Consider location, function and safety when installing your water butt
To save yourself a lot of time and effort take heed of the instructions included with the water butt and keep in mind the points mentioned below.
Here as some tips to remember when choosing an appropriate location for your water butt:
1. Choose a position that is near the main places of use, for example near the vegetable patch or main flower bed.
2. Install the water butt only on a firm, flat surface.
3. Make sure the area is strong enough to carry the weight of the filled water butt.
4. Choose a location near an easily accessible down pipe.
When it comes to fitting your water butt you may have to drill holes for the tap and any diverters you want to use. This will be specified in the instruction manual, which should be closely followed.
It is likely that you will need the following tools:
• power drill fitted with a hole saw
• tape measure
• marker pen
• hacksaw
You will also need the water butt itself, a stand (if desired), the tap together with any fittings such as washers, and a rain diverter kit.
Step by step installation guide:
1. Once a suitable position has been found put the water butt and stand (if applicable) in its new location.
2. Mark the height of the water butt on the downpipe adjacent to it.
3. Use a hacksaw to cut the downpipe 3cm beneath this point.
4. Attach the rain diverter to the down pipe. Ensuring that both halves of the cut pipe are attached to the diverter.
5. Measure 8cm down from the top of the water butt and mark it with a pen.
6. Drill a hole through which the water butt connector can then be fitted.
7. Attach the water butt connector to the water butt by pushing through the drilled hole and screwing fittings in to place. Tighten them by hand to avoid any damage.
8. Attach the water butt connector to the rainwater diverter with the supplied fittings.
9. Place the lid on the butt and lock it into place.
If there is no risk of flooding and if the water butt is used regularly it is sometimes possible to fit the downpipe directly into the water butt.
Points to remember after installation:
1. If any drips or leaks occur after installing your water butt, empty the butt and tighten any fittings. Always be careful when tightening the tap, if it is made of plastic too much pressure may cause it to break. If needed apply silicone around any leaking fixtures or fittings.
2. Remember to leave room in the water butt if there is a risk of freezing. Water expands when frozen and may cause your water butt to crack.
3. If the water butt is accessible to children, remember to secure the lid to your water butt after use. The water inside may not be safe to drink and a secure lid will avoid the risk of drowning.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I have been told it is advisable to have an overflow system in the water butt as in torrential rainl the water can easily overflow. Do you also advise this?
It is useful to have an overflow system in place for your water butt, especially if the area of water collection is large.