Another common question/concern I hear from people with rain barrels is about mosquitoes getting into their rain water, breeding and spreading disease, particularly the West Nile Virus.
There are over 150 different species of mosquitoes in the United States. The life cycle of a mosquito (from egg to adult) can take as little as 4 days and as long as one month. An average life cycle is from 10-14 days.
Of course, the best way to keep mosquitoes out of your rain barrel is to have a completely closed system. If mosquitoes can't get to the water's surface, they can't breed. In most cases, this is not practical. If you feed your downspout directly into the top of your rain barrel or rainwater collection system without any type of debris filter in the line, you will end up with leaves, pine needles and all other sorts of mess down in the bottom of the rain barrel. (That is a topic for another discussion.)
The next, non-chemical, way to keep mosquitoes from breeding in your rain barrel is to use some sort of screen separating the water in the rain barrel from outside pests and insects. Simply wrapping the downspout in a piece of window screen before placing it into your barrel will filter debris but will clog easily and become ineffective.
I have seen many different solutions to this problem. I have seen people using a simple piece of window screen with a bungee cord holding it onto the barrel, pool baskets, yard drains and almost anything you can think of that can be used as a filter. These things can get expensive.
The best thing I have found (and use every day on my own rain barrels) is a screened basket. This basket simply drops into a hole cut into the top of the rain barrel. It is suspended above the water level and creates a barrier between the rain water and the mosquitoes.
I don't have any gutter covers on my gutters. The basket I use is large enough that it won't clog during a rain storm, no matter what washes down the downspout. It can also be easily removed from the barrel for cleaning when I see that it has been collecting leaves.
If you are still nervous about mosquitoes getting into the barrel, I would suggest using the basket with a piece of window screen around the bottom of it. The basket is sturdy and will catch the heavy debris while the window screen will act as a backup to the screened basket.
I have also seen products called Mosquito Dunks and Mosquito Bits in the home improvement stores. This is a product that is advertised as safe for plants and fish and creates a floating barrier so that any mosquitoes that find their way to your rain water are not able to breed on the water's surface.
As a final note, I would like to add that, given the average life cycle of a mosquito, it is likely that you will use the water you have collected in your rain barrel faster than any mosquito eggs can hatch and grow to adult mosquitoes. If it is 1-2 weeks between rain storms and you use the water you have collected during the dry periods, you shouldn't experience any problems.
For questions or more information, I can be contacted through my website: www.AtlantaRainBarrels.com
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Bulkhead Fittings make the Perfect Watertight Seal
If you already know about bulkhead fittings and are looking to purchase one, you can see them on my website: Atlanta Rain Barrels
I have received many questions from people who are making their own rain barrels or who have problems with rain barrels they bought. One of the questions that seems to come up often is, "How do I attach a garden hose or a spigot to my rain barrel?" or "The spigot on my rain barrel is leaking. It is sealed with caulk but that is not working. What should I do?"
First, I would like to talk about some of the ways I have seen spigots connected on different rain barrel designs.
Rain barrels are becoming more and more popular as people explore water conservation. That has lead to more and more people selling rain barrels around town. Some of the designs are well thought out but most are designs that are adequate at best and clearly not tested by the manufacturer.
The most popular way that people connect garden hose spigots to their rain barrels is simply to drill a hole and manually thread a brass spigot into the barrel. Sometimes these spigots are sealed with some type of caulk. The main problem with this connection is that it won't stay sealed. The barrel wall is flexible and the spigot will get pulled and twisted as you use it, leading to cracked caulk and a leaky connection around the threads. This type of connection is easy and inexpensive but you will be disappointed as soon as you start having problems with it and have to drain your rain water to fix something that could have been done right the first time.
Another popular option is to use PVC parts and o-rings or washers to create a seal from both sides of the barrel. Honestly, this is a good option if you are going to rely on home improvement store parts to make your rain barrel. The problem with this type of connection is that you often still have to use caulk around the seal because the PVC connectors are not made wide enough to properly seal the barrel and are prone to coming loose. If your only other option is to thread the spigot directly into your rain barrel, the use of PVC connectors is a decent alternative.
The single best way to connect a garden hose, soaker hose, spigot, or anything else to a rain barrel is to use a bulkhead fitting. A what? Yep, that is what I said the first time I ran across one of these. Bulkhead fittings are used in aquariums, pond liners, or on any tank wall that needs a hose or pipe passed through it. They are designed to give a watertight seal and will not leak, even under pressure. A bulkhead fitting usually has 2 washers, a sealing washer and a friction washer. One goes inside the rain barrel and one goes outside the rain barrel for a good double-whammy against leaks. They either have internal slip fittings or threaded fittings, depending on what you are trying to pass through the the tank wall. For my rain barrels I use the bulkhead fittings that are threaded inside. A 3/4" spigot or hose bibb can be threaded directly into a 3/4" threaded bulkhead fitting and will not leak. The bulkhead fitting can be purchased inexpensively and will outlast your barrel. They are available in most common sizes from 1/2" up to 3" (for those really big projects).
The cost savings using PVC parts over a bulkhead fitting is very minimal. You will probably spend $2-$4 for PVC parts, washers and caulk and can do it the right way with a bulkhead fitting for around $5.
For more information, email me or see my website. I also offer free instructions if you want to build your own rain barrel and have many different rain barrel parts if you want to design one yourself.
I have received many questions from people who are making their own rain barrels or who have problems with rain barrels they bought. One of the questions that seems to come up often is, "How do I attach a garden hose or a spigot to my rain barrel?" or "The spigot on my rain barrel is leaking. It is sealed with caulk but that is not working. What should I do?"
First, I would like to talk about some of the ways I have seen spigots connected on different rain barrel designs.
Rain barrels are becoming more and more popular as people explore water conservation. That has lead to more and more people selling rain barrels around town. Some of the designs are well thought out but most are designs that are adequate at best and clearly not tested by the manufacturer.
The most popular way that people connect garden hose spigots to their rain barrels is simply to drill a hole and manually thread a brass spigot into the barrel. Sometimes these spigots are sealed with some type of caulk. The main problem with this connection is that it won't stay sealed. The barrel wall is flexible and the spigot will get pulled and twisted as you use it, leading to cracked caulk and a leaky connection around the threads. This type of connection is easy and inexpensive but you will be disappointed as soon as you start having problems with it and have to drain your rain water to fix something that could have been done right the first time.
Another popular option is to use PVC parts and o-rings or washers to create a seal from both sides of the barrel. Honestly, this is a good option if you are going to rely on home improvement store parts to make your rain barrel. The problem with this type of connection is that you often still have to use caulk around the seal because the PVC connectors are not made wide enough to properly seal the barrel and are prone to coming loose. If your only other option is to thread the spigot directly into your rain barrel, the use of PVC connectors is a decent alternative.
The single best way to connect a garden hose, soaker hose, spigot, or anything else to a rain barrel is to use a bulkhead fitting. A what? Yep, that is what I said the first time I ran across one of these. Bulkhead fittings are used in aquariums, pond liners, or on any tank wall that needs a hose or pipe passed through it. They are designed to give a watertight seal and will not leak, even under pressure. A bulkhead fitting usually has 2 washers, a sealing washer and a friction washer. One goes inside the rain barrel and one goes outside the rain barrel for a good double-whammy against leaks. They either have internal slip fittings or threaded fittings, depending on what you are trying to pass through the the tank wall. For my rain barrels I use the bulkhead fittings that are threaded inside. A 3/4" spigot or hose bibb can be threaded directly into a 3/4" threaded bulkhead fitting and will not leak. The bulkhead fitting can be purchased inexpensively and will outlast your barrel. They are available in most common sizes from 1/2" up to 3" (for those really big projects).
The cost savings using PVC parts over a bulkhead fitting is very minimal. You will probably spend $2-$4 for PVC parts, washers and caulk and can do it the right way with a bulkhead fitting for around $5.
For more information, email me or see my website. I also offer free instructions if you want to build your own rain barrel and have many different rain barrel parts if you want to design one yourself.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The only thing better than a Squart is a Thermosquart!
When I was in college the QuikTrip Corporation (QT) had an insulated, refillable, 32 ounce (Squart) drink bottle called a Thermosquart. It was similar to the current squart bottles they carry in stores now, except it was wrapped in an insulated, squeezable koozie-like jacket. The copyright date on mine is 1988.
thermosquart: 1. a cylindrical, refillable cold drink container with a capacity of 32 fl. Oz. made of flexible, unbreakable plastic encased in a space-age thermosqueasy wrap. 2. Just like the squarts, thermosquarts are found only at squiktrip stores.
Since I first got my thermosquart it has faithfully accompanied me around the country and has been refilled hundreds (maybe thousands) of times. Unfortunately, last summer my companion fell out of my truck. I didn’t realize that he was missing until I got home. I immediately issued an Amber alert and went to work organizing a search party. I slowly retraced my steps and discovered it in pieces on the side of the road. How could I have been so careless with such a faithful friend? I picked up the pieces and returned home. This was my all-time favorite drink bottle. I was truly heartbroken. I have not ever had a sport bottle that compared to this one. The insulated jacked survived, as did the plastic bottle. The screw-on cap, however, did not. I raced to the nearest QT store and found a squart bottle for sale. They no longer carry the insulated bottles but maybe I could use their new squart bottles in my old insulated thermosquart jacket. The new bottle fits, but not like the old one. It is an adequate substitute that will never replace the original.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Decorative and Painted Rain Barrels
When I first started making rain barrels, I really didn't think much about the way they looked. The rain barrels were for my personal use and I was putting them in my backyard where they were basically hidden.
As I started selling the rain barrels through the Atlanta Rain Barrels website I began receiving questions about the color of the barrels. Usually it was something like, "Do you have any other colors besides blue?" I had to say "no". Now I can say "yes".
The standard 55 gallon rain barrel no longer has to be an eyesore. Now my painted rain barrels can add a decorative touch to your landscaping or can be painted to more closely match your home's color. My website now has standard color rain barrels and three colors of painted rain barrels.
Would you like to know how to paint a rain barrel? Painting a rain barrel is an easy way to add that custom look to your yard and is a great way to display your rainwater recycling center.
First, select your paint color. The best paint I have found is a spray paint called Fusion, made by Krylon. It is made specifically for plastic. There are many colors available and it is readily available at places like Wal Mart, Lowe's and Home Depot. A standard 55 gallon rain barrel will use about two cans.
Second, prep your barrel. Since most 55 gallon drums have been recycled they have some sort of label residue, grease or other substance on the outside. I use denatured alcohol and completely rub down the exterior of the barrel.
Finally, find a suitable location and spray. Follow the directions on the can and plan on three or four coats of paint to completely cover the barrel.
When you are done painting, let your newly painted rain barrel sit for a day or so so the paint can harden. If the paint chips because the barrel bumps into something while you are moving it, no problem. The best thing to do is move the barrel to its final spot and touch up the paint after it is in place using some of the left over spray paint.
Rain barrels are fun, useful and now...decorative!
For more information, contact me through the website: www.AtlantaRainBarrels.com
As I started selling the rain barrels through the Atlanta Rain Barrels website I began receiving questions about the color of the barrels. Usually it was something like, "Do you have any other colors besides blue?" I had to say "no". Now I can say "yes".
The standard 55 gallon rain barrel no longer has to be an eyesore. Now my painted rain barrels can add a decorative touch to your landscaping or can be painted to more closely match your home's color. My website now has standard color rain barrels and three colors of painted rain barrels.
Would you like to know how to paint a rain barrel? Painting a rain barrel is an easy way to add that custom look to your yard and is a great way to display your rainwater recycling center.
First, select your paint color. The best paint I have found is a spray paint called Fusion, made by Krylon. It is made specifically for plastic. There are many colors available and it is readily available at places like Wal Mart, Lowe's and Home Depot. A standard 55 gallon rain barrel will use about two cans.
Second, prep your barrel. Since most 55 gallon drums have been recycled they have some sort of label residue, grease or other substance on the outside. I use denatured alcohol and completely rub down the exterior of the barrel.
Finally, find a suitable location and spray. Follow the directions on the can and plan on three or four coats of paint to completely cover the barrel.
When you are done painting, let your newly painted rain barrel sit for a day or so so the paint can harden. If the paint chips because the barrel bumps into something while you are moving it, no problem. The best thing to do is move the barrel to its final spot and touch up the paint after it is in place using some of the left over spray paint.
Rain barrels are fun, useful and now...decorative!
For more information, contact me through the website: www.AtlantaRainBarrels.com
Saturday, February 16, 2008
eBay Fees
From time to time I sell things on eBay. Sometimes I get lucky and find that "hot" toy before Christmas and sometimes it is just my extra stuff from the junk drawer.
My current eBay ID has been active for about 8 years. I have to say that it is a lot easier to list items in an eBay auction now than it was 8 years ago. Now, combined with PayPal, it is simple to list and close an eBay auction.
I am no Power Seller but I still dream of finding that perfect item to auction off on eBay. You know, that item that is virtually 100% profit and sells itself. The one I can list over and over and then sit back and watch my PayPal account fill up. I could truly say that I make a living on eBay (or at least say that I make money on eBay).
One thing that has always puzzled me is the amount of money I pay to eBay and PayPal in the form of insertion fees, listing fees, final value fees and transaction fees. EBay has a listing of their fees on their website but it is difficult to find and I doubt anyone really looks at it before they list an auction.
My question is, "After I buy the item to sell and pay all the fees involved, am I going to make any money?"
My solution was to sit down and create a calculator that computes all the pre and post auction fees from eBay and PayPal at one time. Now, I can estimate my fees before the auction starts and decide if I will make a profit after everyone has taken their share.
I posted the calculator on my website for anyone to use. It is completely free. I made it, I own it and I never collect and email addresses or other personal information when you use my calculators.
You can see the eBay and PayPal Fees Calculator at: www.EasyWebCalculators.com
Do you have a success story from eBay?
My current eBay ID has been active for about 8 years. I have to say that it is a lot easier to list items in an eBay auction now than it was 8 years ago. Now, combined with PayPal, it is simple to list and close an eBay auction.
I am no Power Seller but I still dream of finding that perfect item to auction off on eBay. You know, that item that is virtually 100% profit and sells itself. The one I can list over and over and then sit back and watch my PayPal account fill up. I could truly say that I make a living on eBay (or at least say that I make money on eBay).
One thing that has always puzzled me is the amount of money I pay to eBay and PayPal in the form of insertion fees, listing fees, final value fees and transaction fees. EBay has a listing of their fees on their website but it is difficult to find and I doubt anyone really looks at it before they list an auction.
My question is, "After I buy the item to sell and pay all the fees involved, am I going to make any money?"
My solution was to sit down and create a calculator that computes all the pre and post auction fees from eBay and PayPal at one time. Now, I can estimate my fees before the auction starts and decide if I will make a profit after everyone has taken their share.
I posted the calculator on my website for anyone to use. It is completely free. I made it, I own it and I never collect and email addresses or other personal information when you use my calculators.
You can see the eBay and PayPal Fees Calculator at: www.EasyWebCalculators.com
Do you have a success story from eBay?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
It is what it is
“It is what it is.” Where the heck did that come from? I hear it all over the place and see it written in business communication as if it is stating something definite. Are we that ambiguous? Saying, “it is what it is,” is the equivalent of shrugging your shoulders and saying, “Eh…I don’t really care. Why should I try to change it?”
“When I was your age…” Were things really that much different? We didn’t lock our doors…we left the keys in our cars…we played in the streets…we didn’t have to worry about “that” kind of thing…we didn’t have computers…microwaves didn’t exist… I like to think that I was safer when I was a child. I just have a different perspective now. Bad things happened when I was growing up. It didn’t bother me because I was a kid. My parents were the ones worrying. Now, I worry about my kids. They are careful and know not to go into a stranger’s house and to run if someone pulls up next to them in a car but they still have an innocent view of life. Maybe the reality of life just hasn’t hit them yet.
Are there sayings that bother you?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Real-world math.
Has you kid ever said, "Why do I have to know math?" Answer: So we don't get ambushed!
Here is a real-life example:
Companies are trying really hard to promote themselves as environmentally friendly. I heard a "green" ad on the radio last week from one of the railroad companies. They said that they could haul 1 ton of freight 423 miles on a single gallon of gas. When I first heard that it sounded great!
So...I did some rough calculations:
If a single locomotive hauls 5000 tons of freight, how many miles per gallon does the locomotive really get?
5000 tons = 5000 gallons of gas for 423 miles (it's what they said on the ad)
423 miles divided by 5000 gallons = 0.085 miles per gallon
or
5000 gallons divided by 423 miles = 11.82 gallons per mile.
Granted, rail transportation is probably a lot more efficient than any other type of ground transportation. It just doesn't sound as "green" to say you ONLY use 11 gallons of gas for every mile you go. It's not exactly the next hybrid vehicle.
The ad ends by saying something like, "too bad we all can't drive locomotives." Yeah, then instead of using one gallon of gas to get to work I could use 201 gallons!
Here is a real-life example:
Companies are trying really hard to promote themselves as environmentally friendly. I heard a "green" ad on the radio last week from one of the railroad companies. They said that they could haul 1 ton of freight 423 miles on a single gallon of gas. When I first heard that it sounded great!
So...I did some rough calculations:
If a single locomotive hauls 5000 tons of freight, how many miles per gallon does the locomotive really get?
5000 tons = 5000 gallons of gas for 423 miles (it's what they said on the ad)
423 miles divided by 5000 gallons = 0.085 miles per gallon
or
5000 gallons divided by 423 miles = 11.82 gallons per mile.
Granted, rail transportation is probably a lot more efficient than any other type of ground transportation. It just doesn't sound as "green" to say you ONLY use 11 gallons of gas for every mile you go. It's not exactly the next hybrid vehicle.
The ad ends by saying something like, "too bad we all can't drive locomotives." Yeah, then instead of using one gallon of gas to get to work I could use 201 gallons!
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