Attach a spigot over the hole with waterproof sealant. Slide a metal washer onto the screw end of the spigot, then fit a snug rubber washer on over the screws to prevent leakage. Apply a thick layer of waterproof sealant over the rubber washer, insert the spigot into the hole, and let it dry for as long as instructed on the package.
Once the sealant is dried, secure it on the inside of the barrel by sliding on another rubber washer and metal washer.
If you don’t have waterproof sealant, you can also use watertight Teflon tape
Cut a hole in the lid to collect water from your home’s downspout. Use a box cutter to cut the collection hole, and make it big enough to accommodate the water flow from your downspout. Place it near the side of the lid, following the curve, so it can fit comfortably against the wall of your house
Place the barrel under your downspout and make a mark on the lid for the hole location.
Don’t place it too close to the center of the lid; if your downspout is against the side of your house, there won’t be enough room for you to place the hole directly under it.
Make a second hole to release overflow. If the barrel collects a lot of rain, it’ll need an overflow opening to release the extra water. Using your drill or box cutter, cut 1-2 smaller holes in the lid to accommodate this extra flow
If you want to collect the overflow water, build a second rain barrel. Run a short length of hose or PVC pipe from the second barrel to the overflow hole in the first barrel to allow the extra water to run through.
