---
title: "Rainwater Butts And Downpipes"
url: https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/rainwater-butts-and-downpipes/
description: "Collecting roof water at the downpipe and keeping the overflow away from the wall."
---

# Rainwater Butts And Downpipes

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| »Categories[Building Envelope](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/building-envelope/)5[Heating, Cooling & Water](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/heating-cooling-water/)6[Water & Outside](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/water-and-outside/)4[Materials & Finishes](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/materials-and-finishes/)3»Project Types[Sealing and draughtproofing](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/air-sealing-gaps-and-cracks/)[Insulating](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/attic-and-loft-insulation/)[Water and pipework](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/hot-water-pipe-insulation/)[Planting and drainage](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/drainage-and-ground-levels/)[Surfaces and finishes](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/low-voc-paints-and-finishes/)»Quick FindJump straight to the entry that covers a common complaint.[Lower electricity bills](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/how-to-reduce-electricity-bill/)[Draughts](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/air-sealing-gaps-and-cracks/)[Cold rooms](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/wall-insulation-choices/)[Condensation](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/secondary-glazing-and-films/)[Damp at low level](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/drainage-and-ground-levels/)[Noise between floors](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/floor-underlay-and-acoustics/)[Slow hot water](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/hot-water-pipe-insulation/)[Summer overheating](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/planting-mulch-and-shade/) | WO-01Straightforward · SpringCollecting roof water at the downpipe and keeping the overflow away from the wall.Section[Water & Outside](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/water-and-outside/)ReferenceWO-01DifficultyStraightforwardSeasonSpringTypical scopeAn afternoon per downpipeWhat it affectsGarden watering, surface water at the wallWhat this isA roof sheds a surprising volume of water into a small number of downpipes. A water butt intercepts part of that flow and holds it for garden use, and the diverter that connects it sends the rest on down the pipe as normal once the butt is full. The second half of that sentence is the part that matters most.Telling whether your home needs itA garden watered from the mains through summer, a downpipe discharging onto a path where water then stands, or a gully that overflows in heavy rain are all reasons to look at this. Green algae staining down a wall beside a downpipe usually marks a joint that has been leaking for some time.What the job involvesThe butt needs a firm, level base raised enough to get a watering can under the tap, because a full butt is heavy and an unstable one is a hazard. The diverter is cut into the downpipe at the height of the butt inlet, using the template supplied with it. Fitting a lid and a fine mesh at the inlet keeps out leaves, insects and light, which keeps the stored water usable.Things to watchMake sure the overflow route is genuinely clear and discharges away from the foundations, not against the wall. Stored rainwater is for the garden, not for drinking or for filling anything that connects to household plumbing. In cold weather empty the butt or leave the tap open, since a solid block of ice will split the container.**More in Water & Outside:** [Low Flow Taps And Showers](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/low-flow-taps-and-showers/) · [Drainage And Ground Levels](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/drainage-and-ground-levels/) \| [All Water & Outside entries](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/water-and-outside/) \| [Catalogue index](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/) | »Catalogue StatusThis catalogue holds **18** entries across **4** sections.Entries are written to be read and worked from. Nothing here is ordered, priced or supplied.»Start Here[Air Sealing Gaps And Cracks](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/air-sealing-gaps-and-cracks/)[Attic And Loft Insulation](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/attic-and-loft-insulation/)[Weatherstripping Doors](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/weatherstripping-doors/)[Thermostat Settings And Zoning](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/thermostat-settings-and-zoning/)[Radiator And Baseboard Care](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/radiator-and-baseboard-care/) |
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|  | WO-01Straightforward · SpringCollecting roof water at the downpipe and keeping the overflow away from the wall. |  |
| Section | [Water & Outside](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/water-and-outside/) |  |
| Reference | WO-01 |  |
| Difficulty | Straightforward |  |
| Season | Spring |  |
| Typical scope | An afternoon per downpipe |  |
| What it affects | Garden watering, surface water at the wall |  |

4 sections · 18 entries · 5 index pages

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[Building Envelope](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/building-envelope/)

[Heating, Cooling & Water](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/heating-cooling-water/)

[Water & Outside](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/water-and-outside/)

[Materials & Finishes](https://betterhomebetterplanet.com/catalogue/materials-and-finishes/)

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