The button on top of a water but, whats it for?

[4390evans]

I got a new water butt, its got a lid and on the lid ther is a button that comes off. Is this for the water diverter? Or something else?

jus before I start drilling holes

[Jay-ell]

I think the water diverter usually goes into the side so that when full it overflows back into the drain pipe. Is there no plugged hole near the top of the but or perhaps an outline for a cut out (you ma have to look inside to see it).

Not sure exactly why the button is there. Could be to put a hose in to pump out the water faster than the dribble from the tap (just bought a solar powered pump where you put the hose through the lid but haven't installed it yet)

[veggiechicken]

How big is this "button"?
I have 3 different makes of water butt and none of them have "buttons"

Is it for the water inlet/downpipe?

[jackarmy]

If its the "button " i think you mean, i just put my hosepipe through it, the lid then keeps the hosepipe insitu

and no, that wasnt a metaphor

[4390evans]

Ill get a pic when I get in also is there a way to get pressure from a water butt? I am thinking of putting a drip feeder on it, but also for when I need to use a hose.

Thanks guys

[arch01]

Ill get a pic when I get in also is there a way to get pressure from a water butt? I am thinking of putting a drip feeder on it, but also for when I need to use a hose.

Thanks guys

There are water butt pumps out there which are just (submersible) sump pumps. If you are using it for drip irrigation have a look at the specs--you may need a pressure regulator after the pump to step down the pressure. Drip lines don't usually like a lot of pressure--often mains water pressure is higher than what is spec'd for them. If you want to get a bit more fancy, there are also water timers out there that can be used to control time and duration of watering.

[4390evans]

this little button comes off.

So do you think if I attach a hose to the tap, run that round the patio to the boarders where the plants are and attach the drip feeder to the hose, this would be enough pressure for the drip feeder?

Thanks guys

[arch01]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]63234[/ATTACH] this little button comes off.

So do you think if I attach a hose to the tap, run that round the patio to the boarders where the plants are and attach the drip feeder to the hose, this would be enough pressure for the drip feeder?

Thanks guys

That's a good question. Which is code for 'I don't know'. I haven't used a waterbutt for irrigation but was thinking about it this year if I got a polytunnel for the plot (which I didn't). I used to use drip irrigation from mains at home and as I recall (this was some while ago) the recommended pressure was 10 psi (which I seem to doubt one could achieve with a waterbutt). That having been said, a quick google showed websites proffering drip hoses for waterbutts. I seem not to have bookmarked the ones I found previously. Here is one random example: Click & Drip Automatic Waterbutt Irrigation Kit

So the answer seems to be yes (perhaps with the caution that it might need to be the right type of drip hose).

Hope that helps!

[jackarmy]

Id have thought the pressure would be best at the bottom end for an outpipe.
The bit at the top is for the hose to go in

[snakeshack]

as long as the pipe reaches the bottom of the barrel and there is a drop to the recipient end it should work,but the flow will slow as the level drops and you will have to start the siphon off to begin.the pressure shouldn't be too critical for drip irrigation especially if you have adjustable drippers

[sparrow100]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]63234[/ATTACH] this little button comes off.

I have two like that. I cut one off and stuck the hose leading from my g/h downpipe through it. Fits perfectly so no mozzies can get in to breed. The other I use as a closed barrel for making stinky comfrey feed. It does still whiff a bit, despite the sealed container. Other than sticking a hose through it I can't see what it's for either.