[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":169},["ShallowReactive",2],{"page-custom-installation-advice-for-water-butts-and-rainwater-diverters":3},{"name":4,"sections":5,"meta_title":13,"meta_description":161,"excerpt":162,"focus_keyphrase":163,"secondary_keyphrases":164,"featured_image_path":16,"featured_image_alt":16,"author_name":16,"og_image_path":16,"meta":168},"page:installation-advice-for-water-butts-and-rainwater-diverters",[6,23,27,36,39,45,65,68,75,78,82,95,98,102,105,112,115,119,139,148,151,158],{"id":7,"type":8,"settings":9},"section-1781690216142-e4be0f1","hero",{"align":10,"height":11,"ctaHref":12,"heading":13,"padding":14,"ctaLabel":15,"imageUrl":16,"videoUrl":16,"imagePath":17,"videoLoop":18,"background":19,"subheading":20,"videoMuted":18,"contentWidth":19,"imageParallax":18,"imagePosition":21,"videoAutoplay":18,"backgroundColor":16,"backgroundWidth":22},"left","large","\u002Fproducts\u002Fwater-butts","Installation Advice for Water Butts and Rainwater Diverters","none","Browse Water Butts",null,"uploads\u002Fstorefront\u002F4f927cab-1bcf-407a-ba21-357c211d9469.png",true,"default","A practical guide for homeowners and contractors on fitting water butts and rainwater diverters correctly.","center","fullBleed",{"id":24,"type":25,"settings":26},"section-1782826977006-3fgfgv4","spacer",{"width":22,"padding":19,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},{"id":28,"type":29,"settings":30},"section-1782826907325-44tgdq0","imageText",{"body":31,"width":32,"layout":33,"ctaHref":16,"heading":34,"padding":19,"ctaLabel":16,"imageUrl":16,"imagePath":35,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},"Collecting rainwater with a water butt is a straightforward way to reduce mains water usage in your garden. A successful water butt installation depends on choosing compatible parts and fitting the diverter correctly. This guide covers everything from compatibility checks and step-by-step fitting to troubleshooting common issues, helping you get the most from your setup.","contained","right","Why Use Water Butts","uploads\u002Fstorefront\u002F98a23fec-5f39-4a5d-a9aa-42b3ada08f12.png",{"id":37,"type":25,"settings":38},"section-1782826777347-n9getg6",{"width":22,"padding":11,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},{"id":40,"type":41,"settings":42},"section-1781690216142-8a965d5","heading",{"text":43,"align":21,"level":44,"width":32,"padding":14,"maxWidth":19,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},"Compatibility Checklist for Water Butt Installation",2,{"id":46,"type":47,"settings":48},"section-1781690216142-b3fedf1","multiColumn",{"columns":49,"imageFit":62,"imageSize":63,"columnCount":64},[50,54,58],{"body":51,"icon":52,"heading":53,"imageUrl":16,"imagePath":16,"buttonHref":16,"buttonLabel":16},"Check whether your downpipe is round or square, and measure its diameter. Most diverters are designed for standard UK sizes (e.g. 68 mm round or 65 mm square). Choose a diverter that matches your downpipe profile to avoid unnecessary adapters.","mdi:pipe","Gutter and Downpipe Type",{"body":55,"icon":56,"heading":57,"imageUrl":16,"imagePath":16,"buttonHref":16,"buttonLabel":16},"Measure the area where you plan to position the water butt. The butt should sit on a firm, level surface close to a downpipe. Allow space for the diverter connection and easy access to the tap.","mdi:footprints","Available Space",{"body":59,"icon":60,"heading":61,"imageUrl":16,"imagePath":16,"buttonHref":16,"buttonLabel":16},"Select a capacity that suits your garden size and rainfall. Ensure the butt has a threaded outlet at a convenient height for attaching a hose or watering can. Check that the diverter kit includes a suitable hose connector.","mdi:water-plus","Water Butt Capacity and Tap Position","cover","squareSm",3,{"id":66,"type":25,"settings":67},"section-1782826772751-xirvz6d",{"width":22,"padding":19,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},{"id":69,"type":70,"settings":71},"section-1781690216142-ec6777b","richText",{"html":72,"width":32,"padding":11,"maxWidth":73,"background":74,"backgroundColor":16},"\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cstrong>How to Fit a Water Butt Diverter: Step-by-Step\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Col>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Mark the downpipe\u003C\u002Fstrong> – Hold the diverter against the downpipe at the desired height (usually 300–500 mm above the top of the water butt) and mark the top and bottom of the diverter body.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Cut the downpipe\u003C\u002Fstrong> – Use a fine-tooth saw or pipe cutter to make two horizontal cuts at your marks. Remove the section of downpipe between the cuts.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fit the diverter\u003C\u002Fstrong> – Slide the diverter into the gap, ensuring the sealing gaskets sit snugly against the pipe. Secure with the screws provided (hand-tight only to avoid cracking the plastic).\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Connect the hose\u003C\u002Fstrong> – Attach the flexible hose from the diverter outlet to the water butt inlet. Use a hose clip or jubilee clip to secure the connection.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Position the water butt\u003C\u002Fstrong> – Place the butt on a stable, level stand or base. Ensure the inlet aligns with the hose and the tap is accessible.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Test the flow\u003C\u002Fstrong> – Fill the downpipe with water from a bucket or wait for rain. Check for leaks at the diverter joints and hose connection. Adjust if necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Fol>\u003Cp>For more detailed product-specific instructions, refer to the manual supplied with your diverter kit. Our \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002F\u002Fproducts\u002Fwater-butts\">Water Butt Range\u003C\u002Fa> includes compatible diverters and accessories to simplify fitting.\u003C\u002Fp>","narrow","subtle",{"id":76,"type":25,"settings":77},"section-1782826638009-lm4mu45",{"width":22,"padding":19,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},{"id":79,"type":41,"settings":80},"section-1781690216142-4edd822",{"text":81,"align":21,"level":44,"width":32,"padding":14,"maxWidth":19,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},"Essential Accessories for a Successful Installation",{"id":83,"type":47,"settings":84},"section-1781690216142-f0405ca",{"columns":85,"imageFit":62,"imageSize":63,"columnCount":44},[86,90,94],{"body":87,"icon":88,"heading":89,"imageUrl":16,"imagePath":16,"buttonHref":16,"buttonLabel":16},"A rainwater filter or debris screen prevents leaves, moss, and grit from entering your water butt. Fitting a filter at the diverter inlet keeps the water cleaner and reduces blockages in the hose and tap.","mdi:filter-outline","Filters and Debris Screens",{"body":91,"icon":92,"heading":93,"imageUrl":16,"imagePath":16,"buttonHref":16,"buttonLabel":16},"Use a flexible hose connector to bridge the diverter and butt. A sturdy stand raises the butt for easier tap access and improves water pressure. An overflow kit diverts excess water away from the foundation, preventing unwanted pooling near your property.","mdi:format-text-wrapping-overflow","Connectors, Stands, and Overflow Kits",{"body":16,"icon":16,"heading":16,"imageUrl":16,"imagePath":16,"buttonHref":16,"buttonLabel":16},{"id":96,"type":25,"settings":97},"section-1782827477082-yflx5ks",{"width":22,"padding":19,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},{"id":99,"type":70,"settings":100},"section-1781690216142-0f20359",{"html":101,"width":22,"padding":11,"maxWidth":73,"background":74,"backgroundColor":16},"\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\u003Cstrong>Troubleshooting Common Water Butt Installation Issues\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cul>\u003Cli>\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cstrong>Leaks at diverter joints\u003C\u002Fstrong> – Ensure the sealing gaskets are correctly seated and the screws are tight but not over-tightened. Check that the downpipe cut is clean and straight.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cstrong>Poor water flow\u003C\u002Fstrong> – A blocked filter or debris screen is the most common cause. Clean the filter regularly, especially after heavy rain or storms.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cstrong>Overflow problems\u003C\u002Fstrong> – If the butt overflows before the diverter cuts off, verify that the diverter’s float valve or shut-off mechanism is working. Also check that the overflow hose is not blocked or kinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003Cli>\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">\u003Cstrong>Blocked tap or hose\u003C\u002Fstrong> – Flush the system occasionally by opening the tap fully. If sediment builds up, fit an inline filter at the butt inlet.\u003C\u002Fp>\u003C\u002Fli>\u003C\u002Ful>\u003Cp style=\"text-align: left;\">If you encounter persistent issues or need advice for a larger installation, \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"http:\u002F\u002F\u002Fcontact\">contact us\u003C\u002Fa> for guidance tailored to your project.\u003C\u002Fp>",{"id":103,"type":25,"settings":104},"section-1782827517555-h9xayfd",{"width":22,"padding":19,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},{"id":106,"type":29,"settings":107},"section-1782826654725-zqlktt0",{"body":108,"width":32,"layout":10,"ctaHref":12,"heading":109,"padding":19,"ctaLabel":110,"imageUrl":16,"imagePath":111,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},"For most homeowners, a standard water butt kit with a round downpipe diverter and basic filter provides a reliable solution. Contractors working on new builds or large gardens may prefer a filtered diverter system with a higher-capacity butt (200 litres or more) and a robust stand.\n\nIf you are retrofitting an existing downpipe, look for a diverter with adjustable clamps or adapters to fit non-standard pipe sizes. Our Water Butt Installation Products page lets you filter by downpipe type and capacity to find the right match quickly.","Choosing The Right Setup For Your Needs","Shop Water Butts","uploads\u002Fstorefront\u002F91cf9641-7f4c-4ff0-bdb4-835574504bff.webp",{"id":113,"type":25,"settings":114},"section-1782826507315-kci8evd",{"width":22,"padding":11,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},{"id":116,"type":41,"settings":117},"section-1782826440758-9gk30ig",{"text":118,"align":21,"level":44,"width":32,"padding":14,"maxWidth":19,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},"Frequently Asked Questions",{"id":120,"type":121,"settings":122},"section-1781690216142-753d150","faq",{"items":123,"width":32,"padding":19,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},[124,127,130,133,136],{"answer":125,"question":126},"A basic water butt installation is a straightforward DIY job for most homeowners with basic tools (saw, screwdriver, tape measure). For complex setups involving multiple downpipes or underground pipework, a professional may be advisable.","Can I install a water butt myself or do I need a professional?",{"answer":128,"question":129},"Before frost arrives, drain the water butt, disconnect the hose, and store the diverter and any removable parts indoors. Leave the tap open so any residual water can expand without cracking the butt.","How do I prepare my water butt for winter?",{"answer":131,"question":132},"Check the filter every two to three months, or more frequently if you have overhanging trees. A quick rinse with a hose removes most debris.","How often should I clean the filter on my rainwater diverter?",{"answer":134,"question":135},"A 200-litre butt is suitable for an average UK garden. Choose two smaller butts linked together if space under a single downpipe is limited.","What size water butt do I need for my garden?",{"answer":137,"question":138},"Yes, square downpipe diverters are available in standard 65 mm and 75 mm sizes. Ensure you select the correct size for your pipe profile.","Can I fit a diverter to a square downpipe?",{"id":140,"type":141,"settings":142},"section-1782826469634-miphz1m","button",{"href":143,"size":144,"align":21,"label":145,"width":32,"padding":14,"variant":146,"fullWidth":147,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},"\u002F","md","More FAQ's","primary",false,{"id":149,"type":25,"settings":150},"section-1782826498502-l3mnfg1",{"width":22,"padding":11,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},{"id":152,"type":153,"settings":154},"section-1781690216142-8255906","cta",{"body":155,"href":12,"href2":16,"label":110,"width":32,"label2":16,"heading":156,"padding":19,"variant":146,"variant2":157,"background":74,"backgroundColor":16},"Browse our full range of water butts, diverters, filters, and accessories to build the perfect setup for your home or project.","Ready to Start Your Water Butt Installation?","outline",{"id":159,"type":25,"settings":160},"section-1782826495232-bq5wx7y",{"width":22,"padding":11,"background":19,"backgroundColor":16},"Practical UK guide to water butt installation and rainwater diverter fitting, including compatibility checks, fitting steps, accessories, troubleshooting, and product links.","A practical UK-focused installation guide for water butts and rainwater diverters, helping homeowners and contractors choose compatible parts, fit a diverter correctly, and avoid common installation mistakes. The page should support product discovery and conversion by linking the guide to relevant water butt and diverter products.","water butt installation",[165,166,167],"rainwater diverter installation","how to fit a water butt","diverter fitting guide",{"is_preview":147},1792153140828]