If you’re looking to save money and help the environment, a simple garden water storage solution is the answer. Let’s start by answering a common question: what is a water butt? In its simplest form, it’s a large container that collects and stores rainwater from your roof, ready for you to use in your garden.
This free resource is fantastic for your plants, as rainwater is naturally soft and lacks the chemicals found in tap water. Setting one up is easier than you might think, and the benefits are huge. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right one to simple maintenance.
What Is A Water Butt
A water butt, also known as a rain barrel, is a tank design to capture rainwater runoff from your roof via the guttering system. They come in various materials, sizes, and styles to suit any garden. The core idea is centuries old, but modern designs make it a very efficient and tidy way to harvest water.
The basic components are:
* The Tank: This holds the water. It can be made from plastic, wood, or stone.
* The Lid: This keeps out debris, insects, and prevents pets or children from falling in.
* An Inlet: This is where water from your downpipe flows into the butt.
* An Overflow: A vital outlet for when the butt is full, directing excess water away from your house foundations.
* A Tap or Spigot: Positioned near the bottom so you can easily fill a watering can or connect a hose.
Using one means you’re tapping into a free supply of water right in your own backyard. It’s a brilliant step towards a more sustainable garden.
Why You Should Use a Water Butt in Your Garden
The advantages go far beyond just saving a few pennies on your water bill. Here’s why they are so popular with gardeners.
First, rainwater is better for your plants. It’s naturally slightly acidic and free from chlorine and limescale, which many plants, like rhododendrons and blueberries, prefer. You’ll often see happier, healthier growth when you switch.
Second, it’s great for the planet. By using stored rainwater, you reduce the demand on the mains water supply. This is especially important during dry summers when water resources can become strained. You also help reduce local flooding by slowing down the runoff from your roof during heavy rain.
Finally, it saves you money. Depending on your garden’s size and the weather, you could significantly cut your tap water usage over the spring and summer months. The initial cost of the butt is usually recovered in a season or two.
Choosing the Right Water Butt for Your Space
Not all water butts are the same. Picking the right one will ensure it works well and looks good in your garden.
Size and Capacity:
Think about your roof area and how much rain you typically get. A bigger butt is not always better if it never fills up.
* Small (100-200 litres): Good for smaller gardens or balconies with limited space.
* Medium (200-300 litres): The most common size, suitable for an average garden.
* Large (300+ litres): Ideal for larger gardens or if you have a big roof area to collect from.
Material:
* Plastic: Lightweight, affordable, and low-maintenance. Modern ones can be quite attractive, mimicking wood or stone.
* Wood (Oak Barrels): Very traditional and beautiful, but they require more care to prevent leaking and rot.
* Recycled/Stone Effect: Often made from recycled materials and designed to blend into the garden as a decorative feature.
Key Features to Look For:
* A child-safe, secure lid.
* A sturdy, easy-to-use tap placed high enough for a watering can.
* A ready-made kit for connecting to your downpipe.
* A flat, stable base or stand to raise it for better water pressure.
How to Install Your Water Butt: A Step-by-Step Guide
Installing a water butt is a straightforward DIY job. You’ll usually need a hacksaw, a drill, a spirit level, and the kit that often comes with the butt.
Step 1: Find the Perfect Location
Place your butt next to a downpipe that drains a good section of your roof. Ensure the ground is firm, level, and close to where you’ll need the water. Remember, a full butt is very heavy, so position it finally before you fill it.
Step 2: Prepare the Stand
Always use a stand. It raises the butt so you can get a watering can under the tap and improves water flow. Assemble the stand according to instructions and check it’s level on the ground.
Step 3: Modify the Downpipe
Most kits include a diverter. This clever device fits into your downpipe and channels water into the butt, letting overflow continue down the pipe.
1. Mark the downpipe at the height of your butt’s inlet.
2. Cut a section out of the downpipe to fit the diverter using your hacksaw.
3. Fit the diverter according to the manufacturers instructions, connecting the hose to your butt’s inlet.
Step 4: Set Up the Butt and Overflow
Place the empty butt on its stand. Connect the inlet hose from the diverter. Ensure the overflow hose (usually near the top of the butt) is connected and directed away from your house walls, perhaps into a drain or another water hungry planting area.
Maintaining Your Water Butt for Clean Water
A little maintenance keeps the water fresh and the system working smoothly. It’s not difficult, just a couple of tasks per season.
Every few months, check the lid and any mesh filters for leaves and debris. Clear them out to prevent blockages. In the autumn, this is especially important with falling leaves.
Once a year, give it a proper clean. In late autumn, drain the butt completely. Scrub the inside with a mild, eco-friendly detergent and a long-handled brush. Rinse it well to remove any residue before letting the rain fill it up again.
To prevent mosquitoes, always keep the lid securely on. You can also add a few drops of horticultural oil or a special mosquito dunk to the water, which are safe for plants but stop larvae developing.
Creative Uses for Your Collected Rainwater
Your water butt isn’t just for watering flower beds! Here are some other ways to use that precious rainwater:
* Watering vegetable patches: Give your tomatoes and cucumbers chemical-free water.
* Filling bird baths and ponds: Top them up without worrying about chlorine affecting wildlife.
* Washing garden tools and patio furniture: A quick rinse with a hose connected to your butt works perfectly.
* Watering houseplants: Let the water reach room temperature in your can first—your indoor plants will thank you for it.
* Car washing: If you have enough pressure or a pump, you can use it for an eco-friendly car wash.
Troubleshooting Common Water Butt Problems
Sometimes issues come up, but they’re mostly easy to fix.
* Low water pressure: Raise the butt higher on a more substantial stand. Gravity provides the pressure.
* Bad smell or slimy water: This is often algae. Clean the butt thoroughly and keep it out of direct sunlight if possible. A dark-colored butt helps block light.
* The butt isn’t filling: Check for blockages in the diverter, the inlet hose, or your gutter above. A clogged gutter is a common culprit.
* Leaking tap or connections: Tighten the fittings. For a leaking tap seal, use plumber’s tape on the thread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a water butt worth it?
Absolutely. For a small initial cost and little effort, you get free water for your garden, reduce your environmental impact, and provide better water for your plants.
How much water can I collect?
A lot! Roughly, 1mm of rain on 1 square metre of roof = 1 litre of water. So a 50sqm roof in a 10mm downpour can yield 500 litres.
Do I need a pump for my water butt?
Only if you want to use a sprinkler or need higher pressure for a hose. For filling watering cans, gravity from a stand is enough.
Can I drink the water from a water butt?
No. Water collected from roofs isn’t treated and isn’t safe for drinking, cooking, or filling paddling pools for children.
What do I do with my water butt in winter?
In freezing climates, empty it and turn it off. Disconnect hoses and leave the tap open. This stops ice from damaging the butt and pipes. You can store it upside down or just leave it in place.
Where is the best place to put a water butt?
Near a downpipe on a solid, level base. Ideally, place it in a shaded spot to slow algae growth and close to the plants you water most.
Starting with a water butt is one of the smartest moves you can make for your garden. It connects you to the natural cycle, saves a valuble resource, and makes your gardening more resilient. With the simple steps outlined here, you can set up your own system and start enjoying the benefits with the next rainfall. Your plants—and your wallet—will notice the difference.