How to collect rainwater without gutters – 9 best ways

Last Updated on September 13, 2022 by Mattias

This guide is about collecting rainwater without gutters and the 9 best methods you can use.

Let’s see what the best methods are and if there’s anyone that fits your taste.

9 Best ways of collecting rainwater without gutters 

There are many ways to collect rainwater without gutters. We’ve listed the 9 best ways below so you can start catching some rainwater on your own!

1. Tarp Rainwater Catcher

A great way of catching rainwater is using a tarp since it’s easy to set up, comes in many sizes, and is light to carry. 

To get the most out of the tarp when catching rainwater, you must set up the tarp, so all the rainwater drips to the same point. If you don’t have a tarp and find yourself in a situation where you must have water, you could use a trash bag or poncho to collect rainwater.

2. Butterfly Structure Rainwater Catcher

This rainwater catcher has two sides that look like wings angled upwards. Thus the name “butterfly structure.” First, the rainwater hits the wings, then flows towards the center and drips into collection storage. 

3. Umbrella Rainwater Catcher

Also known as “saucer rainwater catchers.” They look like upside-down umbrellas, with a hole and a tube in the middle. 

4. Catch Rainwater from the Ground

This technique was common a long time ago. It’s when you utilize the ground to collect rainwater. The method was often used when farmers wanted water for their livestock. 

5. Rain Ponds

Just dig a pit, line in with plastic, and you’ve done a rain pond. It’s a simple way of collecting rainwater. 

But often, they are not recommended since the water gets dirty, and lots of water evaporates. 

In some places, it’s illegal, and you need a permit to dig one. While in other areas, rainwater ponds are a primary source of water. 

6. Buckets and Basins

If you don’t have any equipment and must collect rainwater, you could just put out containers like buckets or basins to collect water. 

But since the surface area of a bucket is small, you won’t collect so much rainwater. 

7. Barrels 

If you don’t have gutters, barrels can be your best buddy when collecting rainwater. You can bury a barrel in the ground or find a spot where water runs off and put it under there. 

It takes longer to bury a barrel and costs more, but it is a very effective method for collecting rainwater without gutters. 

You must divert the water towards the barrel, so installing pipes is necessary. You can leave barrels above ground; just make sure to fasten them; you might be okay without using pipes. 

Barrels are actually one of the best wats when collecting rainwater without gutters. Just make sure that the rainwater has a clear path. 

8. Diverter Pipe 

You can install diverter pipes to catch and direct the rainwater if you don’t have any gutters. 

One idea is to install them above flower beds to divert the rainwater or above a doorway to divert rainwater away from your landscaping or home. 

Diverter pipes help prevent water from damaging your landscaping. Without gutters, there’s a big chance the water flows off your roof into the soil and ruins your plants. 

So if you want to prevent any kind of soil or foundation damage, diverter pipes are an excellent choice, + they are easy for anyone to install. 

9. Landscaping 

Our last method when collecting rainwater without any gutters is Landscaping. 

It’s when you take what you have and make something with it. For example, you can create a slope or install pipes to lead the rainwater away from your house. 

Just use your imagination and use what you got at home! 

How to collect rainwater without gutters Summary

I hope you enjoyed this guide on collecting rainwater without gutters. 

As you discovered, there are many ways to catch rainwater without gutters. Sometimes our imagination is our best friend. 

I wish you the best of luck with your collection.