How to install a water butt

Water butts lower the risks of local flooding and will reduce water bills by conserving the water you already have. They're great for watering the garden, refilling the pond - or even washing the car!

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Rainwater is better for plants than chemically treated household water, plus you'll be helping to conserve our vital water.

You will need:

Hacksaw
Measuring tape
Drill
Pen or pencil
Screwdriver
Spirit level

Step 1

Find a solid, flat surface near a gutter downpipe. Use a spirit level to check. You will need a stand or some bricks to sit your water butt on so that it's elevated to allow watering can to fit underneath the tap.

Step 2

Option one - next to the downpipe:

Cut the downpipe and place the water butt directly beneath it. Follow the instructions on the diverter kit. Mark the height of the water butt on the downpipe. You will want to cut the pipe around 3cm from this point using a hacksaw. Attach the rainwater diverter fitting to the cut section of the downpipe.

Option two - in another location:

Cut a notch out of the downpipe and use a diverter to carry the water from the pipe to the water butt - allowing you to place the butt where you wish.

Step 3

Place the lid on top. This ensures no small animals can fall in and will keep insects out. Now wait for the rain to come!

Red-tailed bumblebee ©Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

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A female blackbird staling through the long grass of a lawn, with a worm in her beak

Blackbird © Jon Hawkins - Surrey Hills Photography

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