A water butt is one of the easiest ways to reduce your water bills, make your garden more sustainable and keep your plants thriving during dry weather.
But before you install one, there’s an important question to answer…
Where is the best place to put a water butt?
The answer depends on how you plan to collect your rainwater, how you’ll use it and even how you want your garden to look.
Here’s our guide to choosing the perfect location for your water butt.
- Always Start with a Flat, Stable Surface
No matter what type or size of water butt you choose, the first rule is simple:
Your water butt must sit on a firm, level surface.
A full water butt can weigh hundreds of kilograms. If it’s placed on soft ground or an uneven surface, it could lean, sink or even become unstable.
Good surfaces include:
- Paving slabs
- Concrete bases
- Compacted gravel
- Purpose-built water butt stands
- Solid decking (if suitable for the weight)
Whether your water butt is going beside the shed, tucked into a corner of the garden or sitting on the allotment, a stable base is essential.
- Want to Collect Rainwater? Place It Next to a Downpipe
If your goal is to harvest rainwater from your roof, positioning couldn’t be more important.
The best location is next to a roof downpipe, where a rainwater diverter can channel water directly into the tank.
Ideal locations include:
- House downpipes
- Garage gutters
- Shed gutters
- Greenhouses
- Summer houses
- Garden offices
Connecting your water butt to a gutter means every rainfall helps keep your tank topped up, giving you a free supply of water whenever your garden needs it.
- No Downpipe? You Still Have Options
Not every water butt has to be connected to a gutter.
Some gardeners simply leave their water butt open to collect rainfall naturally or fill it manually from another water source.
If you choose this option, remember:
- Always fit the lid securely.
- Prevent leaves and garden debris entering.
- Reduce algae growth.
- Help prevent accidental falls by children or pets.
Keeping your water butt covered also helps maintain cleaner water for your plants.
- Think About How You’ll Actually Use It
Before deciding on a location, ask yourself one simple question…
How are you going to get the water out?
If you’re using:
A Watering Can
Place the water butt reasonably close to flower beds, borders or vegetable patches.
Nobody wants to carry a full watering can across the entire garden if they don’t have to!
A Hose or Irrigation System
If you’re connecting to a hose or using a pump, you may have more flexibility, but it’s still worth considering the easiest route to your planting areas.
A little planning now can save countless trips later.
- Make Your Water Butt Part of Your Garden Design
Today’s water butts don’t have to be hidden away.
Modern designs can actually become part of your garden’s style.
At Spudulica, we stock a fantastic range of decorative water butts in a variety of colours and finishes, making it easy to match your outdoor space.
Our coloured water butts look fantastic:
- Beside patio seating areas
- Next to raised beds
- Framed with potted plants
- Along fences
- Against brick walls
- In modern courtyard gardens
Rather than trying to hide your water butt, why not make it a feature?
- Position It Where You’ll Use It Most
It sounds obvious, but it’s often overlooked.
If your vegetables are at the far end of the garden, placing your water butt outside the front door probably isn’t the most practical choice.
Keeping your water source close to where you actually water makes gardening quicker, easier and much more enjoyable.
- Don’t Forget Future Access
Your water butt will occasionally need:
- Cleaning
- Checking connections
- Installing taps
- Fitting diverters
- Emptying before winter (if required)
Leave enough room around the tank so you can comfortably access these areas without squeezing into awkward spaces.
Which Water Butt Is Right for You?
Every garden is different, which is why Spudulica offers a wide range of water butts to suit almost any space.
Whether you’re looking for:
- Slimline water butts for narrow spaces
- Decorative coloured water butts
- Large-capacity water storage tanks
- Wall-mounted water butts
- Traditional garden water butts
- Water butt accessories, taps and diverter kits
…there’s an option to suit your garden, your style and your watering routine.
A little thought before installation will make collecting and using rainwater far easier for years to come.
If you’re unsure which water butt or accessories are best for your garden, the team at Spudulica is always happy to help.
