Cool! Sounds like a fun project

@@Stealthbobber06 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rZqce7eCqNWnoac.html I've since added 2 more barrels and a flojet pump

Thanks! I have a half-baked idea of adding some form of first flush to this design, but I'm not sure when I'll get around to trying it out. Thanks for watching.

Thanks Randy E, sounds like you're making good progress on your design. Glad you enjoyed the video and best of luck.

Happy to help

The main body is a Sanitary Tee H x H x H - PVC DWV, 4" x 4" x 2". The base of the diverter (that he had to enlarge with the hole saw) is a PVC DWV Flush Bushing, 4 x 2-Inch. The outputs to the rain barrels and to the drain are standard 2" PVC pipe.

+Oma Am Thanks for watching

Thanks, yes that would work well. I've been considering something like this to act like a "first flush" system, so I'll have to give this a try eventually.

+Maurice Gatdula Thus far I haven't made any changes. I have a few ideas, but for the most part it's been working well enough that I haven't felt the need to rework it yet.

Wouldn't a small vent hole on the top of the rain barrel solve this issue?

Water will always seek its own level pressure is overcome by a simple vent hole drilled in the lid of the rain barrel. The weight of the water forces air out the vent equalizing pressure. Rain barrels are never completely sealed they are always vented if they are bottom filled. If they are top filled no venting is required because air will escape through the same hole that the water comes in through. Yes this causes restriction and slower flow during heavy rains where the pipe will actually be full of water; but the pipes are almost never completely filled with water. They are drains not hoses, so even if top filled a vent is preferred to ensure full gravity flow and equalization of pressure. Pipe diameter and venting is your answer. And now we know. And knowing is half the battle........G.I.-Joe

Maybe so, but after over a year of use, any restriction is hardly noticeable. We've never had much of an issue filling all four barrels.

There are vent tubes in each barrel. He shows it in the his first rain barrel video.

Thanks!

The water level naturally stays the same across the whole system.

That' s true, but only if the air pressure in your barrels is equal to the pressure outside, in other words: if they are open (if only a little) at the top. I presume yours are

B Cook Also, I would stain/paint the bracket holding the diverter. Wood, even treated, wont last long if theres much moisture, especially where the water might pool between pvc/wood.

Thanks B Cook, "first flush diverter" is a new term to me. Will have to do a little research on that concept.

B Cook True, though knowing me I figure it will be changed before wood rot becomes an issue

Zach M 7

I still don't understand: U are diverting the water from the "basin" to the tanks. wouldn't be better to divert the overflowed water to the tanks? the fact that the height of the two inches PVC creates a barrier to the dirt and pebbles from the roof shingles, cleaning the water, yes?

Please enlighten us how they get into the barrel. His demo is awesome and very detailed, so your comment needs to be explained as well as his demo

I guess they could fly up the vent tube, but that seems unlikely and has never been an issue for us. If you build one and are concerned, a little screen over any open tubes would suffice.

Linda Murri seems like the top of the diverter is open and collects water for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Perhaps mosquito hatchery was a bit hyperbolic. I think the system is awesome and kudos to him for crafting a homemade diverter. It just appears that when he cleaned it out at the end, there was a decent amount of standing water in the diverter. Mosquitoes don’t need much.

Ben Brandt gotcha. It just seemed from your video that the top of the diverter was open and that mosquitoes could enter there and lay gags in the water that doesn’t drain inside the diverter. Or perhaps I’m missing something. I like your use of the pvc conduit and sanitary T. Looking to do something similar.