Posted by Callum Vallance-Poole, on July 18, 2024.
Rainwater harvesting is a simple yet highly effective way to make your gardening more sustainable. By connecting a water butt to your downpipe, you can capture precious rainwater that would otherwise be lost to drainage systems. This saves you money on water bills and provides your plants with the soft, chemical-free water they prefer.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to optimise your water usage or a beginner eager to start a more sustainable living practice, setting up a water butt is an easy and rewarding project. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right location and water butt for your needs to the final touches that ensure a leak-free setup.
Preparing to Install your Water Butt
Before you start installing your water butt, it’s essential to prepare to ensure a smooth setup process properly. Here’s how to choose the best location and the tools and materials you need.
Choosing the Right Location
Selecting an optimal spot for your water butt is crucial for its effectiveness and ease of use. Consider these factors when choosing a location:
Proximity to a Downpipe: The water butt needs to be near a downpipe to capture rainwater from your roof efficiently. Measure the distance to ensure the connecting pipes or hoses will reach without stretching or bending too much, which can restrict water flow.
Level Ground: Choose a location with level ground to ensure the stability of the water butt once it is filled with water. Uneven surfaces can cause the butt to tilt or even topple over when full.
Sunlight Exposure: If possible, place your water butt in a shaded area or one that doesn’t receive direct sunlight all day. Excessive sun can encourage algae growth in the water and degrade the plastic over time.
Accessibility: Ensure the spot is accessible for easy maintenance and water usage. You’ll need to be able to reach the tap to fill watering cans and have space to attach hoses if necessary.
Tools and Materials Needed
Having the right tools and materials before you start the installation will help make the process smoother and quicker. Here is a list of everything you will need:
Water Butt: Choose a size and style that fits your garden’s aesthetic and capacity needs.
Diverter Kit: This kit is essential for connecting the downpipe to your water butt. Make sure it is compatible with the size and type of your downpipe.
Drill and Drill Bits: For creating a hole in the downpipe and the water butt if they are not pre-drilled.
Measuring Tape: To measure the distance between the downpipe and the water butt and to help position the diverter correctly.
Level: To ensure the ground is even before placing the water butt.
Pencil or Marker: To mark where cuts or holes should be made.
Fitting the Diverter
Properly fitting a diverter to your downpipe is essential for effectively channelling rainwater into your water butt. Here’s how to select the right Garantia diverter and install it correctly:
Choosing the Right Diverter
Garantia offers a range of diverter options suitable for different types of downpipes:
Avanti Downpipe Diverter: Ideal for round downpipes ranging from 68mm to 100mm in diameter. This diverter is an excellent choice for most standard downpipes and comes with a unique hole-saw drill bit for easy installation.
Rapido Downpipe Diverter: This model is also for round downpipes. It includes a hole-saw drill bit and fits diameters from 68mm to 100mm. Similar to the Avanti model, it’s designed for quick and easy installation.
Rapido Quattro Diverter: Perfect for rectangular downpipes, adapting to a range of sizes with the same quick installation benefits as the round version.
Each option is compatible with all downpipe materials, including plastic, aluminium, and cast iron, ensuring flexibility regardless of your setup.
Cutting the Downpipe
Measure the Downpipe: Before cutting, measure the downpipe to determine the appropriate height for the diverter. This is usually just above the top of your water butt.
Mark the Spot: Use a marker to indicate where you will drill into the downpipe. This ensures precision in the placement of the diverter.
Use the Provided Hole-Saw Drill Bit: Garantia’s diverters come with a specialised hole-saw drill bit, making it easier to create the perfect entry point in the downpipe without cutting it completely.
Attaching the Diverter
Insert the Diverter: Fit the diverter into the hole you’ve just created. Garantia diverters’ design ensures a snug fit, which is crucial for preventing leaks.
Secure the Diverter: Follow the specific instructions included with your Garantia diverter to attach it to the downpipe securely. This may involve using clips, screws, or other fastening devices provided in the kit.
Seal the Connections: Use a waterproof sealant around the connections to ensure a watertight seal. This step is vital to prevent water from leaking out around the diverter.
Check for Stability: Once the diverter is installed, double-check that everything is stable and secure. Ensure that the diverter is not straining the downpipe.
Connecting the Water Butt
Once you have your diverter in place, the next step is to properly connect your water butt so it can start collecting rainwater.
Attach the Hose: Connect the hose from the diverter to the intake hole on the water butt. The hose should fit snugly. If your diverter kit includes a rubber or silicone seal, use it to secure the connection and prevent leaks.
Check the Fit: Ensure that the hose connection is tight and secure. There should be no gaps or loose sections that could cause water to drip or spill during rainfall.
Test the Flow: Before finalising the setup, test the connection by pouring a small amount of water into the diverter to see how it flows into the water butt. Make adjustments as needed to ensure a smooth flow.
Feeling ready to install your water butt but want a little extra guidance? We’ve got you covered! Check out our detailed step-by-step installation video, where we walk you through every part of the process. Watching our video will help ensure you set up your water butt correctly and efficiently, making it easier than ever to start saving water and caring for your garden sustainably.