Plants often thrive better when water from a butt is used because the temperature is ambient (similar to the surrounding environment), as opposed to tap water which is often much colder. For reasons of hygiene and safety, personal grooming products, cosmetics or items of intimate clothing cannot be returned. While the space-saving nature of slimline water butts is great, those of you who are looking to collect larger quantities of rainwater will need a water butt with a larger capacity, which is where the Harcostar 227 Litre Water Butt Kit comes in. It was designed to channel rainwater from the roof of a house, so this is exactly what I did with it. Here’s how it performed: Longevity – most water storage units are crafted to last many years when maintained correctly. This is because they are created with the intention of outdoor use, so durable plastic coatings are used. However, for more heavy-duty use, go for a larger 200-300 litre design. Don’t forget that you also have the option of connecting multiple water butts together , so long as the design of each water butt allows for this (most of the traditionally-styled ones do).

You need to make sure that your water butt is protected against the elements. In the winter, you can use materials like bubble wrap to insulate it to stop ice forming. However, ideally you want to invest in a water butt made from UV- resistant materials. The good news is that all of our Water butts come with a UV protected coating, giving you peace of mind when bad weather strikes. The best water butts have a good capacity without being overbearing in the garden. Certain things can be useful to look out for: At first glance, the Strata 100L Slimline Water Butt Set looks near-identical to some of the other slimline designs available on the market. However, dive in a little deeper and you’ll notice that there are a few subtle differences that set this model apart from its competition. Fit the rubberised splash seal to the top section of pipe, then connect the diverter between the two sections. Make sure that the outlet hole is at the bottom. Then pull the splash seal down over the join. It’s easy to see why this water butt appeals to such a wide range of people. It’s sleek enough to sit inconspicuously in the corner of small gardens, yet it’s also slim enough to be lined up in a row of connected water butts to contribute to a larger water storage system. It’s one of the best water butts if you’re after a slimline design.We can also supply a water butt link kit here at a small cost, allowing you a physically join your two water butts. A few hours after setting up this water butt, I was rewarded with a night of heavy rain, so I was able to put it to use the very next day. If it doesn’t come with a base you should consider buying one separately. Not only will it help with filling a watering can, it will also help retain the shape of the water butt. However, this plastic water butt does come with the necessary indents that show you where to drill new holes if you would like to connect multiple water butts together. It also comes with four plastic legs that raise the water butt up off the ground.

With a capacity of 227 litres , this was the largest of the water butts that I tested. It’s pretty chunky in design, but the fact that it’s green means that it would blend well into a garden. The recycled plastic construction feels strong and sturdy . In fact, all of the connections that come with this water butt are noticeably tougher, more robust, and higher quality than those supplied with the other water butts I reviewed. Always utilise a watering can. Do not use a fine water spray as this can generate small aerosol particles which can be carried in the wind and inhaled into one’s lungs, resulting in infection. Water butts which are ‘below ground’ are fully protected by the earth that surrounds them and will not require additional care in the winter months.

Pre-drilled holes – these make it a lot easier to set up the water butt. If holes are not pre-drilled, you will need to make a hole of around 25-30 mm to connect the water diverter. Given that most people don’t have a drill bit of this size, this can be quite a difficult process. If you want a water butt with pre-cut holes, try to find a model with several pre-cut, plugged holes on different sides of the water butt. This will give flexibility on where the diverter can be connected, and where the water butt can be positioned. On the plus side, this water butt comes with its tap already connected (not the case for most water butts), which saves a couple of minutes. Some water butts do not come with a base, which can make it difficult to fit a watering can under the tap if the water butt is small. Take note of how high the tap is when buying a water butt. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that this water butt costs a little more than the more traditional designs available. After all, its one-of-a-kind design enables it to act as both a water butt as well as a piece of garden décor. But does it offer value for money? That depends on what you’re looking for. Tap water is filtered, refined and treated before it is available for domestic use. The addition of chemicals such as chlorine, salts, and minerals can have an impact on your carbon footprint. Using a recycled plastic water butt is a fantastic way to use fresh water to treat your plants.

Where possible, position the rainwater butt in a darker place, away from the sun. Doing this will ensure the water remains cool, preventing bacteria from growing.Small water butts are most suited to small gardens and gardens without many plants. You may need to supplement the water from the butt with some from the mains tap if it doesn’t hold enough water for your garden. If you’re eco-conscious, consider what the water butt is made from. Designs produced in the UK from high-density recycled plastic tend to feel stronger and more robust , while also being kinder to the environment.

Putting in a water diverter involves cutting through the downpipe of the guttering. In most cases, these pipes are plastic and the job isn’t too difficult. However, be aware that if you have metal pipes, the job will be more complicated. We strongly advise raising your rainwater butt above ground to avoid freezing – you can use a stand to do this.After attaching the tap, you’ll need to fit the filler kit to your drain pipe and water butt. Don’t panic if it doesn’t fit – it has been designed to work with a range of drainpipe sizes , so you may need to use a knife to expand the top piece, but there are guidelines in place to show you where to cut. It is also important to clean your water butt, especially after rainfall seasons. This is because stagnant water can stink if left in the water butt for long periods.