Green Solar Powered Water Barrel

Step 9 Water Gauge

As the water level changes inside the barrel the level inside the tube will follow the same level.
This was fun to install as I didn't want to waste all the nice rainwater and drain the tank before I drilled a 3/4" hole in the bottom of the tank to install the angled shut-off valve. Reminded myself to only use a battery powered drill :)
I reused some 1/2 inch plastic tubing that I had left over from another application and connected it to a 3/4 inch angle valve with a shut off (which came in handy during install)
I sealed around and under all penetrations into the barrel (valve and screws) with a two part epoxy that was a water proof filler and sealer.
It is important to not completely seal the tube or the level will not change to reflect the level in the barrel.

Comments

[DavidM45]

great project! I have found that valves on a plastic line are so much better with a support like a 2x4.

[pbhound]

you could put a small colored float in the tube to make it easier to read from a distance.

[damoelld]

good idea, just have to add that to my ever growing 'honey-do' list :)