How to install a water butt

Installing a water butt is one of the best ways to save water in your garden – follow our step-by-step guide to get yours set up.

Why should you get a water butt?

A water butt could save you around 1,000 litres of water every year, while also saving you money on your bill if you have a meter.

Your garden prefers rainwater too – it is full of nutrients that will benefit your plants and soil.

Water butts also help to prevent rainwater from entering our sewers, helping to reduce local flooding and the operation of storm overflows.

They come in all shapes and sizes, so you will be able to find one that fits your garden space.

Installing your water butt

What you will need

Most water butts come with a stand, lid and diverter kit.

To set up yours, you will need the following equipment:

• spirit level
• pencil or marker
• hacksaw
• power drill with a hole saw drill bit
• safety goggles.

How to install it

Watch this video or follow the steps below to set yours up.

1. Find a space next to a downpipe in your garden.
2. Try and make this space as level as possible.
3. Put the stand down and place your water butt on top.
4. Mark the height of your water butt on your downpipe.
5. Cut the pipe 10mm below the mark and fit the diverter.
6. Drill a hole in the pre-marked area of the water butt and fit the connector.
7. Connect your water butt to your downpipe using the flexible pipe.

Where to use the water

Your water butt will collect and store rainwater for you to use another time.

You can use the water to:

• water your indoor and outdoor plants
• refill your pond
• wash your car
• clean your windows
• clean your garden.