water pipe curling in the barrel.

Having had our pipe curl up in the barrel, and the risk of the water level dropping below the strainer (note that the risk is even greater when using an automatic float system with permanent connection to the main supply), I bought a length of 15mm white trim for exposed radiator pipes from B&Q.  Cutting this to a length of 16 inches, I wrapped it around the pipe at its lower end.  This keeps the pipe straight and ensures that it reaches right down to the bottom of the barrel.