The only thing left on our greenhouse project is to finish the
interior. Over the summer, however, one of the rain barrels sprang a leak. So this had to be dealt with first.
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Original setup.
Photo from last April. The tank on the right was the leaky one. |
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At the time, Dan drained the barrels and took the leaky one down. He also wanted to change the pipe from the downspout, because the amount of water coming off that roof was more than the PVC pipe could handle. So we postponed dealing with the rain barrels and he set up a new collection tote outside.
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Photo from last August |
This set-up bypassed the greenhouse altogether, which was okay because I don't
use the greenhouse in summer anyway. Now that
the heater is done,
it's time to get ready to put the greenhouse to use.
The experimental fix was to run a smaller tube off the downspout . . .
. . . and into the remaining rainwater tank.
This will slow the flow or rainwater into the tank, hopefully not too much. It may need to be a little larger, but it's a start. We're supposed to get a good rain next weekend, so we'll know better then if a larger hose or other changes are needed.
If this works out, we'll add a new second barrel soon.
14 comments:
I am curious to see how well it will work. The only potential problem I can see is that it looks like it has a low point in the tube that water will sit in after a rain and potentially grow algae due to the exposure to sunlight. Not sure that will be harmful other than it might discolor the plastic tube.
Ed, that's what we aim to find out! The advantage of a clear tube for now is that we can see what's going on. Long run, however, it will likely be changed out if this size works.
I am envious of your ability to store water. Out here we are allowed 2 55 gal barrels of rainwater storage. Not very much if you have a large garden, which we do.
That was me. Didn't mean to go all secretive and post as anon, lol.
Ann, the whole forbidding or restricting of rainwater collection is something that doesn't make sense to me. Unless it's coming from utilities people who think they might lose profits. "Safety!" is often hollered, but the solution is simple - TEACH people how to do it!
Did the barrel start to leak at a molded seam? I'm planning to put a gutter on part of my barn, feeding into a barrel like that. I didn't think about the barrel springing a leak, but now I will!
Thanks for the pictures Leigh. I always find them hopeful.
I will be waiting for the results of the first good rain.
Quinn, we're not really sure where it was leaking. It was dripping water underneath, but I don't think it was from the seams. Dan could fill it with water to spot for the leak, but I don't think he's that interested. :)
TB, they say a picture is worth a thousand words, but I think it's more. It's interesting how people form different mental images from words alone. Pictures help a lot!
That didn't answer your question, but I will add that when we replace it, we'll get the same kind. In general, these work well. Of course new is best because some of them are used to ship various chemicals.
Looking forward to seeing your greenhouse full of greenery!
Rosalea, I have a few pots, so it's a start. This spring and next year will be even better. :)
That looks like a good solution and neatly done. I'm betting you'll appreciate all this when you can start being able to fully use the new greenhouse.
Nina, a source of water inside the greenhouse is truly helpful. Otherwise, I have to carry it in from an outside rain collection tank. Sometimes, I used cooled cooking water too. :)
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