So I have installed two stacked rainbarrel systems and they are having some issues and I was wondering if anyone out there might have some suggestions/ideas. I have taken HDPE 55 gallon barrels with two bung fittings in them and laid them on their side and connected them together at the bungs (see picture on my profile). Two things have happened. First where the barrels are sitting on the metal pallet racking they are becoming seriously indented. I will have to create more of a saddle for the barrels next time. Any suggestions?
More importantly, I have found that after a while the barrels will become full, but no water will come out of the bottom valve when opened. I thought there was an issue of an air lock, so I put air vents on the system to let air out. This did not work. Any suggestions? Thanks for your time and help. Brad.
More importantly, I have found that after a while the barrels will become full, but no water will come out of the bottom valve when opened. I thought there was an issue of an air lock, so I put air vents on the system to let air out. This did not work. Any suggestions? Thanks for your time and help. Brad.
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Portland
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Re: Stacked Rainbarrel issues
Fri, June 30, 2006 - 8:48 AMPlace an ad on Craig's List for "Free Rainbarrels".
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Re: Stacked Rainbarrel issues
Sat, July 1, 2006 - 12:12 AM1. Your tubing system is way to small for a gravity feed system. The line resistance for water is high.
2. A large ball valve at the output and large hose 1.5" or 2" will do you better.
3. Use only one barrel at the bottom, so that you are not distributing the weight of the water over such a large area.
4. Do you have a screen in the bottom of the collection bucket? -
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Re: Stacked Rainbarrel issues
Sun, July 2, 2006 - 8:19 AMyes, all the tubing feeding the bottom (last drum) should be at least twice the size of whatever garden hose you are using...so 1/2 " garden discharge hose should have 1" supply hoses. on your drums, as well you need to make sure your two top drums are vented to atmosphere. not a little vent.
air needs to be let in as fast as you take out water ( displacement imbalance will result in a low pressure in the discharge drum- cause you are in effect creating a vacuum. vent the two top drums to atmosphere..
V
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