Water Butt & Rainwater Harvesting Guide
Collect roof runoff for garden watering with a water butt that fits the space and the job. Our Ecosure range includes 16 water butts and planters, from 105 to 1,500 litres, in Millstone Grit, plus taps, a downpipe diverter and matching stands.
1. Choose the shape before the capacity
- Planter designs: an integrated planting bowl makes rainwater storage part of a patio or garden display.
- Slimline designs: compare width and length where the available space is narrow.
- Pillar designs: compare the footprint and height when planning larger storage.
- Wall-mounted 105 litre model: check the wall, full load and fixing instructions before choosing this route.
Leave room for the lid, downpipe connection, outlet and maintenance. Check the route into the garden as well as the final position.
2. Compare the current range
Dimensions below are from our current supplier-backed listings. Use the exact product page and manufacturer’s installation instructions when planning the base or fittings.
| Model | Capacity | Style | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ecosure Wall Mounted Water Butt 105L | 105 L | Wall mounted | 1105 mm high; 500 mm long; 250 mm wide |
| Ecosure Mini Cosmo 150L Water Butt Planter | 150 L | Planter | 940 mm high; 570 mm long; 415 mm wide |
| Ecosure Midi Metropolitan 165L Water Butt Planter | 165 L | Planter | 940 mm high; 590 mm diameter |
| Ecosure City 180L Water Butt Planter | 180 L | Planter | 985 mm high; 600 mm diameter |
| Ecosure Cosmo 220L Water Butt Planter | 220 L | Planter | See product |
| Ecosure Metropolitan 255L Water Butt Planter | 255 L | Planter | 1240 mm high; 625 mm diameter |
| Ecosure Long Water Butt Planter 280L | 280 L | Planter | 970 mm high; 1100 mm long; 340 mm wide |
| Ecosure Upright Slimline Water Butt 280L | 280 L | Slimline | 820 mm high; 1100 mm long; 340 mm wide |
| Ecosure Oasis 375L Water Butt Planter | 375 L | Planter | 950 mm high; 1000 mm long; 495 mm wide |
| Ecosure Big City 380L Water Butt Planter | 380 L | Planter | 1480 mm high; 670 mm diameter |
| Ecosure Slimline Water Butt V1 400L | 400 L | Slimline | 1000 mm high; 1240 mm long; 345 mm wide |
| Ecosure Water Butt V1 500L | 500 L | Water butt | 1010 mm high; 1250 mm long; 460 mm wide |
| Ecosure Mini Pillar 525L | 525 L | Pillar | 1110 mm high; 820 mm long; 630 mm wide |
| Ecosure Pillar 825L | 825 L | Pillar | 1800 mm high; 825 mm long; 630 mm wide |
| Ecosure Pillar 1200L | 1200 L | Pillar | 1500 mm high; 1200 mm long; 670 mm wide |
| Ecosure Pillar Water Butt Kit 1500L | 1500 L | Pillar | 1850 mm high; 1200 mm long; 750 mm wide |
3. Plan collection, storage and use together
- Collection: identify the roof downpipe, its shape and size. Keep the gutter clear and match the diverter to the downpipe and tank connection.
- Storage: position the tank on the specified base or support. Plan what happens to excess water when the tank is full.
- Use: decide whether you are filling watering cans or supplying equipment that needs pressure and flow.
Fit the diverter and return or overflow arrangement at the levels specified in the instructions for the exact parts. Do not assume every diverter suits every downpipe.
4. Check what is included
The 1,500 litre Pillar kit includes its tap kit and downpipe diverter as separate components. The 825 and 1,200 litre Pillar products are tank only. Other products must be checked individually. A photograph showing a tap or stand does not establish what is supplied.
We list rapid tap kits in ½ inch, ¾ inch and 1 inch BSP. Check the outlet before selecting a kit. The ½ inch kit contains the tap and PTFE tape, without a hexagon bush; the other two kits include a hexagon bush.
Galvanised stands are available for the 280 litre Upright, 400 litre V1 and 500 litre V1 models. Each stand is sold separately and must be matched to the stated tank.
Browse the accessories or read Water Tank Fittings Explained and our BSP thread guide.
5. Gravity watering or a pumped system?
A low outlet can fill a watering can. Raising the tank on its approved stand can improve clearance beneath the tap. It does not turn the water butt into a pressurised supply.
For hose, dripline or sprinkler use, check the equipment’s minimum pressure and flow, the tank outlet, pipe run and water quality. A suitable pump, filtration and controls may be needed. Read Which Pump Do I Need? and Choosing a Filter and Pressure Regulator before buying connected equipment.
6. Base, access and seasonal care
Provide a firm, level base and the support required by the tank manufacturer. Filled tanks are heavy, so plan the load before installing on decking, a stand or a wall. Support connected pipework so it does not strain the tank outlet.
Keep gutters and the diverter clear, check connections for leaks and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and winter instructions. Check exposed taps, fittings and pipework before freezing weather.
Water butt questions
Can I order these water butts online?
Yes. Order online and choose collection from UK Flow Centre, Sevenoaks. All products in this Ecosure range, including accessories, are currently collection only. Wait for your collection confirmation before travelling.
Which water butt size should I choose?
Start with the available space, the roof area feeding the downpipe and how often you water. The range runs from 105 to 1,500 litres. Check the actual height, length, width or diameter on the listing, rather than choosing by capacity alone.
What is a water butt planter?
It combines a rainwater storage tank with a planting bowl at the top. The planting bowl does not mean the plants are automatically irrigated. Check the instructions for the exact model before planting or making connections.
Are taps, diverters and stands included?
Only where the product listing explicitly includes them. The 1,500 litre Pillar kit includes a tank, tap kit and downpipe diverter supplied as separate items. The 825 and 1,200 litre Pillar listings are tank only. The galvanised stands are separate products and do not include a tank or tap.
Which rapid tap kit do I need?
Match the kit to the tank outlet. We list ½ inch, ¾ inch and 1 inch BSP kits. Each includes a tap and PTFE tape. The ¾ inch and 1 inch kits also include a hexagon bush; the ½ inch kit does not.
Will a water butt run my sprinkler or dripline?
A gravity outlet may suit filling a watering can, but it does not provide mains-like pressure. Check the required pressure and flow of the watering equipment. A suitable pump, filtration and controls may be needed for a pressurised system.
Does the tank need a base or stand?
Follow the tank manufacturer's instructions. Ground-standing models need a firm, level base and the specified support. Use only the stand made for your model. A wall-mounted tank needs a suitable wall and correctly specified fixings for the filled weight.
Is collected rainwater drinking water?
No. These listings are for garden rainwater storage and non-potable use. Do not use collected roof runoff as drinking water.
7. Ready to order?
Choose the tank, check the supplied components, add any compatible accessories and select collection at checkout. For the larger tanks, measure your vehicle and access route before ordering.
Shop water butts | Explore rainwater harvesting and reuse | Ask UK Flow Centre for help
Range and guide reviewed 8 October 2026. Follow the instructions for your exact tank and components. Ecosure manufacturer information.
