A water butt on its own does a great job. Add the right accessories, and you can double its usefulness.
Diverter Kits
A diverter kit is essential — it connects your water butt to the downpipe and channels rainwater in while keeping debris out. Modern snap-fit diverters require no tools or sealant. They work with both round (68 mm) and square (65 mm) downpipes.
Water Butt Stands
A stand raises the butt by 30-40 cm, giving you enough clearance to fill a watering can directly from the tap. Without one, you’ll be scooping water from the top or crouching awkwardly. A good stand is powder-coated steel, rust-proof, and rated for at least 200 kg.
Filtration Systems
A 3-stage filtration system removes leaves, sediment, and fine particles. The result is cleaner water for your plants, less clogging in hoses and irrigation systems, and a longer life for your water butt.
Connecting Multiple Butts
Link kits let you connect two or more water butts together. When the first butt fills, water flows into the second, and so on. This daisy-chain setup effectively multiplies your storage capacity without adding extra downpipe connections.
Hose Connectors
A threaded tap outlet lets you attach a standard garden hose directly to your water butt. Perfect for reaching plants at the far end of the garden without carrying a watering can.
Leaf Filters
A simple mesh filter that fits over the diverter inlet stops leaves, moss, and birds’ nesting material from entering your water butt. Essential if you have trees near your downpipe.
Choosing What You Need
Start with a diverter and a stand — they’re essential for any water butt setup. Add a filter and linking kit as your needs grow. Building your system gradually spreads the cost and lets you see what works for your garden.