Water butt

What is a water butt? 

A water butt is a large container, often made of plastic, designed to collect and store rainwater. Several water butts are even equipped with a faucet at the bottom that makes it easy to tap the collected water. 

Rainwater tanks come in many different sizes and designs, from smaller to larger barrels. Some are designed to blend in with the garden, while others are more functional in their appearance.   

What you can use a water butt for 

First and foremost, you can use the water collected in your water butt to water your garden. Unlike tap water, rainwater is soft, making it ideal for watering your flowers and lawn.  

Having water at your fingertips is convenient, but it also saves you money on your water bill. With a rainwater tank, you can reduce your water consumption by giving the tap a break.   

In addition to watering, you can also use the collected water from the water butt to wash your car or windows. The soft rainwater prevents limescale and reduces the risk of streaks. Using rainwater for car or window washing also saves on water bills.  

Of course, you can also use the container to store other things, such as garbage or garden waste. It's entirely up to you.  

Buy your new rainwater tank at Biltema  

You can get your new water butt at Biltema. We have a wide selection to suit every need. Whether you need a water butt for the small garden or a larger model for the big garden, we have what you're looking.  
 
Our water butts come in different designs and price ranges, so you can find a model that suits your needs. Some of our water butts are even equipped with a tap at the bottom, making it easy for you to drain the collected water. You can also find plenty of water butt accessories. 

Fill the collected water into a watering can  

It's a good idea to fill the collected water from the water butt into a watering can for indoor and outdoor use. This way, you can easily and conveniently water your plants in the garden. With a watering can, you have great control over how much water comes out and where it lands. This is especially beneficial if you have delicate plants that don't tolerate too much water.   
 
Another advantage of using a watering can is that you can water your plants even if your water butt is not right next to it. You can just fill up the watering can at the barrel and take it around the garden. 

Find everything for watering your garden here  
 

Take care of your water butt  

A water butt is a practical and economical solution for collecting and reusing rainwater, but it's important to take good care of it to ensure its longevity and function.   

Maintenance is especially important during the cold winter months when both frost and snow can damage the water butt. To take the best care of your barrel in winter, it's a good idea to empty it of water before the temperature drops below freezing. If the water in the barrel freezes, it can expand and cause cracks or damage to the barrel. You may also want to cover the container with an insulating material to protect it from frost and cold.   
 
It's also important to clean your water butt regularly to remove dirt and leaves that can block the water flow. A clean water butt ensures efficient water collection and extends the life of the barrel.  

Measure the amount of rainwater  

At Biltema, you won't just find a wide range of water butts. You'll also find practical rain gauges to help you keep track of how much rainwater you're actually collecting. A rain gauge is a simple but effective tool that can give you an accurate overview of how much it actually rains.  

Simply stick the rain gauge in the ground or a flower pot, and it does the rest. When it rains, the gauge collects the water, and you can easily read how much it has rained. This way, you can better assess whether your plants need extra water from your water butt or if nature has provided sufficient watering. 

FAQ

How does a water butt work?

A rain barrel works by collecting and storing rainwater. When the barrel is full, you can easily tap the water from the barrel faucet or fill up your watering can with rainwater. A water butt is a simple and efficient way to reuse rainwater.

How big should a water butt be?

The size of your rainwater tank depends on your needs and the space in your garden. If you have a large garden, a larger water butt of many liters may be appropriate. For smaller gardens or terraces, a water butt of fewer liters.

What to do with a water butt in winter?

In winter, it's important to empty your water butt of water to avoid frost damage. Water expands when it freezes and this can cause cracks in your water butt. You can cover it with an insulating material for extra protection against frost.