This kit is designed to connect two water storage containers, such as water butts or rain barrels,...This kit is designed to connect two water storage containers, such as water butts or rain barrels, allowing you to collect more water from a single downpipe. To install, drill a 33mm hole near the top of each container, enabling water to flow from the full container to the empty one before it overflows. After drilling, remove any burrs from the hole edges, then insert the connector with the hosetail facing outward. Reattach the washer and nut, tightening gently. Once the hosetails are in place, you can connect the pipe. The pipe is designed to fit tightly, so warm the end in hot water to soften it for easier attachment to the hosetail without needing clips. The pipe includes a supporting nylon wire spiral for added rigidity and flexibility. This kit includes two meters of pipe and two hosetails. The corrugated hose is made from flexible and durable PVC material, ensuring longevity and reliability. Its corrugated design allows for easy bending and installation around various obstacles. The hose is UV-resistant, preventing algae growth and maintaining higher flow rates. The ribbed design allows users to cut the hose to the exact length needed and helps secure hose clips for a tight, leak-proof connection. The pond straight connector with BSP thread to hose barb facilitates a secure connection between a thread and flexible garden/pond hoses, offering a tight, slip-resistant grip. Constructed from strong and durable plastic, this connector offers excellent resistance to the elements. The back nut with washer secures fittings to your water butt tank, distributing load evenly and providing an effective seal to minimize leaks. The combination is easy to install and remove.
This Best4Trade-Retail Waterbutt Linking Kit is for gardeners and homeowners looking to maximize their rainwater harvesting by connecting two water containers. Its key benefit is enabling larger water collection capacity from a single downpipe, reducing reliance on mains water. A potential caveat is the need for precise drilling of holes in your water butts. The kit includes two meters of durable, UV-resistant PVC hose with a supporting nylon wire spiral, two hosetails, and necessary fittings for a secure, leak-proof connection between water butts. It allows for flexible installation around obstacles and is designed for longevity.
All features
Brand
Best4Trade-Retail
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What size hole do I need to drill?
You need to drill a 33mm hole in each water butt for the provided hosetails.
How long is the connecting pipe?
The kit includes two meters of flexible corrugated hose.
Do I need any special tools for installation?
You will need a 33mm drill bit or hole saw. A screwdriver or wrench may be helpful for tightening the back nuts, and hot water is recommended for fitting the hose.
Can I connect more than two water butts?
While this kit is designed for two, you could potentially purchase additional hosetails and fittings to link more butts in series, provided your water butts allow for additional drilled holes.
Is the hose suitable for drinking water?
This hose is designed for rainwater harvesting for garden use and is not certified for potable water.
What is the hose made of?
The hose is made from flexible and durable PVC material with a supporting nylon wire spiral and is UV-resistant.
How do I prevent leaks?
Ensure the back nut and washer are properly tightened, and the hose is pushed securely onto the hosetail. The ribbed design of the hose aids in creating a tight seal.
Troubleshooting
Water not flowing between butts
Ensure the hole is drilled low enough on the second butt to allow water to enter. Check that the connecting hose is not kinked or blocked. Verify that the first butt is sufficiently full to cause an overflow into the second.
Leaking connections
Ensure the back nut and washer are securely tightened (do not overtighten). Check for any damage to the hosetail or the hole edge. Consider using sealant tape on threaded connections if applicable (though not typically needed with these fittings).
Hose difficult to attach to hosetail
Warm the end of the hose in hot (not boiling) water for a minute or two. This will soften the PVC, making it easier to stretch over the barbed hosetail. Ensure you push it on as far as possible for a secure fit.
Algae growth in the hose
The UV-resistant nature of the hose helps prevent algae. If significant growth occurs, drain the system and flush the hose with water. Ensure the water butts are covered to minimize light penetration.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Increases rainwater storage capacity by linking multiple containers.
Durable PVC construction with UV resistance ensures a long lifespan.
Flexible hose with internal support allows for easy routing around garden features.
Provides a secure, leak-resistant connection system.
Helps manage water butt overflow effectively.
Cons
Requires precise drilling of 33mm holes into water butts.
Hose may require warming for easier attachment to hosetails.
Not suitable for connecting containers of vastly different heights without careful consideration of flow dynamics.
Relies on gravity and water levels, thus is not a pressurized system.
Installation may require basic DIY skills.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Drill a 33mm hole near the top of each water butt you wish to connect.
Clean any rough edges from the drilled holes.
Insert the hosetail into the hole from the outside, ensuring the barbed end faces inwards.
Attach the washer and back nut from the inside of the butt and tighten gently.
To connect the flexible hose, you may need to warm the end in hot water to make it more pliable. Push the hose firmly onto the hosetail.
Connect the two water butts with the provided 2-meter hose, cutting to size if necessary.
Compatibility:
Compatible with standard water butts, rain barrels, and other water storage containers that can be drilled.
Suitable for use with standard garden hose connections.
Care:
Periodically inspect connections for leaks.
Clean the hose and fittings as needed to maintain water flow. A simple rinse with water is usually sufficient.
Ensure water butts are stable and secure before and after installation.