improvised water butt?????

@groundbeetle you can buy a diverter fairly cheaper https://www.google.com/search?q=rai...AH2AZIBAzIuMZgBAKABAcgBCsABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz
As for tools a hacksaw (assuming plastic drainpipe) and maybe a screwdriver.
Instructional videos on youtube.
Probably easier than you think.

 

Thanks for your advice. I bookmarked the item. I think it is way beyond my ability, maybe I will ask a friend to do it for me, they did offer a long time ago and I thought it would be too complicated. I am not handy with a hacksaw, and from what I read people are saying it is important to get the correct diverter to fit the diameter of the drainpipe.

 

It depends on what type of pipe you are fitting it to. I would never dream of trying to fit it to an old cast iron pipe but plastic is easy enough. We have a shed which didn't have any guttering so I fitted a gutter, downpipe into a gravel sump and a take-off to a water butt. It is just a case of getting the take-off level with the input to the butt or at least no higher than the top water level. That way when the butt is full it doesn't overflow but runs back into the downpipe.

 

I'm no great DIY expert but managed to fit mine onto the plastic down drainpipe OK using a hacksaw. I think there are only two standard sizes of plastic pipe, but it'd be a quick and easy job for a handyperson if you or your friend don't want to tackle it. And you may be able to find help sourcing one cheap or for free locally, as it's for an eco-project. Try your recycling centre or green charity or depending on your age your local branch of Age UK. Ours runs a handyperson service, available to anyone over sixty, some jobs are free and others £30 an hour (a bargain in London!)

Oh and check with your local council and water provider before you buy the butt itself. Often those offer cheap deals, including delivery, to prove their green credentials.

 

Some Council & Water companies sell water butts at a reduced price. They also sell comost bins reduced, well they did

 

I think my downpipe is made of plastic, not sure. I don't know what these numbers mean on it.

 

The numbers are the part number for the pipe clip and a British Standard number. The clip is plastic and the pipe will also be plastic.

 

2 and half inch pipe diameter or
68mm.