DIY rain barrel with pump for water pressure 

Hopefully you just used the hole you drilled at the top for your intake for the water coming from the gutter system. I made a little filter system for the water to go through before going into the barrel so it was as clean as possible for the exception of microscopic stuff. I used an 8" diameter pvc pipe that is roughly 18" long, then on the bottom end I used some reducers to bring it from 8" to 4" and that was what filled the rain barrel. At the bottom where the 4" opening was I installed a coarse stainless mesh to hold the filter media I was gonna used. With that installed I took some time and made charcoal out of some oak and maple firewood. I added enough to go about ¼ of the way up from the bottom. Then I used some pumice and mixed it with more charcoal and used that as my next layer till it was about ¾ of the way full, then the rest of the way I used just pumice alone. Finally I did another screen and then added an 8" to 10" adapter to make a wide area for the water to go in to. I have 3 rain barrels now all rigged up in series so I only have to have water ender the one barrel and all 3 will fill up. Now I also have an electric water pump with a pressure switch so when I turn the water pump on, it builds pressure in the hose till it reaches a certain point, then it will stop the pump till I spray the gun on the end of the hose. Then when I use the spray gun the pump automatically turns on and stays on to keep the water pressure up till I stop again. It's kinda like an rv or campers water pump. I have enough water pressure that I can water my yard with a sprinkler. It's at least if not more water pressure than the city water main coming into my house.

I imagine this pump can be used to move the water directly from inside the barrel...and not have to have the usual garden spigot on the outside? Of course i'd use some pvc pipe or garden hose sitting inside the bottom of the barrel, to flush the water out the top of the barrel. Just trying to do away with the spigot altogether.

Great video bro 👍

How would I hook up 3 rain barrels to same system?

How’s this holding up?

Where did you get the bulkhead fitting? I ordered on that isn't long enough to fit through my wooden barrel. The rain barrel kit in the links doesn't have the bulkhead, where did you find one long enough?

Would not transfer pump like below eliminate the need of accumulator tank? www.harborfreight.com/merchandising-promotions/hot-buys/12-hp-cast-iron-transfer-pump-1525-gph-63316.html I am new homeowner trying to learn DIY stuff. I have already setup rain barrel and I have 100 ft hose but can't get water pressure I need out of rain barrel.

Do you need the accumulator tank?