Need downpipe converter for water butt

[WendyS]

Having just bought a water butt to conserve water, it's proving impossible to buy a (square plastic) downpipe converter connection to divert the water into it . Everywhere locally is sold out due to the hosepipe ban. Anybody know any suitable internet sites where we can obtain what we need? Thanks

[nickmo]

Hi wendyS - couple to try : http://www.twowests.co.uk/TwoWestsSite/category/WATER%5FWATERBUT/ or http://www.originalorganics.co.uk/accessories.htm has a square connector or see: http://www.capitalgardens.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_Water_Butts.html

Happy conserving!

[WendyS]

Thanks nickmo - will check them out. Our task is a little more complicated because we already have two water butts in the back garden. The new butt is for locating in the front garden but a six foot fence dividing front and back garden separates the water butt from the downpipe down the side of the house.

[nickmo]

Why not just go from large to small bore at height and drop a small bore pipe to the butt where needed? Should be more flexible and able to work around a corner if needed, as the fall will provide the necessary movement. Add a filter to stop the leaf mess, etc in a place you can reach of course.

To get the watering done, you could add a (solar or wind powered of course) water pump. There are water butt pumps available - see the sites designed for sitting in the butt - or using gravity, make up a small bore system and use the front water for continuos drip feed watering.

Again, couple of these systems on the sites, and this will avoid the need to bring the water through the fence with large pipes. Hope ideas may help.