Water butt and metal downpipe - any ideas?

[Habbibu]

I want to get a water butt, but live in a Victorian house with metal downpipes, so just cutting a hole for a diverter isn't really an option. Has anyone done this? Saw one website where it said it was an easy job for a builder, but am I really going to be able to get a builder out to saw one hole?

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I guess this doesn't help much

Thanks for the link, Katy - never thought to look on Which, and it is helpful, just doesn't solve my metal pipe problem yet. But thanks for trying!

have just bought water butts & this years project for more ethical living..
didn't think to check about downpipes, although most of them are metal, luckily there is a rear extension with plastic pipes so i guess we'll just use that one. although all that rainwater collected for the metal one will go to waste and i would think it covers more 'area' of the roof, boo hiss.

so sorry not much help at all, but will watch for other replies!
also would think a handyman might do it for you? we have found a treasure who works for £100 a day on all sorts of odd jobs, worth asking around? he works as a 'junior' for a proper builder so ask them?

You don't actualy cut a hole for the average water diverter.

You saw a section out, two cuts all the way through removing the section between, then you slip the diverter in. It is like a mini guttering that collects water on the inside.

It isn't hard to do, even through a metal pipe with the correct tool - a sharp hacksaw with a blade suitable for cutting metal.

You may need to consider how many/where the pipe holder/stabiliser thingys are that attach it to the wall to ensude it doesn't get wobbly.