I'm getting the earth minded flex fit after researching many kinds. So I'm in agreement with you. Another plus for earth minded is you can also purchase individual parts of the system. So if you wanted to add barrels later.
with the fiskars, the downspout connection is easier if you use tinsnips to notch out the metal and then use pliers to bend then in. its a bit tricky and you need to use gloves but not impossible.
For cutting downspout, it's better to leave the Sawzall in the toolbox. Use a hand hacksaw with a 32 tpi blade and go about it carefully. It's entirely possible to do the cut without crushing damage.
That's a good idea. It's how I cut mine. However, I find that all these rain diverters DO NOT fit the downspout without a lot of crimping. Yeah, as shown in this video, the transition from the downspout to the diverter is not very well thought out on the 2 X 3. I would think that the 3 X 4 would not be much better. The bottom, or discharge, side of the DiverterPro doesn't fit and a lot of the water is going to spill out onto the ground, not a good way of doing things, and will likely get into your home foundation. Why did Fiskar's do this?
I've been looking at these two systems myself. Can you tell which one captures water better? Any concerns about the inability to clean out blockage on the EarthMinded system?
That's a great idea! I haven't ever checked on how quickly they fill up. In order to tell I would need to set up a GoPro in front of both rain barrels to monitor which one captures more quickly. I do know that they both fill up within one standard midwest rain storm so it may be a minor point as to which captures more. If you don't have covered gutters or at least a really good way to prevent debris falling down the gutter then I would be concerned about blockage--especially if you have trees over your roof line. With that said, it is pretty easy to take the EarthMinded system out in order to clear a blockage, but that requires unwanted maintenance.
Hahaha I love your intro. That was fabulous xD Also I am trying to install the flexi-fit diverter for our new rain barrel right now, so thanks for making this video on it! :)
I will probably buy the Earth Minded system, thank you for posting this video! You mentioned that it'll be easier to winterize -- can you mention the reason why you think so? I will need to take this in to consideration after the autumn ends. Thank you again!
Both systems require a bit to winterize. The Earth Minded system requires you to remove the rubber diverter and place a cap on your gutter (they supply); it takes two screws and 20 seconds to complete. The Fiskars system is also easy to winterize however. You just remove the hose, cap it with the plug they provide (no screws needed). Obviously you also will want to drain your rain barrel but that doesn't matter which system you use
If you have plastic downspouts the Fiskars DiverterPro will keep debris from getting into you barrel and is easier to install. Note: Don't leave your barrel white or algae will not grow in it. :) (Paint it) Love your intro and use of available mom.
Great video!!! I never heard of the EarthMinded Flexifit diverter. I will have to try that one out. Does the rain water leak out of the diverter during a hard rain on the Flexifit? Or is there some type of seal being used?
The hose itself is a plastic crinkle straw but there is a rubber gasket that provides a tight fit into the rain barrel itself and a tight fit into the rubber piece that scoops that water out of the downspout. I have not experienced any leak (though I guess it would be hard to tell what was leaking and what was rain...)
The Fiskars system allows for two collector hoses, one on each side. You can always connect a second barrel from the first barrel. I seriously hope you have more than one downspout, having five collector barrels from one downspout sounds problematic.
The fiskars diverter is way more efficient. As far as hooking the system to the barrel, drill the hole in the barrel smaller and thread the fitting directly to the barrel. No need for the nut on the inside.
Nice to see the comparisons. 1) why not just install an outdoor spigot since you said you didn't have one? After spending that much on diverters.....a spigot would have been just as cheap. However, a rain barrel is good conservation. 2) Did you dismount the gutter before cutting it? Might be easier. 3) Did you even read the instructions on how to install these? 4) You could have cut a larger hole in the top of the barrel to fit your hand in it! But like I said. I did like the comparisons.
Thanks for the feedback Jim! 1) It would have been less work to install an outdoor spigot but I also wanted the conservation aspect :) 2) I didn't, but that would've made the cutting easier 3) Yes, both systems come with instructions 4) I was trying to utilize the hole that was already part of the manufactured barrel, but that is very true!
The Fiskars system is fine...You just had either the wrong rain barrel or you could have purchased a different diverter spout that doesn't require an internal nut.
I'm getting the earth minded flex fit after researching many kinds. So I'm in agreement with you. Another plus for earth minded is you can also purchase individual parts of the system. So if you wanted to add barrels later.
with the fiskars, the downspout connection is easier if you use tinsnips to notch out the metal and then use pliers to bend then in. its a bit tricky and you need to use gloves but not impossible.
Great tip!
For cutting downspout, it's better to leave the Sawzall in the toolbox. Use a hand hacksaw with a 32 tpi blade and go about it carefully. It's entirely possible to do the cut without crushing damage.
Thanks for the tip!!!!
That's a good idea. It's how I cut mine. However, I find that all these rain diverters DO NOT fit the downspout without a lot of crimping. Yeah, as shown in this video, the transition from the downspout to the diverter is not very well thought out on the 2 X 3. I would think that the 3 X 4 would not be much better. The bottom, or discharge, side of the DiverterPro doesn't fit and a lot of the water is going to spill out onto the ground, not a good way of doing things, and will likely get into your home foundation. Why did Fiskar's do this?
Great comparison, than you very much
The encounter was a victory, but I think that we've shown it as an example of what not to do
I've been looking at these two systems myself. Can you tell which one captures water better? Any concerns about the inability to clean out blockage on the EarthMinded system?
That's a great idea! I haven't ever checked on how quickly they fill up. In order to tell I would need to set up a GoPro in front of both rain barrels to monitor which one captures more quickly. I do know that they both fill up within one standard midwest rain storm so it may be a minor point as to which captures more.
If you don't have covered gutters or at least a really good way to prevent debris falling down the gutter then I would be concerned about blockage--especially if you have trees over your roof line. With that said, it is pretty easy to take the EarthMinded system out in order to clear a blockage, but that requires unwanted maintenance.
Hahaha I love your intro. That was fabulous xD Also I am trying to install the flexi-fit diverter for our new rain barrel right now, so thanks for making this video on it! :)
Let me know how it turns out!
Super helpful. Love your shirt! I'm think of using the Earth Minded diverter to run water away from the foundation. Does this seem feasible?
Sure! You could hook it up to a hose and run the water anywhere that is headed down a slope from the gutter
@@SpiritofaHandyman That's great!
I will probably buy the Earth Minded system, thank you for posting this video! You mentioned that it'll be easier to winterize -- can you mention the reason why you think so? I will need to take this in to consideration after the autumn ends. Thank you again!
Both systems require a bit to winterize. The Earth Minded system requires you to remove the rubber diverter and place a cap on your gutter (they supply); it takes two screws and 20 seconds to complete.
The Fiskars system is also easy to winterize however. You just remove the hose, cap it with the plug they provide (no screws needed). Obviously you also will want to drain your rain barrel but that doesn't matter which system you use
If you have plastic downspouts the Fiskars DiverterPro will keep debris from getting into you barrel and is easier to install. Note: Don't leave your barrel white or algae will not grow in it. :) (Paint it) Love your intro and use of available mom.
Wow. Thanks for the comment about algae in a white barrel!
Great jingle!
Great video!!! I never heard of the EarthMinded Flexifit diverter. I will have to try that one out. Does the rain water leak out of the diverter during a hard rain on the Flexifit? Or is there some type of seal being used?
The hose itself is a plastic crinkle straw but there is a rubber gasket that provides a tight fit into the rain barrel itself and a tight fit into the rubber piece that scoops that water out of the downspout. I have not experienced any leak (though I guess it would be hard to tell what was leaking and what was rain...)
Great!! Thanks for the response. Love your channel.
Really helpful. Thanks a bunch.
Where did you get the BUCKEYE barrel?
I made the design and my sister etched the sticker for me
Spirit of a Handyman that is EPIC!
I installed the diverter pro yesterday. It rained all day. When I looked inside my rain barrel. It was completely empty. What did I do wrong?
You probably didn't have the right slope going from the diverter into the barrel
You are right! I went outside in the rain and fixed it. But I actually put in my old fiskar unit. Might just leave it as is now. Thanks
Fiskars one isnt made anymore
Any idea how to hook up a 5 barrel system? Thank you.
Not that I have attempted but I would love to see what you come up with!
The Fiskars system allows for two collector hoses, one on each side. You can always connect a second barrel from the first barrel. I seriously hope you have more than one downspout, having five collector barrels from one downspout sounds problematic.
thanks for that!
The fiskars diverter is way more efficient. As far as hooking the system to the barrel, drill the hole in the barrel smaller and thread the fitting directly to the barrel. No need for the nut on the inside.
This is funny 😂
Nice to see the comparisons.
1) why not just install an outdoor spigot since you said you didn't have one? After spending that much on diverters.....a spigot would have been just as cheap. However, a rain barrel is good conservation.
2) Did you dismount the gutter before cutting it? Might be easier.
3) Did you even read the instructions on how to install these?
4) You could have cut a larger hole in the top of the barrel to fit your hand in it!
But like I said. I did like the comparisons.
Thanks for the feedback Jim!
1) It would have been less work to install an outdoor spigot but I also wanted the conservation aspect :)
2) I didn't, but that would've made the cutting easier
3) Yes, both systems come with instructions
4) I was trying to utilize the hole that was already part of the manufactured barrel, but that is very true!
The Fiskars system is fine...You just had either the wrong rain barrel or you could have purchased a different diverter spout that doesn't require an internal nut.
OMG please wear some gloves!