Water butts

SingleMumAndProud

Hi. I am quite new to gardening and have got 2 water butts that I would love to start using as we are on a water meter and also like to help the environment when I can.

But I have no way of connecting it to the downpipe as its just in the wrong place.

Can I still use the water butts? Will they fill up without being connected to the pipes? Do I leave the lid on or off?

Sorry if I am sounding a bit dim here

Wookey

Ideally they need connecting to your downspout somewhere, even if you can place one butt at the downspouting and then connect the other one to it using some plumbers waste pipe. Failing that you maybe able to connect it to your bath waste or sink waste, grey water from these is usable for most situations.

System

A quick google of "downpipe to water barrel connectors" brought this

http://www.waterbuttsdirect.co.uk/connectors.htm

and you are also able to get two barrels connected just as cheaply.


I have one barrel raised about 2ft off the ground, from the tap I have another large container. When my barrel is almost full, I drain off to the second container which I use as a plunge bucket and fill up the can from.

savingmummy

My father in law has 2 water butts at the bottom of his garden and has fitted some cheap guttering to his shed roof and they run off of that via a guttering connector.

mg2008

Try not to leave the lids off - They should be sealed where possible as you'll get all manner of wildlife (Dead and alive), mosquitoes, etc in there! Best to get one of the downpipe diverters.

lolly5648

Anyone know where to get cheap ones. Our local council used to offer them but doesn't any more

jeferey

Try your local Water Authority (I know there are not called that any more ) - We got a leaflet through from Severn Trent with an offer and my dad bought 2 on a special offer.
Check out the website of yours.