Harnessing Nature: A Comprehensive Guide to DIY Rainwater Harvesting Systems
How to Build an Eco-Friendly, Cost-Saving Water Collection Setup with Products from Crowder Bros. ACE Hardware
With rising water bills, increasing droughts, and growing concern for sustainability, many homeowners are turning to rainwater harvesting systems to supplement their water needs and reduce environmental impact. The good news? Building a DIY rainwater harvesting system is easier—and more rewarding—than you might think.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of planning, constructing, and maintaining your system using tools and supplies you can find right at Crowder Brothers ACE Hardware. Whether you’re a passionate gardener, a sustainability enthusiast, or just looking to save a little extra money, this is your go-to resource.
Why Harvest Rainwater?
The Benefits
Rainwater harvesting isn’t just trendy—it’s practical. Here’s why more Floridians (and Americans) are getting on board:
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Reduce Water Bills: Even partial use for gardening or outdoor cleaning can significantly cut costs.
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Support Sustainability: Reduce runoff, erosion, and strain on municipal systems.
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Emergency Preparedness: Useful during water restrictions or in emergencies.
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Better for Plants: Rainwater is naturally soft, free from chlorine and fluoride.
How Much Rain Can You Harvest?
Let’s look at an example. A 1,000-square-foot roof with 1 inch of rain can collect roughly 623 gallons of water. In Florida, where the average rainfall is 50+ inches annually, that same roof could potentially collect over 31,000 gallons a year!
Formula:Catchment Area (sq. ft.) × Rainfall (inches) × 0.623 = Gallons Collected
Use this to estimate the size of your tank and how much of your water needs it could offset.
System Components and Setup
Setting up your rainwater harvesting system is easier when you break it down into 6 key parts.
1. Catchment Area (Your Roof)
Most residential roofs are perfectly suited. Asphalt shingles are common, but metal roofs are even better due to their smooth surface and non-absorbent finish.
🛠️ Tip: Make sure your roof and gutters are free of lead-based paint or toxic sealants if you’re planning to use the water for edible plants.
2. Gutters and Downspouts
These channel water from the roof into your collection system.
What to buy at Crowder Bros. ACE:
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Vinyl or aluminum gutters
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Elbow joints and downspout extensions
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Gutter guards or leaf filters
🧰 Maintenance tip: Clean your gutters every season, or install gutter guards to minimize debris.
3. First Flush Diverter
This diverts the first few gallons of rainwater that may carry dust, bird droppings, or pollen. After it fills, cleaner water flows into your storage tank.
🛠️ DIY Version: You can build a diverter with PVC piping, a ball valve, and a slow-drain valve—ACE carries all of these.
4. Storage Tank
The heart of your system. Barrels are great for beginners; larger tanks work for advanced systems.
Popular options:
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Rain barrels (50–80 gallons): Ideal for small gardens.
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IBC totes (275–330 gallons): Affordable and stackable.
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Underground cisterns (500+ gallons): Perfect for whole-yard irrigation or large-scale systems.
🔧 Make sure your tank has an overflow pipe, a mosquito-proof lid, and a spigot or pump for access.
5. Filtration System
Water for irrigation only needs basic filtering, but for indoor non-potable use (toilets, laundry), you’ll need multi-stage filtration.
Products at Crowder Bros. ACE:
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Sediment filters
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Activated charcoal filters
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UV disinfection kits (special order or online)
6. Water Distribution
Choose from:
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Gravity-fed hoses: Work well with raised barrels.
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Electric pumps: For sprinkler systems, washing vehicles, or transferring to other tanks.
🛠️ ACE Pro Tip: A utility pump from ACE Hardware ($70–$150) is perfect for pressurized flow from a rain tank.
Step-by-Step Installation
Here’s a practical roadmap to building your system:
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Clean your gutters and roof.
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Install gutter guards and direct downspouts to your barrel or tank.
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Attach a first flush diverter.
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Place your tank on a level, elevated surface—a concrete paver base works well.
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Install overflow protection—this can be a hose directing water to a safe drainage area.
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Add a spigot or pump to access water easily.
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Use screened lids or tight fittings to prevent mosquito breeding.
Enhancing Your System
Smart Upgrades
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Rainwater tank level sensors
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Wi-Fi–enabled irrigation controllers
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Rain sensors that pause sprinklers when rain is forecast
Many of these upgrades integrate with existing Rain Bird or Orbit irrigation systems—also available at ACE Hardware.
Real-Life Case Study: A Florida Gardener’s Setup
Marie, a St. Petersburg resident and long-time Crowder Bros. customer, installed two 55-gallon rain barrels for her front garden. Using nothing more than:
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A gutter diverter kit ($30)
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Two plastic food-grade barrels ($50 each)
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Basic tools from ACE (drill, sealant, hose bib)
She now waters her butterfly garden and citrus trees without using a drop of city water—and says her monthly water bill dropped by $25 in summer.
“I just love walking outside, opening the valve, and knowing I’m helping the planet while saving money.”
Legal Considerations in Florida
The good news? Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Florida. In fact, local governments often offer rebates or incentives.
Check with:
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Pinellas or Hernando County Utilities
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Local Florida Yards & Neighborhoods programs
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Your HOA, if applicable
Maintenance Checklist
✅ Clean gutters quarterly
✅ Inspect tanks for algae or sediment buildup
✅ Check for leaks around spigots and hose connections
✅ Flush your first flush diverter after major rains
✅ Drain tanks before freezing temperatures (if applicable)
Estimated Costs (Beginner Setup)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Rain barrel | $50–$80 |
| Gutter diverter kit | $25–$35 |
| Concrete base (pavers) | $20 |
| Hose bib/spigot | $10–$15 |
| Mesh screen or mosquito-proof cover | $5 |
| Total | $110–$150 |
Environmental Impact
Let’s say you use just two 55-gallon barrels for garden watering. In one year, you’ll:
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Collect up to 6,000 gallons of water (in a rainy climate)
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Save up to $200 in water bills
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Reduce stormwater runoff and potential flooding on your property
Imagine the impact if every home in your neighborhood did the same.
Shop Local and Get Expert Help
At Crowder Brothers ACE Hardware, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need barrels, plumbing fittings, sealants, or just some friendly advice, stop by in St. Pete Beach.
Our staff can:
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Help you select the right barrel or tank
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Suggest sealants, diverters, or tools
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Recommend Florida-friendly plants for rain gardens
Final Thoughts
Rainwater harvesting is a smart, sustainable, and surprisingly simple project that pays off in savings, satisfaction, and self-sufficiency. With just a few tools and materials—many available locally at Crowder Brothers ACE—you can build a system that turns every storm into a resource.
Offers valid through May 31st, 2025 – while supplies last!
Ready to get started? Visit us today or give us a call—we’ll help you build a system that works for your home, your yard, and your future.
📍 St. Pete Beach Location: 320 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
📞 Call Us: (727) 308-4000
📍 Spring Hill Location: 12480 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill, FL 34609
📞 Call Us: (352) 686-4743
🛒 Shop Our Products Online: Shop ACE
