DIY Guide: How To Catch Rainwater On Your Balcony In 11 Simple Steps

Discover How To Catch Rainwater On Your Balcony

As a balcony gardener, I’m always searching for ways to conserve water and to make the most of my rather limited space. That’s why I decided to write this blog on how to catch rainwater on your balcony. This is an easy and cost-effective way to ensure my plants get the hydration they need and I wanted to share my findings with you.

It’s also a good way for many people to save money, although in my area the water bill is fixed so rainwater harvesting doesn’t really help me from an economical perspective!

You can catch rainwater on your balcony by gathering the right equipment, installing it correctly and ensuring your system is maintained and regularly cleaned.

This guide is perfect for beginners – and will help you simply and efficiently catch rainwater in 11 simple steps – as well as make the most of this valuable natural resource.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents: How to Catch Rainwater on your Balcony

How To Catch Rainwater On Your Balcony: Step-By-Step

1.Gather The Right Equipment

If you’re planning to catch rainwater on your balcony, the first step is to ensure you have the right equipment. You’ll need three key items:

• A container
• A downspout diverter
• A hose or spigot

Containers

First and foremost, you’ll need a rain barrel or container to collect the rainwater. If you’re working with limited space on your balcony, you may not have room for a large rain barrel, so you will need to look for containers that are specifically designed for catching rainwater, such as rain cups, which you can hang from your balcony railing or mount to a nearby wall.

For a simpler option, you can also repurpose smaller containers, such as buckets or plastic jugs to collect rainwater.

Just make sure to place them in a secure location to prevent them from falling over during heavy rainfall – and remember that smaller containers may require more frequent emptying than a larger rain barrel.

Downspout Diverter

To redirect rainwater from your roof/gutter into your container, you’ll need a downspout diverter. This device attaches to your downspout and redirects water into your rain barrel.

Without a diverter, your rain barrel could easily overflow during heavy rainfall, causing water damage to your balcony and surrounding areas. When choosing a downspout diverter, make sure it’s compatible with your downspout size and that it’s made of high-quality materials that can withstand the elements.

Hose Or Spigot

You will also need a way to release the collected rainwater when you are all set to use it. This is where a hose or spigot (a faucet to turn water on and off) can help you to transport the water. When choosing a spigot, you need to make sure it is durable and that it is the correct size for your balcony.

How To Collect Rainwater Without Gutters, Roof Or Downspout

“The above is all very well”, you may say, “but in my urban home I don’t have gutters/roof/downspout.”

Well, you’re in luck – I have neither gutters nor a downspout – although I do have a kind of flat roof overhanging the balcony. So I am familiar with collecting rainwater successfully in challenging circumstances and here are a few key points on how to do so:

• Instead of a downspout, you can use a rain chain/series of chains to guide the water from the roof (if you have one) to your container. These also have the benefit of being aesthetically pleasing!
• You can use a sloped surface to direct the rainwater to your container. This usually only works if your balcony has a slight slope towards one corner and can be a bit challenging in terms of angling the container to collect the water.
• If you have a railing you can attach a rain chain and extend it to a container as a makeshift downspout.
• Another option is to make the most of different materials like concrete tiles or wood as a catchment area. For example, concrete balconies may have a smoother surface for rainwater to flow easily to a container, while tile or wood balconies may require more tools like a rubber sheet or trough to catch rainwater.

At my home, I attach rain chains to the roof and then hook containers to the hangers I have on one wall. This seems to work nicely and also looks quite visually appealing.

I also recently discovered – quite by accident – that my watering can had filled up to the brim with rainwater during recent downpours.

This is a very basic way to harvest rainwater if you don’t even have a roof – but a watering can isn’t the best object for this because you ideally need a lid to cover your containers with lids to prevent debris build up.

For more information, read the article on innovative ways to capture rainwater without gutters or a roof.

2.Calculate The Right Container Size

Calculating the right size container for catching rainwater on your balcony is crucial to ensure that you have enough capacity to collect water during rainstorms, while also considering the space available on your balcony.

I only tend to use rainwater for my plants and cleaning my floor, but different people have different needs. So the size of the container will depend on how much water you want to catch, the size of your balcony, and your personal water usage plans.

To calculate the right size of the container, you’ll first need to measure the available space on your balcony.

Note down the length, width, and height of the space where you plan to place the container. Then, consider how much water you want to catch. If you have a small balcony and only need a small amount of water, a container with a capacity of 20-30 gallons or less may suffice.

However, if you have a larger balcony or need more water, you may need a container with a capacity of 50 gallons or more.

Another important factor to consider is the climate in your area. If you live in an area with frequent rainfall, you may want to choose a larger container to ensure that you can capture as much rainwater as possible. But if you live in an area with infrequent rainfall, a smaller container may be sufficient.

3.Choose The Best Location

For maximum water capture, choose the right location for your container. The ideal position is where water tends to naturally fall. I’ve already discussed how to catch rainwater if you don’t have a roof, gutter or downspout, but overall the principle stands: the closer your container is to the source of water, the better the chance of catching the most water possible.

And remember to be flexible. During torrential downpours, the wind will be blowing the rain in a certain direction, so make sure you can move your container and downspout diverter around for optimum rainwater harvesting.

4.Install The Gutter

To install the gutter on your balcony, you’ll need to place it at an angle that allows the water to flow towards the container. The angle is crucial to ensure that the water flows properly and doesn’t get stuck in the gutter.

The ideal angle for a gutter is around one inch of drop per every ten feet of gutter length. This means that for a small balcony, the angle doesn’t need to be very steep, and can be achieved by propping up one end of the gutter with a small piece of wood or plastic, creating a slope that will direct the water towards the container.

You’ll also need to carefully choose the best gutters for your rainwater capture. The choice you make will depend on your particular needs. Factors to consider include rainfall in your area, material durability, expense and what it takes to maintain your gutters.

Once you have achieved the correct angle, you can attach the gutter to the balcony railing or wall with brackets or hooks.

5.Set Up The Container

When it comes to setting up the container, consider the size of your balcony and how much water you want to catch. Place the container in a location that is easily accessible for adding or removing water and ensure that it is sturdy and level to avoid spillage so it is safe for collecting and storing rainwater.

6.Add A Filter

Adding a filter to the gutter is highly recommended to remove debris and leaves from the rainwater. You can use a mesh screen or a specialised filter designed for rainwater collection. Install the filter at the entrance of the gutter to prevent blockage, and clean or replace the filter regularly to avoid build-up.

7.Add A Hose

Adding a hose to the container can make it easier to use the collected water. Connect the hose to the container’s spigot and position it near the plants or area you want to water.

For smaller balconies a hose is going to be tricky, so you will probably want to use just a spigot or you can use a smaller diameter hose to avoid cluttering the space.

8.Create A Gravity-Fed Irrigation System

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can create a gravity-fed irrigation system by attaching a soaker hose to the end of the hose connected to the container.

Place the soaker hose near the base of your plants, and let gravity do the rest! This method is an efficient way to water your plants without wasting water, and it also saves time and energy. This is better for those of you with larger balcony areas.

9.Use A Pump For Larger Setups

For those with larger balconies – and therefore rainwater harvesting setups, a pump can help the water flow more efficiently. Choose a pump with a flow rate that matches your setup’s needs, and connect it to the hose or irrigation system. Remember that using a pump may require additional space and power, so plan accordingly.

10.Maintain And Clean The Setup

To avoid clogging and stagnant water, regular cleaning and maintenance is vital. Remove any debris or leaves from the gutter and filter, and rinse the container regularly to prevent build-up. Make sure to store the setup properly during the off-season to avoid damage or deterioration.

11.Use The Collected Rainwater

And finally, enjoy using your rainwater! There are many uses for the collected rainwater, including watering plants, washing your balcony and indoor floors, cleaning your car and some even use rainwater for personal use – although I wouldn’t recommend this unless you are extremely experienced in collecting and decontaminating rainwater.

How To Catch Rainwater On Your Balcony: Final Thoughts

Overall, catching rainwater on your balcony is a great way to be more environmentally conscious, to save money and to feel empowered in your journey towards self-sufficiency.

With the right equipment and setup, even those with small spaces can reap the benefits of rainwater collection – with a bit of time and effort even those of us living in urban areas can become more experienced in essential self-reliance skills. Why not give it a try?