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Frugal Gardening

Placement of rain barrel

9 years ago

I am installing a 55 gallon rain barrel. I would like to have it placed about 20 feet away from my nearest downspout. My diverter is 6 feet above ground and the inlet to the barrel is the same height. Would it be possible to run a hose from the diverter straight down to the ground, run it 20 feet, and then back up 6 feet to the barrel inlet? I'm thinking that physics would allow it, but wanted to see if anyone has real life results.

I know I could run the hose directly horizontal to the barrel, but I'm thinking this would be more aesthetically pleasing.

I have also read about bottom filling. Anyone have luck with this? I would keep the diverter and the overflow outlet the same height. House would go into inlet at bottom of barrel.

Thanks!

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Comment (1)

Charlie
9 years ago
I believe that it should work. The principle depends upon the law of gravity and as the water enters the diverter hose it will flow as long as the flow is never above the diverter. I am not sure how your diverter works but normally when the water backs up into the diverter it diverts the flow back into the down spout. You just need to make sure that the level of the diverter and the level of the barrel inlet at the same. If the inlet is lower that the diverter the barrel will overfill and the water will run out through the inlet.
Greg thanked Charlie
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