Willoughbys Hardware, DIY, Home & Garden Store-How to Install a Water Butt

A water butt is used to store rainwater. Environmentally friendly and a way to lower your water charges, use this guide to help you install your own water butt at home.

Step 1

Select Downpipe

Choose a downpipe that is in a suitable location to connect to your new water butt. The effectiveness of your new butt may be improved by linking it to a pipe that relieves several gutters of rainwater.

Step 2

Drill Hose Connector Hole

Select the side of the water butt closest to the downpipe and drill a suitably sized hole in this side, about 8-10cm from the top.

Step 3

Secure Hose Connector & Position Water Butt

Secure the hose connector through this hole. Place the water butt on its stand, positioned about 30cm from the downpipe. Ensure it is placed high enough to allow a small container to collect water from its tap comfortably.

Step 4

Cut Downpipe

Mark the level of the bottom of the hose connector on the downpipe. Measure about 25cm above this position on the downpipe and mark it again. Use your hacksaw to cut the downpipe at these two marks to remove a 25cm section.

Step 5

Insert Rainwater Diverter

Insert the rainwater diverter in place of the removed section of downpipe. Attach as per manufacturer’s guidelines.

Step 6

Attach Flexible Hose

Attach the flexible hose from the diverter kit to both connections in the downpipe and the water butt respectively. Tip: keep the lid of the water butt closed at all times to prevent debris falling in and insects laying eggs in the water.