Gallon Drums
How to Make an Oak Barrel Water Feature
How to Make an Oak Barrel Water Feature
How to Install Poly Pipe Fittings
How to Install Poly Pipe Fittings
Water Usage of a Garden Hose
Water Usage of a Garden Hose
How to Bury a Soaker Hose
How to Bury a Soaker Hose
How to Use a Doughboy Sand Filter
How to Use a Doughboy Sand Filter
How to Stop Theft from Outdoor Water Spigots
How to Stop Theft from Outdoor Water Spigots
How to Filter Your Rainwater
How to Filter Your Rainwater
How to Build a Hydroponic System With Rubbermaid Tubs
How to Build a Hydroponic System With Rubbermaid Tubs
Garden Guides
×