Rain Barrel Components include:
1) Leaf filter basket 2) T-shaped adapter & overflow hose 3) Spigot assembly (shut-off valve) 4) Flexible Elbow/Pipe
Assembly Instructions:
a) Insert the tapered end of the spigot assembly into the small hole near the bottom-side of the barrel. No need to reach inside the barrel as the tapered end is self-tapping. Hold the entire piece like the handle of a screwdriver, turning clockwise until the rubber O-ring is snug with the side of the barrel. Insert it perfectly straight for a proper seal.
b) Remove the black overflow hose from the barrel and slide it over the open, ribbed end of the T-adaptor. Stand on the opposite side of the barrel with the installed spigot assembly between your feet. Using both hands, in a bear-hug fashion, twist the smooth section of the T-adaptor into the overflow hole near the top-side of the barrel.
c) Place the filter basket in the top opening. Consider placing smooth stones inside to weigh the basket down.
Installation Instructions: Read all instructions completely before beginning the installation process.
1) Ensure the ground beneath the rain barrel is firm and level. Consider using a patio stone as a base. Elevating a rain barrel by placing it on a stand can increase pressure resulting from gravity and allow the barrel to be fully drained into a watering can when held below the spigot. If a stand is being used, install it now and place the barrel on top of it.
2) Using a hacksaw, cut the downspout 4 to 6 inches above the top of barrel. The downspout may be able to be cut without even removing it from the wall, however, take care not to damage the wall by sliding wood or cardboard in behind. Tin snips may be used to finish the cut if the downspout is secured too tightly to the wall.
3) Install the flexible elbow/pipe (found inside the barrel) onto the cut downspout to redirect water into the top of the rain barrel.
4) Keep the remaining portion of the downspout so that it may be reconnected when the barrel is winterized. Consider using a downspout diverter to eliminate the need to reinstall the cut piece.
5) Run the overflow hose into a nearby garden away from windows and foundations.
Operating Instructions: Position the rain barrel filter basket directly under a downspout. One end of the T-shaped overflow adaptor is closed and can be removed with a hacksaw to allow a second rain barrel to be connected in series. A garden hose can be connected directly to the shut-off valve or directly to the barrel after removing the shut-off valve.
Maintenance: Maintenance includes clearing debris from the filter basket on occasion. Before winter, the rain barrel should be disconnected, emptied, the shut-off valve should be removed and the rain barrel should be rinsed with a garden hose. Storage indoors is recommended, but if left outside it must be turned upside down to prevent water accumulation. As water freezes, it expands and could seriously damage the rain barrel, overflow hose and shut-off valve and void the warranty.
Warranty: A ten year, rain barrel repair or replacement warranty is offered against manufacturer defects under normal use from the date of delivery. Caution: Expanding ice will damage a rain barrel and void the warranty. Disconnect all hoses, remove the spigot and empty the rain barrel before temperatures drop below freezing.
Caution: Do not drink rainwater as it may contain bacteria and other contaminants. Always keep the lid secured to the barrel to avoid drowning hazards.
Raise funds for your non-profit with a rain barrel sale!
