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EarthMinded has assembled all the parts needed to add a diverter system to any rain barrel (barrel not included). 

Using this kit, anyone who can use a drill can install a rain barrel diverter in minutes!  Works with plastic and wood 

rain barrels and tanks.

User Guide FDS-0001 V.1

FlexiFit

 Universal Rain Barrel Diverter System

Please read all instructions and warnings before installation, and retain this Booklet for future reference

1

Rain barrels have been used for hundreds of years to harvest and 
store rainwater for use with plants, gardens and other outdoor 
chores.

EarthMinded’s Universal Diverter System is a state-of-the art 
rainwater collection system to be used with a barrel or container 
you supply.  Our FlexiFit™ diverter installs easily by drilling a single 
hole into any standard 2” x 3” or 3” x 4”* rectangular downspout. 
The diverter sends rainwater into the barrel. Once the barrel is 
full, the diverter will automatically pass excess water through the 
downspout. 

The diverter is easy to remove from the downspout and the kit 
includes a winter hole cover.

The FlexiFit diverter offers many advantages over conventional 
top fill rain barrels that commonly flood with heavy rain, require 
permanent modifications to your downspout, and use unsightly 
overflow hoses.

*Water capture percentage is reduced with 3”x 4” downspouts

•Round downspout diverter and cover available as an accessory

Some areas prohibit the use of rain barrels. Please check local 
regulations before installing.

General description

1.  Fill hose
2.  FlexiFit diverter 
3.  Winter hole cover 

WARNING

Stored rainwater is not for human 

or animal consumption

Selecting a container

3

This kit includes only the diverter system to be added to a barrel you supply. 
Therefore, we take no responsibility for losses, damages or injury caused 
by failure of the barrel, or improper installation of the parts.  Follow these 
instructions carefully for successful results.

This kit will work on both sealed, open top barrels, and top fill rain barrels.

If the rain barrel is pre-drilled for an overflow hose, seal the opening to preserve 
the automatic overflow function of the FlexiFit diverter.  

For new top fill rain barrel 

installations, do not drill and install the overflow hose.  

Water weighs 8.3 lbs. per gallon. Be sure to select a sturdy container that can 
support the weight when full.  55 gallons of water weighs 456 lbs.

Select a sturdy watertight container:

a.  A commercial grade plastic waste barrel with latching lid.
b.  A traditional wood barrel 
c.  If using a recycled barrel, use only FDA approved food grade barrels.  

Make sure the barrel is clean and has not been used to contain toxic 
or hazardous substances. 

The container selected should be sealed, or have a locking lid to prevent 
mosquitoes, animals and children from entering the barrel.

This kit is not for use with metal drums or barrels.

a. Plastic Waste Barrel (Open Top)

b. Wood Barrel

c. Recycled Plastic Barrel (Sealed)

WARNING

Stored rainwater is not 

suitable for human or 

animal consumption

Select a location for your rain barrel

4

Before installing the diverter we recommend that you select and prepare the 
location where the barrel will be used.  This will help you to locate the water inlet 
on the barrel in the most suitable location.

• 

Choose a downspout that is near the plants or garden beds to be watered.

• 

The downspout must be a standard rectangular 2” x 3” or 3” x 4”.*

• 

The barrel must be located within 28”(71cm) of the downspout to use the fill 
hose provided.

• 

The ground under the barrel must be level and firm.  A solid surface base of 
wood, pavers, or stone is recommended.

*Water capture percentage is reduced with 3”x 4” downspouts

1.   Place the barrel in the intended location with the front facing out.

2.   If the surface is not level, use a shovel or rake to grade the surface.  Check 

eee

by placing a level on the rim of the barrel before continuing.

3.  Hold the fill hose in position between the barrel and the downspout and       

eee

mark the water inlet location on the rim of the barrel.  This mark can be at 

eee

the back, right or left side of the barrel. 

eee

Check that the hose can reach horizontally from the mark on the barrel to 

eee

the downspout.

28” MAX

6” MIN

Top View

1

3

1

3

5

3”

3”

Installing the fill hose seal

1.  Locate the water inlet mark on the barrel (from Step 4).  Measure 

down 3” (76mm) and mark the center for the water inlet hole.  Make 
sure the water inlet is located on a flat or evenly curved surface: avoid 
ridges or other features that could affect the water seal. 

2.  Drill a single hole using the (SMALLER) 1-1/2”(38mm) hole saw 

included in the set.

3.  Insert the fill hose seal into the hole

 Pinch the seal into a “U” shape 

for easier insertion.

Back of barrel

1-1/2”

(38mm) 

Hole Saw

Parts list 

Tools needed 

2

1.  Safety Glasses

2.  Safety Gloves

3.  Drill

4.  Measuring
     Tape or Ruler

5.  Pencil

6. Phillips
    Screwdriver

7.  Level

Fill Hose Seal

 

Fill Hose

Winter Hole 

Cover

Instructions

Flexifit   Diverter

TM

2 Pc. Hole Saw Set

Barrel Not

Included

1

2

3

FRN-068

FRN-043

2 Screws

FRN-054

FRN-009

FRN-008

(71cm)

 

(15cm)

 

REMOVE LID 

BEFORE MEASURING

Summary of Contents for FlexiFit FDS-0001 V.1

Page 1: ...ing this kit anyone who can use a drill can install a rain barrel diverter in minutes Works with plastic and wood rain barrels and tanks User Guide FDS 0001 V 1 FlexiFit Universal Rain Barrel Diverter System Please read all instructions and warnings before installation and retain this Booklet for future reference ...

Page 2: ...lly pass excess water through the downspout The diverter is easy to remove from the downspout and the kit includes a winter hole cover The FlexiFit diverter offers many advantages over conventional top fill rain barrels that commonly flood with heavy rain require permanent modifications to your downspout and use unsightly overflow hoses Water capture percentage is reduced with 3 x 4 downspouts Rou...

Page 3: ...fety Gloves 3 Drill 4 Measuring Tape or Ruler 5 Pencil 6 Phillips Screwdriver 7 Level Fill Hose Seal Fill Hose Winter Hole Cover Instructions Flexifit Diverter TM 2 Pc Hole Saw Set Barrel Not Included FRN 068 FRN 043 2 Screws FRN 054 FRN 009 FRN 008 ...

Page 4: ... the overflow hose Water weighs 8 3 lbs per gallon Be sure to select a sturdy container that can support the weight when full 55 gallons of water weighs 456 lbs Select a sturdy watertight container a A commercial grade plastic waste barrel with latching lid b A traditional wood barrel c If using a recycled barrel use only FDA approved food grade barrels Make sure the barrel is clean and has not be...

Page 5: ...arrel must be level and firm A solid surface base of wood pavers or stone is recommended Water capture percentage is reduced with 3 x 4 downspouts 1 Place the barrel in the intended location with the front facing out 2 If the surface is not level use a shovel or rake to grade the surface Check eeeby placing a level on the rim of the barrel before continuing 3 Hold the fill hose in position between...

Page 6: ...ure the water inlet is located on a flat or evenly curved surface avoid ridges or other features that could affect the water seal 2 Drill a single hole using the SMALLER 1 1 2 38mm hole saw included in the set 3 Insert the fill hose seal into the hole Pinch the seal into a U shape for easier insertion Back of barrel 1 1 2 38mm Hole Saw REMOVE LID BEFORE MEASURING ...

Page 7: ...led container without a lid or screen the diverter can be located at the same level as the rim of the barrel or higher This will improve the filling efficiency of the diverter If the barrel has a removable lid or screen the center of the diverter hole must be drilled 3 76mm below the level of the rim of the barrel to prevent water from leaking from the lid seam or screen The diverter will not work...

Page 8: ...NTER of the downspout The second mark will now be your reference mark for the diverter height Marking the FlexiFit Diverter hole on the downspout Be sure to take any elevated base into account before measuring If you plan on using an elevated base you must do it before measuring and cutting the downspout An elevated base will increase water pressure if using with a garden hose When installing to a...

Page 9: ... gloves when cutting or drilling The cut edges of the downspout can be sharp Wear protective safety eiglasses and gloves when handling For 3 x 4 downspouts make sure you drill the hole on the narrow 3 eiside not the front side Do not use with heated downspouts Drilling the FlexiFit Diverter hole WARNING Wear Safety Glasses WARNING Wear Safety Gloves WARNING Electrocution Hazard WARNING Installatio...

Page 10: ... up 2 Use 2 of the self tapping screws to attach the diverter to the downspout 3 Connect the fill hose to the cuff end of the FlexiFit diverter Press the hose into the diverter until the corrugated section is flush against the diverter Use soapy water or hand lotion on the hose cuff and seal to reduce friction and improve fit Installing the FlexiFit Diverter 9 1 WARNING Wear Safety Glasses WARNING...

Page 11: ...rrel may bow from the weight of the water and make fitting the lid difficult Connecting the barrel A rain barrel can be damaged if water is allowed to freeze in the barrel To Winterize 1 Remove the FlexiFit diverter by removing the 2 screws Remove the diverter by pulling it out in an upwards motion 2 Completely drain the barrel making sure the water is being drained away from the foundation of the...

Page 12: ... of the diverter 6 Check the spigot and drain to make sure that water is not leaking Even a slow leak will drain the barrel over time The rain barrel overflows and water leaks out from the lid or screen The barrel is too low To correct drain the barrel and construct a solid surface base to raise the barrel to the correct height The fill hose can be replaced by a 1 1 4 32mm bilge hose available ccc...

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