| Rainwater harvesting details (Design-build), Ithaca, NY
Date: 2006
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Step-by-step construction method:
2. Next, I built pressure-treated wooden platforms to support the barrels above grade. There are three main reasons for supporting the barrels in this manner: (a) the water pressure for irrigation will be a bit greater; (b) it becomes possible to place a pail under the faucet at the bottom of the barrel; and (c) a level base keeps the barrel upright and stable. Note that a 50-gallon barrel filled with water weighs slightly more than 400 pounds; the design of a wooden platform needs to account for these loads (see my free online structures text for wood design methods).
a) I dig a shallow excavation in the hard clay soil for a pressure-treated wood footing. |
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b) The footings and posts (4x4 pressure-treated lumber) are pre-assembled with 3" deck screws and placed on a level gravel bed. The posts are tied together with two horizontal pieces of 2x6 pressure-treated lumber. |
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c) The platform is attached to the existing house addition with a 2x2 pressure-treated spacer and two 6" lag screws through the siding and into the 2x6 wall studs of the house. |
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d) Finally, 2x6 pressure-treated boards (less expensive than typical 5/4" deck material) are screwed into place, creating a level base for the barrels. |
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e) Smaller platforms, of similar design, are built for the single barrels on either side of the back patio door.
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