Quick verdict
A 10 inch funnel that fits the top of a standard poly drum, with a screen to keep leaves and mosquitoes out, an overflow hose to carry excess away and a cover for winter, so a cheap 55 gallon drum becomes a rain barrel under a cut downspout. Buying a drum and a funnel costs less than a moulded barrel and holds the same. The funnel catches the downspout flow, the screen filters it and the overflow sends the surplus to a second drum or away from the house. Drums are not included.
Strengths
- Converts a cheap poly drum into a screened rain barrel
- Screen keeps leaves and mosquitoes out
- Overflow hose directs surplus to a second drum or away
- Winter cover stores on the drum
- Ten inch funnel catches a cut downspout easily
Weaknesses
- Drum and downspout cutting are up to you
- Fits standard drum openings; check your drum top
- Funnel screen needs clearing in leaf fall
The overall YardToolLab Score is out of 100. Section scores are out of 10.
A Rain Barrel for the Price of a Drum
A moulded rain barrel costs several times what a used 55 gallon poly drum does and holds the same water. The difference is the lid: a drum needs a screened inlet, an overflow and a cover. EarthMark’s UFO is that lid, a 10 inch funnel with a screen that fits the drum top, an overflow hose for the surplus and a cover for winter. Cut the downspout, set the drum and the barrel is done.
This review is based on the maker’s specifications and on how funnel diverters perform on drum rain barrels generally. We have not used this kit ourselves.
Setting Up
Stand the drum on a level base of blocks or pavers under the downspout so a watering can fits under the spigot. Cut the downspout to discharge over the funnel, or fit an elbow. Fit the funnel, run the overflow hose to a second drum or a splash block pointing away from the house, and fit a spigot near the drum base if it has none. Rain fills the drum through the screen and the surplus leaves by the hose.
The Screen
Leaves, shingle grit and mosquitoes stop at the funnel screen. Clear it after storms in leaf fall and the water in the drum stays clean. A sealed drum with a screened funnel and a hose on the overflow gives mosquitoes nowhere to lay.
Drums
Food-grade poly drums from beverage and food suppliers are the choice; they are cheap, clean and safe for garden water. Avoid drums that held chemicals. The funnel fits standard drum openings; check the top of yours. Link two drums with the overflow hose and the system holds 110 gallons.
Winter
Drain the drum, lift the funnel off and fit the cover. The funnel stores on the covered drum and the drum stays clean until spring.
Who Should Buy It
- Anyone who wants a rain barrel cheaply.
- Gardeners linking several drums for more storage.
- People with a source of food-grade drums.
Common Owner Complaints
The work of sourcing a drum and cutting the downspout. That is the trade for the price.
Technique Tips
Raise the drum on blocks high enough for a can under the spigot before cutting the downspout, since the cut height follows the drum height. Fit a leaf guard in the gutter above and the funnel screen stays clear longer. Run the overflow hose to a second drum or to a splash block on ground that slopes away, and check after the first storm that nothing overflows at the funnel rim.
Alternatives to Consider
A complete moulded rain barrel with lid and spigot. A downspout diverter that leaves the downspout intact. The VEVOR collapsible barrel for storage that folds away.
Verdict
With a drum and this funnel, a rain barrel costs a fraction of the moulded kind and works as well. Screen it, overflow it away from the house and cover it for winter.
Full specifications
EarthMark UFO 10 Inch Funnel Rain Barrel Diverter with Overflow Hose and Winter Cover for Poly Drums FAQs
Cut the downspout so it discharges over the funnel. Rain pours through the screen into the drum. When the drum fills, water leaves by the overflow hose to a second drum or to a splash block.
A food-grade 55 gallon poly drum with a removable top or a bung opening the funnel fits. Used drums are cheap from food and beverage suppliers; avoid chemical drums.
The screen keeps them out of the funnel. Seal any other opening in the drum and the overflow hose end.
In winter, remove the funnel, drain the drum and fit the cover so the drum stays clean and the funnel stores on top.
