Collect rain water with these simple steps. You'll need an old hot water tank or 2 (usually found at the dump), a metal grinder, some window screen, duct tape, caulking sealant, maybe a few extra eavestrough runners, a hose and a sunny afternoon.

Step 1: Here We Go!

I picked up this old hot water tank from the dump, I went back the next day and there was another one! 2x the water storage! There are a lot a vegetables to water this summer so instead of using water from my cistern (which cost money to fill with town water), I will be transforming these bad boys in rain collection units. With a hose nozzle already on the bottom of the tanks, water flow will be quick and easy.

Step 2: They're Not Ugly, They're Just Different

Find a good place you want to put these big tanks. They aren't the prettiest thing in the world so unless you want to build a fence around them to hide how ugly they look, put them around the back of a garage or a little nook that no one can see. A beautiful looking hose will get the water to your plants.

Step 3: Cut Off the Top

To begin, get your metal grinder and start to cut off the top. This might take a few minutes. Be sure to wear proper PPE as those sparks are hot! Take your time. I drew a line to follow with a felt marker.

Step 4: Lay the Tanks on the Ground and Measure the Size of the Eavetrough Runners

I wrote what you need to do in the title. So i don't have much more to say for this section.

Step 5: Cut Out the Holes

Cut out the holes! Make sure you cut them on a bit of an angle so you can angle the runners into the other tank. This can be a little tricky. Ive never used a metal grinder before and I managed to do a pretty darn good job. I believe you can do this too.

Step 6: Attach Eavestrough Runners

Shove those eavestrough runners up in the hole. This is to prevent overflow. You see, when the water fills up the larger tank, it will run down the trough into the smaller tank. When that tank fills up, either its been raining too much or I've forgotten to water my carrots!! Luckily I have a runner that flows beneath the ground so I hooked it up to the smaller tank incase both are full. Science!

Step 7: Set It All Up and Seal It Tight

Once all the troughs are in place and facing the tanks, take the sealant and goo that bad boy along all of your uneven open cut edges. Make sure the sealant you use is waterproof. Don't be afraid to really gob that stuff on and cover any open gaps between the tank and the trough.

Step 8: Cover the Top

Now, take some old window screen and duct tape it to the top. This will prevent leaves, bugs and whatever else that hangs out on your roof from getting inside the tank. This will help the valve to stay clean and clear and under control.

Step 9: Hook Up a Hose

Get a hose from your garage and hook it up. The pressure of the water will push it out to your vegetables whenever you turn it on.

Step 10: You Did It!!

Let that rain flow into you new (kinda ugly but hidden) rain collecting system. This took me 1.5 hours and now I can water my plants for FREE with the help of rain. Crossing my fingers it rains tomorrow. Good Luck Everyone!!