10 hours ago
How to fit a water butt to save water this summer
Q. With the potential for water restrictions this summer, I would love to install a butt to collect rainwater for my plants. Are there any considerations I should be aware of before attempting to fit one?
Keziah, Camberley
A. There are many designer and wall-mounted space-saving options available, so take advantage of all your gutter downpipes — and don't hide your water butt out of sight.
Whichever style you opt for, ensure you can fit a watering can under the tap; if necessary, buy a stand to raise it. If you have room for more than one butt, I recommend linking two or three side by side to collect even more water.
To harvest water from the downpipe, you'll need to buy a rainwater diverter kit that's suitable for either your square or round downpipe, ideally in a matching colour.
With your water butt positioned on a stable base next to your downpipe, you can determine the correct height to attach the diverter kit.
This measurement is crucial as it must be fitted at a height just above the inlet pipe of the water butt, allowing the diverted water to flow freely into it. However, it should not be higher than the lid of the butt itself, as we want excess water to flow back into the drains when the butt is full.
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The diverter works by intercepting the water in its trough as it runs down the inside edge of the drainpipe, diverting it into the butt. Once full, excess water will flow back into the drainpipe, preventing it from overfilling.
To fit the diverter, you first need to cut your plastic downpipe horizontally across using a universal handsaw. It may feel tricky to cut alongside the wall, but it's not impossible. It helps if you can turn the pipe away from the wall as you cut. You may need to loosen the lower fixing wall brackets to facilitate this.
With the pipe cut in two and the lower half dropped slightly, you should be able to manipulate the diverter into position. Then, raise the lower pipe to create a snug fit and tighten the wall bracket to secure it.
Using the flexi pipes supplied with your diverter kit, link everything together.
Fitting a water butt is not only a DIY win for you but an environmental win for us all.
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