Set Up a Gravity-Fed Irrigation System from Your Rain Barrel
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/22/2025 to
Photo Source -> Reddit Do you want save money, cut your water usage, and make your garden more sustainable? More and more gardeners are tapping into rainwater harvesting as a smart, eco-friendly way to keep their plants
Rainwater Harvesting for Pressure Washing
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/21/2025 to
Let’s face it, if you’re the kind of person who’s invested in collecting rainwater, you’re probably also the kind of person who wants to get the most bang for your barrel. But here’s the big question I get all the time: Can you use
Rainwater Harvesting for Livestock: Safety & Strategy
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/20/2025 to
Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting runoff from a catchment surface (typically a roof), filtering it, and storing it in a tank or cistern for later use. On farms, this system is often adapted to serve both irrigation and animal
What Size Downspout Diverter Do I Need?
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/19/2025 to
You’ve got a rain barrel (or you’re finally planning to make the leap), but now you’re staring at your downspout, wondering what in the world fits where. Let me tell you, this is where a lot of folks go wrong. Pick the wrong size
Pros and Cons of Gutter Guards: Are They Worth It?
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/17/2025 to
Gutter guards aren’t magic. But when they’re chosen wisely and installed properly, they can be a solid first line of defense against the nonstop mess that nature dumps on your roof. A Quick Primer on Gutter Guards Gutter guards
Can I Redirect My Downspout 90 Degrees? [FULL GUIDE]
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/14/2025 to
You’ve probably stared at that downspout jutting out the wrong direction and thought, “Can I just turn this thing 90 degrees and be done with it?” The short answer is, yes, you can . But like most things in the world of water
Pole Barn Drainage: How to Keep Water Out
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/13/2025 to
If you’ve ever watched a $30,000 concrete slab buckle like cardboard after a storm, you already know, drainage is not optional. I’ve been in this industry for 20 years, and time and time again, I’ve seen smart people spend big on
How Rainwater Harvesting Can Reduce Your Water Bill
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/11/2025 to
A few days ago, I wrote about general ways to lower your water bill. I shared tips like fixing leaks, installing a second water meter, and or redirecting your sump pump. However, my favorite way to lower your water bill is to harvest
Is Rainwater Harvesting Legal in Illinois? Collection Laws
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/8/2025 to
Yes, rainwater harvesting is legal in Illinois. While the state has no comprehensive regulations, it encourages rainwater reuse for non-potable purposes. Local codes may vary, so residents should check with municipal authorities before
Is It Legal to Collect Rainwater in Oregon? What You Need to Know
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/6/2025 to
Yes, it is legal to collect rainwater in Oregon. You can legally collect rainwater from your rooftop without a permit. Oregon law (House Bill 2080, 2009) explicitly allows rooftop rainwater harvesting for personal, non-potable use.
How to Reduce Wastewater Charges & Lower Your Bill
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/5/2025 to
You opened your utility bill and your jaw dropped. Somehow, your sewer charges are nearly as high, or even higher , than your water usage. It feels like you're paying twice for the same gallon. And the worst part? You’re not even sure where
Low Maintenance Rain Garden Plants
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/4/2025 to
When most homeowners think "low maintenance," they're imagining a garden that thrives on neglect —a space that doesn’t need constant watering, fussing, or a weekend spent pruning. In the context of a rain garden, low maintenance means
How Many Gallons Of Water In A Barrel
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/2/2025 to
Have you ever bought something labeled one thing, only to find out later it’s not quite what you expected? Welcome to the world of rain barrels. That “55-gallon drum” you see everywhere? Spoiler alert—it might not actually hold 55
Spray Paint That Sticks to Plastic Rain Barrels
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 4/1/2025 to
Painting a plastic rain barrel sounds simple, but if you use the wrong paint or skip a step, you’ll end up with a cracked, flaking, gummy mess that looks like a third-grade art project gone sideways. I’ve seen folks spend an afternoon
How Does A Rain Barrel Diverter Work
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 3/31/2025 to
You finally installed a rain barrel… and then the first storm hit. At first, it was thrilling—watching that water pour off the roof and into the barrel like you'd just unlocked nature’s secret faucet. But by hour two of a heavy rain, the
How to Connect a Gutter Downspout to PVC Pipe
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 3/30/2025 to
Are you concerned about water shooting out of your gutter and pooing at the corner of your foundation after a downpour? That water doesn’t just disappear. It finds its way into your crawlspace, your basement, or worse, your structural footings.
What Is a Downspout Extension? (And Why Your Foundation Depends on It)
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 3/29/2025 to
Ever notice puddles forming around your home's foundation after a heavy rainstorm? It’s more than just a soggy inconvenience. Those puddles might be the first warning sign that your home lacks the first line of defense. A downspout
Which Way Should Splash Blocks Face
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 3/29/2025 to
Which Way Should Splash Blocks Face? Photo Source -> Rural Stormwater Solutions - Washington State University The open end of a splash block should always face away from your house. That’s not a suggestion—it’s
How to Install Splash Blocks the Right Way
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 3/27/2025 to
Turns out, a $10 piece of molded plastic, or concrete if you’re fancy, can cost you thousands if it’s installed wrong. Yep, I’ve seen it more times than I can count. Water running the wrong way, splash blocks pointing toward the house
Rain Barrels for Preppers: Off-Grid Water Storage & Survival
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 3/25/2025 to
When disaster strikes, clean water becomes the most valuable resource. You can go weeks without food—but without water, survival is measured in days. Yet, most preppers focus on food stockpiles while overlooking one critical truth: municipal
Splash Blocks Alternatives for Downspout Drainage
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 3/24/2025 to
What if that small piece of plastic by your downspout is the only thing protecting your home’s foundation? Seriously, every time it rains, hundreds of gallons of water pour off your roof. If it’s not directed away properly, that
A Elbow vs B Elbow: Which Downspout Elbow Do You Need?
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 3/15/2025 to
Basic gutters aren’t always enough for proper rainwater harvesting. You need to direct water where it needs to go . One of the most overlooked yet crucial components of a well-functioning gutter system is the downspout elbow. Choose the wrong
Types of Gutter Downspout Elbows: A vs. B, Sizes & Angles
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 3/14/2025 to
Ever noticed water pooling near your foundation or spilling over your gutters? That’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a flashing red warning sign that your drainage system isn’t doing its job. You don’t want to ignore it. Water is relentless.
Linking Multiple Rain Barrels for Maximum Water Storage
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 3/13/2025 to
If you’ve got one rain barrel, you already know the power of capturing free water straight from the sky. But here’s the thing—one barrel isn’t going to cut it if you want to make a real impact on your water use. A standard 50-gallon rain barrel
How to Install Downspout Straps: A Step-by-Step Guide
Posted by Barry Chenkin on 3/12/2025 to
How to Install Downspout Straps: A Step-by-Step Guide for Secure Gutters Let’s talk about something that’s often overlooked but absolutely critical to your gutter system. Downspout straps. These little metal bands may seem insignificant,