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Connecting two rain barrels is mostly a plumbing-fit problem. The hose has to span the gap without sagging out of the fittings, the bulkheads have to match the holes and wall thickness, and both barrels need to sit at compatible heights. If one part is wrong, the extra storage can turn into a slow leak or a hose that keeps pulling loose.
The six kits here range from short flexible linking hoses to more rigid metal-hose assemblies. Some include hole saws and all the basic gaskets. Others focus on higher-quality bulkhead fittings and expect you to supply the drill setup yourself. The right choice depends first on the distance between the barrels and the connection diameter you want.
For a balanced system, place the barrels on stable, level supports before drilling. A connector that slopes sharply or has to carry the weight of a shifting barrel will be harder to seal no matter how good the fittings are.
Rain Barrel Connector Kits at a Glance
| Product | Best For | Key Strength | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAINPAL RBL022P | Durable two-barrel connection | 2-foot hose with brass bulkhead fittings | Fixed hose length needs sensible barrel spacing |
| XCWT Linking Kit | First-time DIY installation | Includes connector, gaskets, and hole saw | Hose can sag or pull loose if barrels are poorly spaced |
| CHENGLAI Two-Pack Kit | Short, firm links between several barrels | Two 1-foot linking assemblies and four bulkheads | Hose is stiff and some specifications conflict |
| Aocies 1.25-Inch Connector | Replacement-style flexible hose | Adjustable reach from about 9.5 to 31 inches | Exact dimensions conflict; fit must match 1.25-inch connection |
| RAINPAL RBL020 | Closely spaced barrels | Short 8-inch hose with bulkhead fittings | Very little spacing flexibility |
| Rain Barrel Hose Connector Kit | Heavier quick-connect style setup | 3/4-inch threaded connection hardware | Less distinct barrel-linking advantage |
Choose the Hose Length Before the Fittings
Barrel spacing decides whether the connector will sit naturally or fight the installation. A short connector works well when two barrels are side by side with their holes carefully aligned. A longer hose gives more freedom, but too much unsupported hose can sag and pull at the fittings.
The RAINPAL RBL022P gives you a 2-foot link, while the CHENGLAI kit uses 1-foot hoses. The Aocies hose is designed to adjust over a wider span. The RAINPAL RBL020 uses a much shorter 8-inch connection for tightly grouped barrels.
Do not set the barrels permanently and then hope the chosen hose happens to fit. Place the containers first, measure the realistic center-to-center distance between connection points, and leave enough slack for installation without creating a deep sag.
A Two-Foot Kit With Purpose-Built Bulkhead Fittings
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RAINPAL RBL022P Premium Linking Kit
Hose Length
2 ft
Hose Size
3/4 in I.D.
Bulkheads
2 fittings
The RAINPAL RBL022P is the most balanced kit when two barrels need a little room between them. It uses a 2-foot hose with two bulkhead fittings, giving you more placement flexibility than the very short linking kits without creating the long unsupported span of an extension-style hose.
The bulkhead fittings provide a 3/4-inch male garden-hose-thread side and a female 1/2-inch NPT connection. Installation calls for a roughly 1-1/16-inch hole. The fittings are intended to seal through the barrel wall with a broad flange, which is useful on common plastic drums and trash-can style DIY barrels.
The main installation lesson is to keep the hose relaxed. If it arrives kinked, warming it in the sun can help it recover its shape. Do not use the hose to pull two barrels toward each other. Set the barrel spacing first, then let the connector bridge the gap without tension.
Why It Works
- A 2-foot hose gives useful spacing freedom between barrels.
- Two bulkhead fittings create dedicated through-wall connections.
- The 3/4-inch hose path is suitable for transferring water between linked storage barrels.
- The fitting layout is purpose-built for rain-barrel linking rather than adapted from unrelated plumbing hardware.
What To Keep In Mind
- Drill only after the barrels are level and the connection points are aligned.
- Keep the hose from sagging enough to pull on the bulkheads.
- This is a rain-barrel linking connection, not a general pressure-hose assembly.
A Complete DIY Kit With a Hole Saw
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XCWT Rain Barrel Hose Connector Kit
Hose Reach
Short linking span
Included
Hole saw and sealing gaskets
Use
Links 2 barrels
The XCWT kit is the easiest starting point when you do not already own the right drilling hardware. It includes the linking connector, sealing gaskets, and a hole saw for plastic-barrel installation. That reduces the chance of buying a connector and then discovering you need another trip for the cutting tool.
Its short connector makes it best for barrels that sit close together. The gaskets can seal well when the holes are clean and the barrel walls are aligned, and owners have used the kit successfully to build multi-barrel arrangements from large plastic containers.
The hose needs support from good barrel placement. It can sag over time or pull out of the connector when the barrels are too far apart or move independently. Some installations have also needed extra sealant around the wall fittings. The included hole saw is useful for plastic but should not be treated as a universal cutter for metal drums.
Why It Works
- The included hole saw makes a first DIY installation easier to prepare for.
- Sealing gaskets and linking hardware arrive as one matched kit.
- It can be repeated to build a larger multi-barrel system.
What To Keep In Mind
- The kit is not intended for metal drums.
- Keep the barrels close enough that the hose does not hang under tension.
- If the wall flexes or the seal seeps, correct the fitting alignment before adding more sealant.
A Firm One-Foot Link for Compact Barrel Groups
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CHENGLAI Two-Pack Rain Barrel Linking Kit
Hose Length
1 ft each
Connection Size
3/4 in
Pack
2 linking assemblies
The CHENGLAI kit supplies two short linking assemblies for connecting several barrels in a compact group. Each hose is about 1 foot long with 3/4-inch threaded connections, and the package includes four bulkhead fittings, plugs, gaskets, and a hole saw.
The hose is much stiffer than a soft corrugated connector. That can be helpful when you want the link to hold its shape, but it also means the barrel holes need to line up well. A stiff connector will not quietly absorb a large height difference or badly spaced barrels.
The product information gives conflicting material and secondary dimension details, but consistently describes a 3/4-inch connection and 1-foot hose length. Owners also warn that the connector hardware does not necessarily match common US replacement fittings. Buy this as a complete matched kit rather than assuming every piece can be replaced locally with a look-alike part.
Why It Works
- Two complete links are useful for a three-barrel arrangement.
- The 1-foot hose length suits closely grouped barrels.
- Bulkheads, gaskets, plugs, and a hole saw are included.
- A firmer hose can reduce the collapsing and kinking seen with softer connectors.
What To Keep In Mind
- The exact material and secondary dimensions are uncertain.
- The hose is stiff, so hole alignment matters.
- Avoid overtightening the tank fittings.
- Replacement connector compatibility may be less convenient than with common garden-hose hardware.
An Adjustable Replacement-Style 1.25-Inch Hose
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Aocies 1.25-Inch Rain Barrel Connector Hose
Connection Diameter
1.25 in
Adjustable Reach
About 9.5 to 31 in
Use
Links 2 barrels
The Aocies connector is useful when you already have a system built around a 1.25-inch hose connection and need more flexibility in the span between barrels. The hose is designed to extend from a short connection to roughly 31 inches, which can help when the replacement needs to match an existing barrel layout.
That 1.25-inch fit is the deciding detail. Owners report good replacement fit with some existing rain-barrel systems, but other connections were slightly too large and needed clamps or brackets. Measure the existing nipple or outlet rather than buying from the barrel brand name alone.
The product information gives conflicting overall dimensions, though the connection diameter and adjustable-range claim are consistent. This is best treated as a replacement or flexible link for a compatible system, not as the safest option for drilling a brand-new barrel from scratch.
Why It Works
- Adjustable reach gives more flexibility than a fixed short hose.
- The 1.25-inch connection can match some existing diverter and barrel systems directly.
- A flexible hose helps when barrel spacing cannot be exact.
What To Keep In Mind
- Ask the seller for exact overall dimensions if clearance is tight.
- A 1.25-inch nominal connection still needs a real fit check.
- Clamps may be needed when the mating connection is slightly undersized.
A Short Connector for Barrels Set Close Together
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RAINPAL RBL020 Rain Barrel Linking Kit
Hose Length
8 in
Hose I.D.
3/4 in
Bulkheads
2 fittings
The RAINPAL RBL020 uses a short 8-inch, 3/4-inch inside-diameter hose between two bulkhead fittings. That makes it a purpose-specific choice for barrels positioned close together on the same level. There is little spare hose to droop, but there is also little tolerance for poor spacing.
This kind of short connection works best when the barrels are placed first and drilled as a pair. Mark both hole centers at the same water level and support both containers on the same stable base. Once full, the barrels should not shift away from each other and tug at the short link.
Owners report simple, sealed barrel-to-barrel connections but also question the metal composition of some fitting hardware. For a rainwater system intended for drinking or other sensitive use, do not assume suitability from this connector alone. The whole storage and treatment system needs appropriate material choices and current water testing.
Why It Works
- The 8-inch hose keeps a close two-barrel installation tidy.
- A 3/4-inch internal water path is suitable for balancing linked barrels.
- Bulkhead fittings create dedicated wall connections.
What To Keep In Mind
- The short hose leaves very little room for alignment error.
- Both barrels should remain on a stable, common-height support.
- Do not make drinking-water suitability assumptions from a rain-barrel connector kit.
A Heavier Threaded Connector Kit
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Rain Barrel Hose Connector Kit
Thread Size
3/4 in
Thread Type
NPT
Connector
Quick-connect style
This connector kit uses 3/4-inch threaded hardware and a quick-connect style layout. At about 0.31 kg, it is among the heavier assemblies in the group. Its main value is for a builder who specifically wants threaded connection hardware rather than a simple corrugated replacement hose.
Installation starts with a drilled barrel opening. Fit the connector through the wall before joining the hose hardware. The exact secondary dimensions are not the strongest reason to choose it; the useful distinction is the threaded quick-connect arrangement.
It ranks last because it offers no clear rain-barrel linking advantage over the purpose-built RAINPAL, XCWT, and CHENGLAI kits. It can still serve a suitable setup when the threads and barrel wall match, but there is less reason to choose it unless that connector style solves a specific installation need.
Why It Works
- The 3/4-inch threaded format may suit a system already using threaded adapters.
- A quick-connect style joint can make hose removal easier.
- The heavier fitting assembly feels more substantial than a bare flexible coupler.
What To Keep In Mind
- Match the exact thread standard before adding adapters.
- The kit has a less distinct barrel-linking role than the higher-ranked purpose-built options.
- Keep any quick connection supported so hose weight does not pull against the barrel wall.
How to Link Rain Barrels Correctly
Put the Barrels on Their Final Supports First
Water is heavy. A connector installed while the barrels are empty can be stressed later if one support settles or the containers shift apart. Level and stabilize the stands before measuring the hose span or drilling the walls.
Put Both Connector Holes at the Same Level
For barrels meant to balance water between them, the connection points should line up. A badly sloped connector can trap air, hold sediment, or place constant side force on the fittings.
Use a level or a shared measurement from the stand rather than measuring independently from the top rim, which may not be identical on both barrels.
Match the Hole to the Bulkhead
Use the hole requirement for the exact kit. Clean the cut edge and remove loose plastic without making the opening larger than needed. A bulkhead fitting needs enough flat wall around the hole for its gasket to seal.
Keep the Hose Relaxed
A connector should not be the structural tie holding two barrels together. Leave enough slack for normal movement, but not so much that the hose hangs deeply and pulls downward on the fittings.
Test Before the First Storm
Fill the barrels above the connector level with a controlled amount of water and inspect both wall fittings. It is much easier to correct a slow seep before a roof fills the system during a heavy rain.
Linking From the Bottom vs Higher on the Barrel
A lower connection lets linked barrels equalize over more of their total volume. It also means a leak at the connector can drain more stored water. The fitting is closer to sediment that settles at the bottom, too.
A higher connection can function more like an overflow transfer: the first barrel fills to the connector height before water moves into the next one. That setup leaves more independent storage below the linking point but may not balance the barrels fully.
Choose the connection height from the system goal. Do not assume every connector kit is meant to create the same hydraulic behavior.
Common Rain Barrel Connector Problems
The Bulkhead Leaks
The hole may be rough, the gasket may be twisted, or the fitting may be overtightened. Drain below the connector and inspect the wall and seal before adding more force.
The Hose Falls Out
The barrels may be too far apart, the hose may be sagging, or the mating diameter may not be exact. Correct the geometry first and use an appropriate clamp only when the connection is designed for one.
One Barrel Fills but the Other Does Not
Check the connector height, hose slope, blockage, and whether the linking point is above the current water level. Sediment or a kink can also restrict flow.
The Barrels Shift When Full
The stands are not stable enough. Fix the support rather than asking the connector hose to hold the barrels in position.
Replacement Parts Do Not Match
Nominal hose diameters and thread labels do not guarantee that fittings from different kits interchange. Keep the original specifications and measure before ordering a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hose should I use to connect rain barrels?
Use the hose size required by the matched bulkhead fittings and the flow you need. The kits here range from 3/4-inch links to larger 1.25-inch connections, so there is no single universal size.
Do linked rain barrels fill at the same time?
They can equalize when the connector is low enough, open, and installed at the same level between barrels. A higher linking point may behave more like overflow transfer, filling the first barrel before the next receives water.
How far apart can two rain barrels be?
That depends on the hose length and how much relaxed slack the connection needs. Do not stretch a short hose to reach; choose a longer connector or move the barrels closer.
Do I need a hole saw to connect rain barrels?
Most bulkhead-style kits require a clean round hole. Some kits include the correct hole saw, while others expect you to supply a matching bit or saw.
Can I connect three or more rain barrels?
Yes. Repeat matched connections between barrels while keeping the containers level and supported. A two-pack linking kit can make a three-barrel arrangement easier to build.
Should rain barrel connectors be near the top or bottom?
Lower connections help barrels equalize over more of their capacity, while higher connections can act more like overflow transfers. Choose the height based on how you want the storage system to behave.
For a dedicated through-wall seal, bulkhead fittings for rain barrels compare the hardware that sits in the barrel wall. If you want a kit focused specifically on expanding storage, rain barrel linking kits cover closely related linking options. To manage a completely full system, rain barrel overflow kits route excess water beyond the last container. For the outlet you actually water from, rain barrel spigots compare quarter-turn and bulkhead-style faucet options.
