Rain Barrel Diverter

This instructable explains how to build a rain barrel diverter. This allows a rain barrel to be connected to the house downspout. The diverter allows water to go into the rain barrel until it is full and then it diverts excess rain back to the house's downspout. This design has a clean out plug to easily remove debris. It is also easy to get it ready for cold winters.

Materials:

• 1 - 2 inch PVC 2 ft or longer
• 1 - 45 degree elbow 2 inch PVC
• 1 - 90 degree elbow 2 inch PVC
• 1 - 2 inch PVC Wye
• 1 - threaded clean-out adapter
• 2 - threaded clean-out pllugs
• 1 - package window screen patches
• 1 - male garden hose mender
• PVC glue and purple primer
• silicon caulk

Tools:

• saw
• ruler and/or tape measurer
• sand paper and/or emery cloth
• Sharpie marker
• wire cutters (optional)
• round rasp (optional)
• knife (optional)

Use tape measure and Sharpie to mark the PVC pipe to lengths 2, 4, and 6 inches.

Use saw to cut at marks.

Take clippers and cut the tabs off of the mender. This allows nut to be threaded down all the way.

Cut off the square part of the end cap, then mark a circle the same size as your hose mender, the side that doesn't connect to a garden hose.

Use a dremel, file, or sandpaper to round out the hole.

Tip: Insert the end cap into the threaded adapter attached to a pipe to make it easier to work with.

Insert the hose mender into the end cap hole, then place the window screen patch over the end of the mender.

Put silicone around the inside of the end cap and also on the threads of the mender.

Screw the nut onto the mender making sure the silicone completely covers the base.

Assemble all the parts without glue to ensure everything lines up. The intake at the top should be directly in line with the overflow discharge at the bottom. If anything doesn't line up then the PVC pipe can be shortened to make it work.

When everything is fitting mark both the PVC and fittings to ensure they line up when gluing.

Disassemble the parts and glue them one at a time. Clean the pipe or rough it up with some sandpaper. Use purple primer and PVC glue to connect all the parts. Use the marks made previously to line everything up.

Attach the diverter to your house by cutting out a section of your downspout and inserting it. Since downspouts are different in various regions the downspout to diverter adapter will be different for you. One example would be a downspout to 3 inch adapter and then a 3 inch to 2 inch adapter. This would allow the diverter to be directly attached.

The main unique feature of this rain barrel diverter is that it can be opened up for cleaning out debris, and can be plugged up for winter months.

Simply remove the threaded end cap with the hose attachment and then attach a standard end cap for the winter.