An average roof can easily fill a 55 gallon rain barrel with only a half an inch of rainfall.

To properly install a rain barrel, you will need two to four cinder blocks, a guttering elbow, a 15-foot or longer piece of garden hose, a hacksaw and a shovel.

Step 1: Use the hacksaw to remove the lower portion of your existing downspout. Determine the appropriate spot to cut the spout at by placing the empty rain barrel on top of two cinder blocks near the spout. Be sure to leave enough room between the downspout and the barrel top to allow the guttering elbow to rest above the rain barrel lid.

Step 2: Level the ground beneath the downspout to assure the rain barrel will not tip over when full. A full rain barrel can weigh more than 400 pounds, so leveling the ground beneath it is a necessity.

Step 3: Place the cinder blocks side by side on the level ground below the down spout. Leave enough room between the blocks and the house for the barrel to rest securely on the blocks without leaning up against the house.

Step 4: Place the barrel on the cinder blocks. Make sure the barrel is centered and secure on the blocks. For proper water flow out of the barrel, the bottom of the barrel should be at least 12 inches above ground level.

Step 5: Install the guttering elbow above the barrel lid. If possible, cover the opening in the lid with fiberglass screen to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the stored rain water. Placing a few drops of olive oil in the water will also discourage breeding.

Step 6: Install a 15-foot piece of garden hose on your rain barrel’s overflow outlet to direct excess rain water away from your home’s foundation.

Step 7: Partially fill the barrel with water and test the barrel spigot. Be sure to completely close the spigot once the water has drained from the barrel.