Here are 5 everyday items that can easily be repurposed to harvest rainwater year-round without spending a single penny!
Spring and its torrential rains are approaching: it’s time to make the most of them by installing a rainwater collector! There’s no need to invest in a high-tech tank to get the hang of it: just repurpose a few common household items! Here are five DIY ideas for making your own rainwater collector, suitable for different spaces and needs.
Rainwater harvesting: the rules to follow in France
yearrainwater collection popular: meets very current imperatives. First, it helps reduce pressure on natural resources, while drought follows every year in France. It’s also a great way to craft saving on the water bill ! However, for a better acquisition of the practice, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with it regulations in force in France.
For example, you cannot use captured rainwater for human consumption without an appropriate treatment system. However, you can recycle rainwater without fear:
- Filling the flush toilet
- Wash the floors
- Wash laundry if you use a water treatment device that mainly provides disinfection
- Water the garden
- Wash the car
Your installation must also meet safety and environmental standards. “Recovery and storage of rainwater requires installation of an above-ground or underground tank (a buried tank generally has a larger storage capacity),” the public utility’s website clarifies. A sign must also be installed “non-potable water” near your collector.
How to choose a rain collector and where to install it?
THE rainwater collectors they are sold online and at garden or home improvement stores in a variety of stores materialsof size and capacitywith or without options (integrated faucet, filter, etc.). To make the right choice, consider:
- Ability storage space which you want to enjoy
- Space available,
- And the lightness installation AND maintenance tanks
Rainwater collectors can be installed in various places in the garden, but it is most effective to place them under a eavescan collect water runoff from roofs. It is even possible to install a small tank on the balcony! In any case, be sure to choose a location that will allow your rainwater collector to efficiently collect water during your stay easily accessible for maintenance.
5 objects to be converted into rainwater collectors for small and large spaces
And if you transform everyday objects rather in a recuperator than investing in a new model? Here are 5 ideas for repurposing equipment you probably already have at home to get the hang of it:
- Recycled plastic or metal bucket: Drill a hole in the lid to connect the drain pipe and place the barrel under the gutter to collect rainwater.
- Plastic storage box: Plastic containers can be transformed into rainwater collectors for small spaces such as a balcony or terrace! Drill holes in the bottom of the tub to allow water to drain and place it under a gutter to collect rainwater.
- Plastic waste bin: A clean plastic trash can can easily be turned into a rainwater collector. Add a faucet to the bottom of the trash can to access collected water, and place it under the gutter to collect rainwater.
- Plastic or metal container: Metal or plastic cans or wooden barrels can also be recycled into rainwater collectors. Make sure the canister is clean and free of toxic substances and drill a hole in the lid to connect the drain hose.
- Concrete tank: If you have large outdoor spaces, a concrete tank can be a robust option for collecting rainwater. Make sure the tank is properly sealed to prevent leaks and place it under the gutter where rainwater collects.
Whichever option you choose, don’t forget to choose the material resistant to weathering and oxidationand make sure the container is in order waterproof. Also, educate yourself locally to adopt best practices and follow the correct regulations in this area!