Water butts operate by harvesting rain that runs into roof gutters and is channelled into downpipes. By connecting a water butt to a downpipe, you enable water to be diverted into the butt for safe storage until you need it.
If the water butt becomes full, excess rainwater will bypass the container and continue down the downpipe into the drainage system.
Where is the best place for a water butt?
A water butt should stand directly adjacent to a sturdy downpipe attached to a house, shed, greenhouse or outbuilding. Usually it will be placed on a stand to allow space for a watering can underneath the tap.
It’s essential that a water butt should be positioned on a level surface that is flat and firm to allow even distribution of weight. We do not recommend siting on soil, grass or uneven gravel or paving as this will affect the integrity of the water butt and its stand. This could affect your warranty.
It's recommended to use a spirit level to ensure stability to prevent the butt tipping over when full, especially if it holds more than 200 litres.
Choose a shaded area if you can, as sunlight and heat speed up water stagnation.
With a standard water butt you usually need to cut into the downpipe and remove a small section so the diverter component can be inserted. But different water butts require different installation methods so you should refer to the instructions with your water butt kit.
Safety tips
- Ensure you keep the lid fitted on your water butt for safety reasons and to keep insects, pests and debris out. Check or replace the lid if it doesn’t seal properly – a loose or broken lid can attract bugs and cause bacteria to grow.
- Most water butts feature a lockable lid and tap to prevent any mishaps, especially around young children or pets.
- Make sure the water butt is safely and securely attached.
- Keep gutters clean – debris such as bird droppings, moss and leaves can be washed into butts and rot.