The Rain Harvester
The build we sell most. A reused tote, an opaque wrap, a first-flush diverter and an overflow that will not drown your foundation.
- Sheet
- 03
- Revision
- 2026-10
- Scale
- 1:1
- Drawn at
- Peoria IL
Everything plumbed, nothing improvised
- Triple-rinsed Grade B 275-gallon tote, water-safe last contents, documented.
- Opaque UV wrap or exterior paint to stop algae dead.
- Screened and vented top inlet with a downspout adapter.
- First-flush diverter with cleanout, keeping grit out of the sump.
- 2" bulkhead overflow with insect screen, aimed away from the building.
- Brass ball valve plus S60x6 to 3/4" hose adapter on the outlet.
- Optional welded stand for gravity head — 2,290 lb when full, so this matters.
Add-ons people actually use
| Option | What it does | When you want it |
|---|---|---|
| Welded stand, 24 in | Gravity head for hose use | No pump available |
| 12V pump kit | 25 psi at the hose bib | Drip irrigation or a sprayer |
| Manifold kit | Links 2–6 totes as one tank | Barn or shop roofs |
| Winter drain kit | One-pull drain below the sump | Anywhere it freezes |
| Shade frame | Blocks light without paint | You want the level visible |
How much roof you need, and how fast it fills
| Roof area | Yield per 1 in rain | Fills one 275 in | Recommended units |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400 sq ft shed | ≈ 210 gal | 1.3 in of rain | 1 |
| 1,000 sq ft garage | ≈ 530 gal | 0.52 in | 2 |
| 1,800 sq ft house | ≈ 950 gal | 0.29 in | 3–4 |
| 3,000 sq ft barn | ≈ 1,580 gal | 0.17 in | 6 |
| 10,000 sq ft shop | ≈ 5,280 gal | 0.05 in | 19+ |
- Filled weight
- 2,290 lb — concrete or a welded stand, never soil
- Gravity head for hose use
- 24 in minimum to be useful
- Overflow sizing
- At least as large as the inlet, screened
- Mosquito mesh
- 1.5 mm or finer on every opening
- Algae onset unshaded
- About 3 weeks in summer
- Winter
- Drain below the sump, or heat-trace and insulate
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes with the Rain Harvester?
It includes a triple-rinsed Grade B 275-gallon tote with documented water-safe contents, an opaque wrap or paint, a screened and vented inlet with downspout adapter, a first-flush diverter, a 2 inch screened overflow, and a brass ball valve with hose adapter.
How long does the build take and what does it start at?
The listed build time is 3 days and the price starts from $185. Add-ons such as the welded stand, pump kit or manifold kit change the final figure, so ask through the contact form for a quote.
How much roof do I need to fill it?
One 275 gallon unit fills in about 1.3 inches of rain on a 400 sq ft shed, 0.52 inches on a 1,000 sq ft garage. Bigger roofs need more units, for example 3 to 4 for a 1,800 sq ft house.
Can I run more than one tote together?
Yes. The optional manifold kit links 2 to 6 totes as one tank, and the page suggests it for barn or shop roofs. Each tote adds 275 gallons of storage.
Does it need a stand?
A full tote weighs 2,290 lb, so it needs concrete blocks or a welded stand, never soil. The optional 24 inch welded stand gives gravity head for hose use when you have no pump.
Next in the loop
Base container: Grade B 275 gal. Typical build time: 3 days. From $185. Every build starts from a container somebody else was finished with.