How To Make A Homemade Rain Catcher: 11 Effortless DIY Ideas Explained

How to Make a Homemade Rain Catcher

Read on to discover 11 effortless DIY rain catcher ideas you can make from home. From copper tubing rain chains, to ruler rain gauges – to trash can rain barrels – in this article about how to make a homemade rain catcher, there are a ton of excellent ideas you can put to use.

Building a homemade rain catcher is a fun and fairly simple DIY project that can help you reduce your water bill and become more self-sufficient.

With just a few materials and a bit of creativity, anyone can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing rain catcher for their home or garden.

Easy DIY ideas to make a homemade rain catcher include making rain chains from zip ties, using a trash can as a rain barrel, using a ruler as a rain gauge – and much more! All of these choices not only serve a purpose, but can also act as an attractive feature in your outdoor space.

With so many different designs and materials to choose from, there’s sure to be a homemade rain catcher that suits your needs and complements your home’s exterior

Discover how you can turn rainy days into an opportunity to conserve water, save money, and add a unique touch to your outdoor space. Read on to find out how to make a homemade rain catcher with 11 effortless DIY ideas explained!

Homemade Rain Catcher: Table of Contents

How to Make a Homemade Rain Catcher: Benefits

There are many benefits to using rain catchers for harvesting rainwater at home.

First and foremost, collecting rainwater helps save money as it considerably reduces tap water consumption and you can use your rainwater for various household tasks.

Rainwater is also naturally soft and free of minerals, which is healthier for plants, as it doesn’t cause the build-up of salts in the soil.

Another great advantage of rain catchers is reducing the amount of runoff in your garden or outdoor space.

Runoff water can carry pollutants such as pesticides and fertilisers into the local waterways. By capturing rainwater, you can minimise the possibility of polluting the nearby water sources.

Rain catchers can also help maintain a watering schedule for your garden during periods of drought.

If you build up enough rainwater to have a continuous supply at your disposal, plants can remain well-hydrated even when there’s a scarcity of water.

How to Make a Homemade Rain Catcher: DIY Rain Barrels

Ok, let’s start by looking at are some ideas for how to make homemade rain catchers using DIY rain barrels...

1. Trash Can Rain Barrel

One of the most affordable and straightforward ways to create a DIY rain barrel is by using a trash can – or rubbish bin as we call them in the UK!

This is an efficient method for capturing rainwater and diverting it from the downspout (or downpipe) and is an easy rain catcher to make at home.

The first step is to purchase a large, sturdy plastic trash can with a lid that tightly seals (this is very important).

Next, cut a hole in the lid of the trash can and make it large enough to fit the downspout. To ensure that the rainwater enters the barrel smoothly, insert a downspout elbow into the hole (the curved part of the downspout) and secure it with some waterproof tape.

Note: it’s essential to cover the opening with a fine mesh screen to prevent debris and mosquitoes from entering the barrel.

You’ll also need to ensure the excess water can flow out, so remember to drill a hole near the top of the trash can and fit a tap or a hose connector to allow excess water to flow out.

Finally, install a tap/spigot at the bottom of the trash can and place the entire setup on a sturdy stand to elevate it off the ground.

2. Galvanised Stock Tank Barrel

Another option for a DIY rain barrel is using a galvanised stock tank. These tanks are typically used for livestock watering, but they can double as a stylish and durable rain catcher.

To create a galvanised stock tank rain barrel, make sure the tank has a cover to keep debris and insects out.

If such a cover isn’t available, again, you can use a mesh screen tied securely over the top. Then, install a downspout rain diverter into the side of the tank, just below the top edge.

It’s important to ensure that it’s the right size for the downspout and that it’s positioned correctly to channel the rainwater into the tank.

For ease of use, install a tap or spigot at the bottom of the tank. Similarly to the trash can rain barrel, add an overflow valve near the top of the tank, so excess water can be diverted away from the tank when it’s full.

Remember that galvanised stock tanks can be quite heavy, especially when full of water, so placing it on a solid and level foundation is essential.

Installing a tank may be difficult for those of you who have smaller outdoor areas in so always remember to assess your living situation to determine what homemade rain catcher works best for you.

How to Make a Homemade Rain Catcher: Fun Rain Chains

3. Zip Tie Rain Chain

A fun one for the kids: did you know you can use zip ties – otherwise known as cable ties in various bright colours?

To start, first join the zip ties end-to-end to form a chain, and then attach them to the gutter system. The neon colours provide a visually appealing contrast against the rainwater and make the rain chain a unique decorative element in the garden.

4. Ombre Spoon Rain Chain

Another creative rain chain idea I’d like to share is an ombre spoon rain chain.

To make this rain chain, collect a set of metal spoons and spray paint them in varying shades of a single colour to create an ombre effect.

Next, use some wire or sturdy string and thread the spoons onto it and form a chain.

This DIY rain chain acts as a kind of downspout to direct rain towards a collection point, while creating a soothing visual sensation when the spoons fill with water.

5. Copper Tubing Rain Chain

For a more elegant and timeless look, I’d suggest creating a copper tubing rain chain.

This involves using – wait for it: copper tubing, which can be found at most hardware stores, to craft a rain chain that will not only stand the test of time but also develop a beautiful patina as it ages.

To achieve this, cut the copper tubing into equal-length sections, and bend them into loops or other decorative shapes.

Then, connect them using smaller wire rings to form the chain, and attach it to the gutter system.

This DIY rain chain provides a sophisticated appearance and will be an eye-catching feature on your balcony or small space!

How to Make a Homemade Rain Catcher: Simple Ideas

6. Plastic Bottle Rain Catcher

If you’re someone who doesn’t have much time on your hands, you may want to opt for an easy method to create a rain catcher using a plastic bottle.

First, cut the top off the bottle, making sure the bottle’s mouth is exposed. Next, place some rocks or sand in the bottom of the bottle to add stability, which is especially useful during times of strong winds.

To measure the collected rain, use a marker to create a small scale on the bottle, indicating measurements such as millimetres.

Now your bottle is all set for placement under a gutter! If you don’t have gutters, you will need to place the bottle anywhere where rainwater collects.

7. Bucket Rain Catcher

Using a bucket is probably as easy as it gets! You don’t even need to place your bucket near a downspout, you can simply put it out in the open on your balcony, in your yard or other small space.

You don’t necessarily even have to use a bucket, you could use a watering can or another object that is open and easily accumulates rain.

Just remember to clean your bucket and add measurements so you can collect the amount you need.

How to Make a Homemade Rain Catcher: Gutter Attachments

8. Funnel Gutter Attachment

To create a funnel gutter attachment, attach a large funnel to the end of your gutter downspout. This helps to channel the rainfall directly into a container placed below the funnel.

It’s essential to ensure the funnel is secure and properly aligned with the downspout, so the water doesn’t spill over.

To attach the funnel, first, measure the diameter of the downspout and find a funnel with a matching or slightly larger opening.

Use a suitable clamp or bracket to secure the funnel tightly to the end of the downspout. The container should be large enough to hold the expected amount of rainwater.

9. Gutter Extension

Another approach to catching rainwater is by using a gutter extension. This method involves extending the downspout with a flexible or rigid tube to direct the rainfall into a storage container.

To create a gutter extension, first, measure and attach a suitable tube to the end of the downspout. Make sure it fits snugly.

Flexible tubing can be easily manoeuvred to the desired direction, while rigid tubing may require some elbow joints to position it correctly over the storage container!

Don’t forget to secure the tube using brackets or clamps to keep it in position, especially during heavy rainfall.

The container used for collecting rainwater should have a lid with a hole to prevent debris and dirt from mixing with the water.

How to Make a Homemade Rain Catcher: DIY Rain Gauge

One of the simplest yet most useful tools for any rainwater harvester enthusiast is a rain gauge.

Measuring rainfall accurately is essential for effective garden management and understanding weather patterns.

Let’s have a look at how to create two different types of DIY rain gauges: a bottle rain gauge and a ruler rain gauge:

10. Bottle Rain Gauge

Here’s how to make a bottle rain gauge:

1. Find a clean plastic bottle, such as a soda bottle, and remove its label completely.
2. Using a pair of scissors, carefully cut the top of the bottle off just beneath where it begins to narrow.
3. Invert the removed top and place it upside down inside the main body of the bottle. Secure it in place with tape to act as a funnel for the rainfall.
4. Take a permanent marker and a ruler to mark measurements in centimetres on the side of the bottle, starting from the bottom.

Now you are ready to use your homemade bottle rain gauge! Remember to place it in an open area where it is less likely to be affected by wind or obstacles blocking the rain.

11. Ruler Rain Gauge

If you prefer a more traditional approach to measuring rainfall, a ruler rain gauge is the perfect choice. For this project, you will need an empty glass jar with a straight-sided exterior and a ruler:

1. Clean the jar thoroughly and remove any labels or residue.
2. Apply a piece of tape on the side of the jar, running from the bottom to the top.
3. Use the ruler and a permanent marker to mark inches and half-inches along the tape, starting from the jar’s bottom.

To use your ruler rain gauge, place it in a similar location as you would the bottle rain gauge. After rainfall, use the ruler to measure the depth of the accumulated water.

How to Make a Homemade Rain Catcher: Final Thoughts

I hope this article has given you confidence to make your homemade rain catcher! Before you go, here are some tips on how to keep your rain water fresh and ensure its efficiency and longevity.

Firstly, it’s important to regularly check the rain catcher for any debris or dirt that might clog the filter so you can keep your rainwater pure.

I recommend cleaning the filter at least once a month to keep the water flowing smoothly. If the rain catcher has an overflow system, you should also keep an eye on it to ensure it’s working correctly and direct excess water away from your property.

Water safety is another important aspect to consider. Make sure your rain catcher is secure and stable to prevent accidents, especially if you have children or pets around.

Also, you should address any possible mosquito breeding sites by covering the barrel with a fine mesh or sealing it properly, as stagnant water can attract these pests.

Preparing your rain catcher for winter is crucial, particularly if you live in a cold climate. Empty the barrel before freezing temperatures arrive and store it in a sheltered place to prevent damage from ice or snow.

If you plan to travel for an extended period, it’s a good idea to empty the rain catcher and cover it to avoid any potential issues while you’re away.

Finally, if you’re planning to use the collected rainwater for watering your vegetables, ensure the water is safe and free of contaminants.

Consider adding a simple filtration system, such as a charcoal filter or a UV light filter, to cleanse the water before using it on your vegetables.

By following these tips, you can keep your homemade rain catcher functioning efficiently and safely while enjoying the benefits of rainwater harvesting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)