Droughtbuster hand syphon pump

The DroughtBuster hand syphon pump is an easy to use system for draining water-butts, baths and other rainwater harvesting devices. Just a few squeezes of the marine quality rubber bulb and the system runs by itself, draining a bath or water butt in minutes.

DroughtBuster is 3.5 metres long, and connects directly to your garden hose so you can water your garden with your water butt or used bath water. It can be used immediately.

How does it work?
DroughtBuster uses a siphon effect so that the water from your bath will run automatically from your bath or water butt into your hose. The only condition is that your garden must be at a lower level than the source of the water. A few squeezes of the pump will start the flow. Then you can watch the water flow onto your garden, saving your plants.

Can I use it in my Bungalow?
Your garden MUST be lower than the water source - probably at least 10 inches. The water flow is faster the bigger the height between source and end of the hose. With only a few inches, the bath could take some time to empty. The middle picture on the right shows it used in a ground floor bathroom.

DroughtBuster was set up by two keen gardeners who wanted to save their gardens during the hosepipe ban. They decided they wanted to recycle their bathwater and searched the internet for a solution. Having found nothing, they invented DroughtBuster. The product was designed and tested during 2005 and 2006 to launch in Spring 2006.

Is DroughtBuster unique?
DroughtBuster is protected by trademarks and patent applications.

Can I use my DroughtBuster in an area with a Drought Order or Hosepipe Ban?
Yes, you can use your DroughtBuster connected to a garden hose to water your garden, wash your car, fill a water butt or even empty a paddling pool, so long as you are using recycled waste water. For example, used water from a Bath, Shower, sink or water butt.

Is DroughtBuster legal to use?
Yes. The Water companies have confirmed that re-cycling your bath water onto your garden is perfectly safe and legal during a hosepipe ban.

Can I wash my car with DroughtBuster?
Yes, it is safe and legal to use DroughtBuster to wash your car.

What if I use bubble bath?
Three Valleys Water states on their website: "Household soaps and detergents are harmless to plants, however it's best to be mindful of how much product you put in your bath. For container watering it is suggested that you alternate domestic wastewater and rainwater and if needs be mains water with a watering can.

Can I fill or empty my water butt with DroughtBuster?
Yes. The average water butt only holds about 100 litres. This is the equivalent of around 3 baths. DroughtBuster is also an ideal substitute for a Water Butt. You should not store recycled water for too long in a water butt - in hot weather not more than 24 hours.

Is it safe for my plants?
There is a long established history of using grey water for watering plants. In many countries, especially in North America and Australia it is a regular occurrence. All the research we have seen says that bath water is perfectly safe for plants and lawns.

Can I Use my DroughtBuster for drinking water?
No. DroughtBuster is not designed to be used for anything other than recycling grey water.

What is "grey water"?
Grey water is the term used for water from baths, washing machines and sinks that can be recycled and used elsewhere, such as for watering gardens or washing cars.

Are there any issues about storing grey water?
Grey water should be stored for as short a time as possible, especially in hot weather - probably not more than 24 hours.

Do I need to clean my DroughtBuster?
If you use it regularly, a weekly clean with some form of disinfectant, eg dilute bleach or anti-bacterial cleaner is recommended to prevent the build-up of biofilm.

Will my neighbours think I am breaking the ban if I use my hose?
DroughtBuster comes complete with leaflets so you can tell your neighbours you are using your hosepipe legally.

How long will it take for my DroughtBuster to arrive?
We will send your DroughtBuster by Royal Mail as soon as we receive your order, it generally takes around 7 and up to 14 days to arrive.

Can I buy a longer DroughtBuster?
All DroughtBusters can be extended by connecting any length of garden hose. We send out a 3.5m DroughtBuster with a hose connector fitted as standard.

What if I am not happy with the product?
Each pump comes with a money back guarantee. If not satisfied, return within 14 days for a no quibble money back guarantee.