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Connect a water butt.
Rainwater diverter fitted to downpipe — overflows when butt is full, no surface flooding.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Diverter overflow
Manual diverters overfill if you forget to close them. Auto-stop diverters are worth the upgrade.
Stagnant water
Open butts breed mosquitoes and algae. Fit a lid and consider a flow-through filter.
Frost damage
Full butts freeze and crack in winter. Either drain partially in November or use a frost-rated tank.
Tap too low
Standing the butt directly on the ground means the tap is at ground level — useless for filling a watering can. Use a 30–60cm stand.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Basic diverterManual stop, generic uPVC
£15–£40
Premium auto-stop diverterSelf-stopping when full
£40–£80
200L water buttStandard green plastic
£25–£80
500L water buttSlimline or barrel
£50–£150
1,000L IBC water tankUsed food-grade tank
£80–£250
Butt standPlastic or steel
£15–£60
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Guttering explained
A rainwater diverter splits the downpipe flow to fill a water butt for garden use. Most UK domestic butts hold 200–1,000 litres and refill multiple times during a typical year. Expect to pay £15–£80 for the diverter and £30–£250 for the butt itself, plus 30 minutes' install.
What Does the Work Involve?
The diverter splices into the downpipe at a convenient height (about 200mm above the water butt's full level). A hole is cut in the downpipe, the diverter inserted, and a flexible feed pipe runs to a hole drilled in the side of the butt. Most modern diverters auto-stop when the butt is full — flow continues down the downpipe to the drain. Some include a filter to remove debris. The butt sits on a stand for tap clearance.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic diverter | 15 | 40 | Manual stop, generic uPVC |
| Premium auto-stop diverter | 40 | 80 | Self-stopping when full |
| 200L water butt | 25 | 80 | Standard green plastic |
| 500L water butt | 50 | 150 | Slimline or barrel |
| 1,000L IBC water tank | 80 | 250 | Used food-grade tank |
| Butt stand | 15 | 60 | Plastic or steel |
| Install labour | 0 | 80 | 30–60 minutes, often DIY |
How Long Does It Take?
Install time: 30–60 minutes for diverter and butt setup. Larger IBC tank with multiple butts in series: 2–3 hours.
DIY or Professional?
Classic DIY job. The diverters come with clear instructions and a hole-saw guide. Most homeowners install in under an hour with a drill and screwdriver.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
If hiring, any plumber or general handyman. Most people DIY this. Specify auto-stop diverters — manual ones overflow and dump water on the patio.
UK Regulations
No regulations for domestic rainwater harvesting at this small scale. Larger systems (whole-house rainwater for toilet flushing) need Part G compliance and must not connect to mains water without backflow prevention. Some water companies offer subsidies on butts.
Common Problems
- Diverter overflow: Manual diverters overfill if you forget to close them. Auto-stop diverters are worth the upgrade.
- Stagnant water: Open butts breed mosquitoes and algae. Fit a lid and consider a flow-through filter.
- Frost damage: Full butts freeze and crack in winter. Either drain partially in November or use a frost-rated tank.
- Tap too low: Standing the butt directly on the ground means the tap is at ground level — useless for filling a watering can. Use a 30–60cm stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water can I collect?
A 50 m² roof in the UK collects roughly 30,000 litres of rainfall a year. Even a 200L butt refills 100+ times — plenty for a typical garden.
Can I drink rainwater from the butt?
No — rainwater from a roof contains bacteria, bird droppings and dissolved metals. Garden/cleaning use only.
Will the butt freeze in winter?
Yes, if full. Drain it partially in November, or use a thicker-walled "winter-rated" tank. Most cheap butts crack at the seam if frozen full.
Can I connect multiple butts together?
Yes — daisy-chain butts via a linking kit. Each butt has an overflow that feeds the next. Useful for greenhouse or polytunnel watering.
Do I need a filter?
Optional but recommended — keeps leaves and debris out of the butt. Hedgehog brushes in the gutter cut debris in the first place.
Where's the best location for a water butt?
Below a downpipe close to the garden. Most installs are at the back of the house where the kitchen extension downpipe meets the patio.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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