One essential accessory is the rain diverter kit which is is used to effectively direct rainwater from a downpipe into your water butt.

In rainwater harvesting systems water flows from the roof down a downpipe (drainpipe) to the water butt , where it is stored. Diverters are the pipes used to connect the downpipe to the water butt. The most basic are used to divert water only only, whilst others also filter the water they divert. Downpipe plastic or mesh guards are excellent accessories which will stop leaves and other debris getting into your water butt. There are very easy to install and feature flexible slats to enable you to adjust them to fit the width of any downpipe opening.Place the water butt on its stand and using a spirit level, level it with the bottom of the hole and align it with the water pipe and draw a line. Capture all’ filters come by many names, including downpipe filters, downpipe guards, downpipe leaf catchers, downpipe leaf traps, and downpipe leaf filters. These all capture coarse debris, leaves etc. In all of these maintenance of the filter is required to remove the debris. Insert the diverter into the slot. The design of the rainwater diverter assures that your water butt will never overflow as any excess water will continue to flow into the downpipe. First flush filters divert and flush the first water which enters the system when the rain starts pouring. This is because this first water is always the most contaminated by leaves, dust and other materials on the roof.

Connect the tank connector for the adapted into the top of the water butt (one washer inside, one washer outside). Each water butt comes with a threaded hole in the side and a tap to fit, so it’s a case of screwing one into the other, nice and tight.

Store and recycle rainwater with a water butt

Let's not forget the old faithful watering can that's found in just about every garden in the UK - we feature several types of plastic and gavanised metal cans to cater for all your trips from you butt to your flower beds and greenhouse. There are various accessories which can support your water-harvesting efforts - a submersible electric pump, for example, will allow you to get more pressurised water from your container.