EarthMinded has assembled all the parts needed to make a rain barrel using a recycled barrel or plastic waste barrel
(barrel not included). Using this kit, anyone who can use a drill can make and install a rain barrel in minutes!
User Guide RBK-0001 V.2
Do-It-Yourself Rain Barrel Diverter and Parts Kit
Select a location for your rain barrel
4
28” MAX
6” MIN
There are 2 options for installing the front fittings.
Option A
has a single
spigot at the bottom of the barrel and is recommended if you will only be
using a garden hose to access the water in the barrel. This configuration
gives access to most of the water in the barrel. A raised base is
recommended to increase water pressure.
Option B
has a mid-height
spigot and a bottom drain and is recommended for use with a watering
can.
Option A: Bottom spigot only
1. Find the front of the barrel; measure up 3” (76mm) from the bottom
of the barrel and mark the center for the spigot hole. Drill a hole using
the (SMALL) 1-1/4” hole saw included in the set.
2. Insert the threaded rubber seal into the hole.
Pinch the seal into a “U”
shape for easier insertion.
3. Thread the spigot into the seal until the hex collar on the spigot sits
firmly against the seal and the water outlet points down
.
Soapy water
or hand lotion on the internal threads will reduce friction and improve fit.
Parts list
Tools needed
2
5
Installing the front fitting on the barrel
3”
3”
Please read all instructions and warnings before installation, and retain this Booklet for future reference
1
Rain barrels have been used for hundreds of years to harvest and
store rainwater for use with plants, gardens, and other outdoor
chores.
EarthMinded’s DIY Rain Barrel Kit can be used to make a state-
of-the art sealed rainwater collection system when used with
a barrel or container you supply. Our patent pending FlexiFit™
diverter installs easily by drilling a single hole into any standard
2” x 3” or 3” x 4” rectangular downspout*. The diverter sends
rainwater into the barrel. Once the barrel is full, the diverter will
automatically pass excess water through the downspout.
General description
Selecting a container
3
EarthMinded supplies only the parts and fittings to be added to a
barrel you supply. Therefore, we take no responsibility for losses,
damages, or injury caused by failure of the barrel, or improper
installation of the parts. Follow these instructions carefully for
successful results.
This kit will work on both sealed barrels and open top barrels with lids.
Open top barrels are easier to clean, and provide quick access to the
water using a bucket or watering can, but present a safety concern for
children; the lid must always be latched and locked.
Water weighs 8.3 lbs. per gallon. Be sure to select a sturdy container that
can support the weight when full. 55 gallons of water weighs 465 lbs.
Select a sturdy water tight container:
a. A heavy duty or commercial grade plastic waste barrel with
latching lid.
b. A traditional wood barrel can make an attractive and natural
looking rain barrel. Make sure it is in good condition, clean and
water tight.
c. If using a recycled barrel, use only FDA approved food grade
barrels. Make sure the barrel is clean and has not been used to
contain toxic or hazardous substances.
The container selected should be sealed, or have a latching lid to help
prevent mosquitoes, animals, and children from entering the barrel.
This kit is not recommended for use with metal drums or barrels.
Before assembling the parts to the barrel we recommend that you select
and prepare the location where the barrel will be used. This will help you
locate the fittings on the barrel in the most convenient location.
•
Choose a downspout that is near the plants or garden beds to be
watered.
•
The downspout must be a rectangular 2” x 3” or 3” x 4”*
•
The barrel must be located within 28” (71cm) of the downspout to
use the fill hose provided.
•
The ground under the barrel must be level and firm. A solid surface
base of wood, pavers, or stone is recommended.
•
If the surface is not level, use a shovel or rake to grade the surface.
Check by placing a level on the rim of the barrel before continuing.
Place the barrel in the intended location with the front facing out.
1. Mark the front of the barrel. This will be the side with the spigot facing
out. The spigot should be located on a flat or evenly curved surface without
ridges or features that can affect the water seal.
2. Hold the fill hose in position between the barrel and the downspout and
mark the water inlet location on the rim of the barrel. This mark can be at
the back, right, or left side of the barrel.
Check that the hose can reach horizontally from the rim of the barrel to the
downspout.
*Water capture percentage is reduced with 3”x 4” downspouts
6
Installing the fill hose seal
1. Locate the water inlet mark on the rim of the barrel (from Step 4).
Measure down 3” (76mm) and mark the center for the water inlet hole.
Make sure the inlet is located on a flat or evenly curved surface: avoid
ridges or other features that could affect the water seal.
2. Drill a single hole using the (MEDIUM) 1-1/2” hole saw included in the set.
3. Insert the fill hose seal into the hole
.
Pinch the seal into a “U” shape
for easier insertion.
About the FlexiFit diverter
7
Plastic Waste Barrel (Open Top)
Wood Barrel
Recycled Plastic Barrel (Sealed)
WARNING
Damage to home or
property may occur if
improperly installed.
3
INCORRECT
If the hole is cut too low,
the barrel will not fill.
INCORRECT
For open top containers
only, If the hole is cut too
high, water will overflow
from the barrel rim.
1
2
1. Safety Glasses
2. Safety Gloves
3. Drill
4. Measuring
Tape or Ruler
5. Pencil
6. Phillips
Screwdriver
7. Level
1. Spigot
2. Drain or hose
attachment
3. Fill hose
4. FlexiFit diverter
5. Winter hole cover
Some areas prohibit the
use of rain barrels. Please
check local regulations
before installing.
The FlexiFit diverter helps discourage mosquitoes, pests, and
algae-causing sunlight from entering the barrel. The diverter is
easy to remove from the downspout and the kit includes a winter
hole cover.
The FlexiFit diverter offers many advantages over conventional
top fill rain barrels that commonly flood with heavy rain, require
permanent modifications to your downspout, and use unsightly
overflow hoses.
*Water capture percentage is reduced with 3”x 4” downspouts
Round downspout diverter available as an accessory
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
Open Top Container
Sealed Barrel
3 Pc. Hole Saw Set
Threaded
Rubber Seal
Spigot
Threaded
Rubber Seal
Fill Hose
Screws
Winter Hole
Cover
Instructions
Barrel Not
Included
Top View
Optional
Stand
12”
6”
Option A
Option B
TIP
Pinch the threaded rubber seal
into a “U” shape before inserting
into the hole in the barrel.
TIP
Soapy water or hand lotion on the
hose cuff and rubber seal reduces
friction and makes insertion easier.
Back of barrel
CORRECT
Option B: Mid-height spigot with bottom drain
1. Mark the hole for the spigot. Find the front of the barrel, measure up
12” (30cm) from the bottom of the barrel and mark the center for the
mid-height spigot hole.
2. Mark the hole for the drain. Measure up 3” (76mm) from the bottom
of the barrel and mark the center for the drain hole.
If you plan on
connecting a garden or soaker hose to the drain fitting, we recommend
that the drain be located 6” (15mm) off center, to the left, or right side
of the spigot to give clearance for filling the watering can.
3. Drill 2 holes on these marks using the (SMALL) 1-1/4” hole saw included
in the set.
You may need to remove the plastic cut out from the end of
the hole saw after drilling the first hole.
4. Insert 2 threaded rubber seals into both the spigot and drain holes.
Pinch the seal into a “U” shape for easier insertion.
5. Thread the spigot and drain into the seals until the hex collars sit firmly
against the seals.
Soapy water or hand lotion will reduce friction and
improve fit.
1-1/4”
(32mm)
Hole Saw
1-1/2”
(38mm)
Hole Saw
1
2
1
2
WARNING
Stored rainwater is not for
human or animal consumption
WARNING
Stored rainwater is not
suitable for human or
animal consumption
Sticker
FLB-204
Do Not
Drink
Water
Fill Hose Seal
Inside Barrel Outside Barrel
Remove lid
before measuring
5
3”
3”
FRN-015
FRN-054
FRN-043
FRN-009
FRN-061
FRN-067
Drain Assembly
FRN-080
FRN-067
(71cm)
(15cm)
FlexiFit Diverter
FRN-008
DO NOT CUT THE DOWNSPOUT UNTIL READING THE ENTIRE GUIDE!
The FlexiFit diverter redirects water from your downspout to the barrel
and automatically passes water through the downspout when the barrel
is full of rainwater.
The diverter is installed in a hole that is cut in the downspout.
1. The hole must be cut at the correct height for the diverter to work
properly.
2. If the diverter is installed too low, the barrel will not fill properly.
3. If the diverter is installed too high, water will overflow from the rim
of the barrel (this only applies to open top barrels).
IMPORTANT: There are two ways to install the diverter depending on the type
of barrel you use. If the barrel is a sealed container without a lid or screen, the
diverter can be located at the same level as the rim of the barrel or higher. This
will improve the filling efficiency of the diverter.
If the barrel has a removable lid or screen, the center of the diverter hole must
be drilled 3”(76mm) below the level of the rim of the barrel to prevent water
from leaking from the lid seam or screen. The diverter will not work if it is
placed below the level of the water inlet on the barrel.
The diverter provided in this kit is not for use with round downspouts.
A round downspout diverter available as an accessory at
www.earthmindedconsumerproducts.com
