Watering backyard chickens can be a time-consuming task, but with a rain barrel chicken water system, you can provide a sustainable, low-maintenance solution that keeps your flock hydrated while reducing water waste.
By capturing and utilizing rainwater, you eliminate the need for daily refills, lower water bills, and create a more eco-friendly homestead.
At Aquabarrel, we’ve spent the last two decades perfecting rainwater harvesting solutions, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to build your own automatic chicken watering system using a rain barrel.
How to Build a Rainwater Chicken Waterer
Materials Needed:
55-gallon plastic rain barrel (opaque to prevent algae growth)
Rain barrel diverter to collect water from your gutter system
PVC pipe or food-grade tubing
Automatic drinker cups or water nipples
Float valve for automated water level control
Teflon tape to ensure leak-proof connections
Shade cover to regulate water temperature
Optional: Heat tape or insulation for winter-proofing
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Select a Suitable Barrel
A food-grade 55-gallon drum is ideal because it prevents harmful chemicals from leaching into the water. Breweries and car washes often have affordable, safe options. Ensure your barrel is opaque to block sunlight, which reduces algae growth.
Before use, clean the barrel thoroughly with a mix of vinegar and water or a mild bleach solution to remove any contaminants.
Install a Rain Diverter
A rain diverter directs water from your gutter system into the barrel, ensuring efficient collection. It prevents overflow and blocks debris from entering the system.
To install, attach the diverter to a downspout, then connect it to your barrel using flexible tubing. Make sure to position the diverter at an appropriate height so that gravity can aid water flow. This setup helps prevent clogging and ensures a steady supply of clean rainwater for your chickens.
Position Your Barrel Correctly
Proper placement of your rain barrel ensures efficient water flow and ease of use.
Elevate the barrel on a sturdy platform such as cinder blocks or a wooden stand. Raising it 12-18 inches off the ground helps with gravity-fed water pressure, making it easier for the water to reach the drinker cups. Position the barrel near your chicken coop but in a shaded area to prevent overheating of the water. Ensure the base is level to prevent tipping and leaks.
Connect PVC Piping or Tubing
Using PVC pipe or food-grade tubing, connect the barrel to the coop’s watering system.
The diameter of the piping should match your drinker cups or water nipples to ensure consistent water flow. If using chicken nipples, drill evenly spaced holes along the bottom of the PVC pipe and seal connections with Teflon tape to prevent leaks. Secure the pipes to the coop with brackets to prevent movement, and test for leaks before finalizing installation.
Seal and Secure Connections
Leaks can cause water waste and system inefficiency, so all connections must be airtight. Apply Teflon tape to threaded fittings and ensure a tight seal around drinker cups, tubing, and barrel openings. Check for drips by running a small amount of water through the system before use. If leaks occur, re-tighten fittings or use waterproof silicone sealant for added security.
Test the System
Before relying on your new system, conduct a thorough test. Fill the rain barrel and observe the water flow through the pipes and into the drinking cups or nipples. Ensure that water pressure is sufficient and that all components function correctly.
Adjust any necessary parts, such as float valves or tubing angles, to ensure a steady, clean supply of water.
Preventing Algae Growth in Rain Barrels
Algae thrive in sunlit, stagnant water, making it crucial to block sunlight and promote water movement. Using an opaque barrel prevents light penetration, which inhibits algae growth. If you have a translucent barrel, consider painting it with a non-toxic dark color or wrapping it in a UV-resistant cover.
Adding copper or charcoal naturally reduces algae and bacteria. Copper releases ions that prevent algae formation, while charcoal absorbs impurities. Placing goldfish or plecos in your barrel can also help eat algae, but ensure they have proper oxygenation. Regular scrubbing and flushing of the barrel prevents buildup and keeps water fresh. A small circulation pump can further reduce stagnation and prevent the development of biofilm.
Seasonal Challenges and Solutions
Freezing Temperatures
Winter poses a challenge as water can freeze, blocking flow and rendering the system useless. To prevent this, install heat tape around exposed pipes and use insulation around the barrel.
Another option is burying the tubing underground, which keeps it warmer and reduces exposure to freezing air. In extreme cold, switching to a heated waterer ensures your chickens always have access to liquid water.
Overheating in Summer
During hot months, water in barrels can become excessively warm, leading to bacterial growth. To counter this, shade your barrel with trees, an umbrella, or a reflective cover. Evaporative cooling techniques, such as wrapping a wet burlap sack around the barrel, can help keep the water cool.
Additionally, placing frozen gallon jugs inside the barrel helps regulate temperature and provides consistently cool drinking water for your flock.
Ensuring Water Quality
Water quality is crucial for the health of your chickens. Rainwater can collect contaminants such as bird droppings and debris. Installing a first flush system diverts the initial runoff, preventing contaminants from entering the main barrel.
Regular cleaning and scrubbing of the barrel helps remove bacteria and biofilm buildup. Adding apple cider vinegar can improve water quality by creating a mildly acidic environment that discourages harmful bacterial growth.
Automating Your System
For a truly hands-free chicken watering system, automation is key. Float valves help regulate water levels, preventing overflow and ensuring a continuous supply. Installing a small circulation pump keeps water moving, reducing stagnation and bacterial buildup.
Horizontal nipple waterers are an excellent addition, as they minimize water waste while keeping the drinking area clean and accessible for chickens.
Affordable DIY Alternatives
If a food-grade barrel is not available, alternative options include using large storage totes or repurposed plastic containers. Ensure they are BPA-free and safe for drinking water. Buckets fitted with water nipples can serve as a temporary solution, and DIY float valves can be created using basic plumbing parts.
Rain gutters connected directly to smaller containers also provide an efficient, low-cost way to capture and distribute rainwater.
Why Choose Aquabarrel?
At Aquabarrel, we specialize in rainwater harvesting solutions, offering durable rain barrels, diverters, and water management tools tailored to DIY homeowners. Whether you're setting up a backyard chicken watering system or conserving water for gardening, our innovative products ensure efficient and sustainable solutions.
A rain barrel chicken water system is an affordable, eco-friendly way to keep your flock hydrated with minimal effort. By implementing the tips outlined here—from algae control to winterization and automation—you can create a low-maintenance, high-efficiency system that saves time and resources.
Ready to build your own? Explore our high-quality rainwater harvesting products at Aquabarrel.com today!