Water Butts – Rainwater Storage for Your Garden

Water Butts for Collecting Rainwater

A water butt is a container designed to collect and store rainwater, usually from a roof via a downpipe. The collected water can then be kept until it is needed for suitable jobs around the garden.

Rainwater harvesting provides a practical way to make use of water that would otherwise flow away. Instead of using mains water every time you water suitable garden plants, you can use stored rainwater when available.

What Is a Water Butt?

A water butt is a rainwater storage container that can be connected to the rainwater drainage system of a building. Rain falling onto the roof can be directed from the gutter and downpipe towards the water butt using a suitable connection.

Water butt is the standard British term for this type of garden rainwater container. The terms rain barrel, rainwater barrel and rainwater tank are also used, although their precise design and capacity can differ.

Why Use a Water Butt?

A water butt lets you store rainwater so that it can be reused instead of relying entirely on mains water for suitable garden applications. This is particularly useful during periods when the garden requires regular watering.

• Collects rainwater from a suitable roof and downpipe.
• Stores water for later use.
• Can reduce the use of mains water for suitable garden jobs.
• Useful for watering garden plants.
• Available in different sizes.
• Available in different colours according to the model.
• Models with a tap make filling watering cans and buckets easier.

Using Rainwater in the Garden

Collected rainwater can be reused for suitable outdoor purposes, particularly watering garden plants. This allows you to make practical use of rainfall that has been collected from your roof.

The amount of water available naturally depends on rainfall, roof area, the way the water butt is connected and the storage capacity of the container.

How Does a Water Butt Work?

A water butt collects rainwater that is directed from a roof through the guttering and downpipe. A suitable connection or rainwater diverter can be used to direct water towards the container.

The water is stored until required. On models fitted with a tap, you can then fill a watering can or bucket directly from the water butt.

How to Connect a Water Butt to a Downpipe

A water butt is normally positioned close to a suitable downpipe and connected using an appropriate rainwater connection or diverter. The exact installation method depends on the water butt, downpipe and connection system being used.

1. Choose a suitable downpipe.
2. Select a stable and appropriate position for the water butt.
3. Check the required connection height.
4. Install the appropriate rainwater connection according to its instructions.
5. Connect the water butt.
6. Check that all connections are correctly fitted.

Always follow the installation instructions supplied with the selected water butt and connection components.

Where Should You Position a Water Butt?

Position the water butt on a stable, level base close to the downpipe to which it will be connected. Remember that a full water butt is considerably heavier than an empty one, so a suitable supporting surface is important.

The tap should also remain accessible so that a watering can or bucket can be positioned underneath it.

Water Butt with Tap

A water butt fitted with a tap allows stored rainwater to be dispensed directly into a watering can or bucket. This provides a simple way to access the collected water when it is needed in the garden.

Check the individual product description to confirm which fittings are included with the water butt you are considering.

Why Use a Water Butt Stand?

A water butt stand raises a compatible water butt, creating more clearance underneath the tap. This can make it easier to position a watering can or bucket below the outlet.

Always make sure that the stand is suitable for the particular water butt and that the complete installation is positioned on a stable, level surface.

What Size Water Butt Do I Need?

The appropriate capacity depends on the space available, the amount of rainwater you expect to collect and how you intend to use it. A larger water butt stores more water, but also requires more space.

Before choosing a model, measure the available area near your downpipe and check the dimensions and capacity stated for the individual product.

Can a Water Butt Help Reduce Mains Water Use?

Yes, using collected rainwater for suitable garden applications can reduce the amount of mains water used for those jobs. How much mains water can be replaced depends on rainfall, storage capacity and how much water your garden requires.

Collecting rainwater therefore provides a practical way of making use of a naturally available resource.

Water Butts and Heavy Rainfall

Connecting a water butt to a downpipe allows part of the rainwater from a roof to be temporarily stored. The amount that can be retained depends on the available capacity of the water butt and the connection system.

A water butt should not be presented as a complete solution for property drainage or flooding. Appropriate drainage provision remains important.

How to Look After a Water Butt

Regularly check the water butt, tap and connections and keep the system in suitable condition. Maintenance requirements can vary according to the material, design and individual product.

Follow the product-specific instructions regarding cleaning, seasonal use and cold weather. Do not assume that every water butt can remain full during freezing conditions unless the product information specifically confirms this.

Buy a Water Butt

At Intergard you can choose a water butt according to the available space and the amount of rainwater you want to store. Different sizes and colours are available within the range, with product-specific features shown with each model.

For larger quantities, pallet orders or trade enquiries, please contact Intergard with the products and quantities required.

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Butts

What is a water butt?

A water butt is a container used to collect and store rainwater for later use. It is commonly connected to a downpipe so that rainfall from a roof can be collected.

Is a water butt the same as a rain barrel?

Yes, the terms describe essentially the same type of rainwater storage product. “Water butt” is the more common term in British English, while “rain barrel” is particularly common in American English.

What can I use water from a water butt for?

Collected rainwater can be used for suitable outdoor applications such as watering garden plants. The suitability of stored rainwater for a particular task depends on how it has been collected and stored.

Can a water butt reduce mains water use?

Yes, using stored rainwater for suitable garden jobs can reduce your use of mains water for those purposes. The actual saving depends on rainfall, capacity and water usage.

How does a water butt collect rainwater?

A water butt can collect rainwater from a roof via the gutter and downpipe. A suitable connector or diverter directs the water towards the storage container.

Can I connect a water butt to a downpipe?

Yes, water butts are commonly connected to a suitable downpipe. The required connection depends on the particular water butt and downpipe system.

Where should I put a water butt?

A water butt should be placed on a stable, level surface close to a suitable downpipe. Ensure that there is also sufficient access to the tap and other fittings.

Does a water butt need a stand?

A stand is not necessarily required for every installation, but it can make the tap easier to use. Raising the water butt provides additional clearance for a watering can or bucket.

How large should my water butt be?

Choose the capacity according to the available space, expected rainfall collection and how much stored water you are likely to use. Check both the dimensions and capacity before ordering.

Do Intergard water butts come in different sizes?

Yes, the supplied category information states that water butts are available in different sizes. Check the individual products for their exact dimensions and capacities.

Are water butts available in different colours?

Yes, different colours are available within the range according to the supplied category information. Current options are shown with the individual products.

Does a water butt have a tap?

The supplied category information states that the water butts include a tap. Check the individual product specifications to confirm the fittings supplied with the model you choose.

Can I fill a watering can from a water butt?

Yes, a water butt with a suitable tap can be used to fill a watering can. Raising the barrel on a compatible stand can provide additional clearance underneath the tap.

Can I use rainwater to water my garden?

Collected rainwater can be used for watering suitable garden plants. A water butt allows rainfall to be stored until it is needed.

Does a water butt help with rainwater drainage?

A water butt can temporarily retain some rainwater that would otherwise immediately continue through the drainage system. Its effect is limited by its available storage capacity and it is not a substitute for appropriate drainage.

Does a water butt need an overflow?

A suitable system is needed to manage incoming rainwater when the storage capacity has been reached. The precise arrangement depends on the water butt and connection system, so check the specifications and installation instructions.

Can a water butt stay outside in winter?

Follow the instructions for the individual water butt regarding winter and freezing conditions. Frost resistance should not be assumed unless it is specifically confirmed for the product.

How do I maintain a water butt?

Regularly check the container, tap and connections and clean them as required. Follow any product-specific maintenance and seasonal instructions.

Are water butts made from recycled plastic?

Some water butts may be manufactured from recycled plastic, but this should be checked for the individual product. It should not be assumed for every model unless stated in its specifications.

Can I order water butts in bulk?

Yes, trade customers and resellers can contact Intergard about pallet or larger-volume orders. Include the required models, capacities and quantities in your enquiry.