How to mend a water butt?

lizzyb1812

A neighbour was throwing out a water butt because it had a split in it - so in a moneysaving frame of mind I've rescued it. But now I need to work out how to mend it.

The "split" is an L shape, about 3" each side and is very near the bottom and around the hole for the tap. It looks like someone has attempted to cut out a square around the tap hole but has given up after two sides.

I was thinking of a strong, but somewhat flexible, plastic plate fastened over the hole and with some sort of rubber seal between the plate and the butt. Would this work?

It's a good quality butt and it seems a shame to waste it if it can be mended. If I can't mend it I'll cut the bottom right off and use it as a composter.

Any ideas?

Lizzyb

NeverInDebt

Founnd this thread which maybe some help

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/390862


More threads havent checked the links

Allotments 4 All - Repair of Water Butt
water butt leak - GardenBanter.co.uk
How can I mend a hole in my water butt?

lizzyb1812

Thanks NeverInDebt - those are really useful links and I'll definitely be having a go at repairing it now.

alanobrien

For a split that size the fix needs to be flexible to cope with movement of the container. I would use silicone sealant then cover with gaffer tape or similar inside and out.
that will fix it.

This is extra strong flexible leak sealer, B&Q do there own version for half the price.
http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9271218&fh_view_size=10&fh_location=%2f%2fcatal!!!1%2fen_GB&fh_search=leak+sealer&fh_eds=%C3%9F&fh_refview=search&ts=1282480121215&isSearch=true

Gaffer tape
http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=10549004&fh_view_size=10&fh_location=%2f%2fcatal!!!1%2fen_GB&fh_search=gaffer+tape&fh_eds=%C3%9F&fh_refview=search&ts=1282480235934&isSearch=true

Wookey

Your local accident repair shop may have someone who can plastic weld it. Any repair will have to withstand a large weight of water constantly pushing on it.

scbk

A fibreglass repair kit would work

Like this
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_194271_langId_-1_categoryId_165625

(but there's cheaper places to buy it)

Lotus-eater

Wookey wrote: »

Your local accident repair shop may have someone who can plastic weld it. Any repair will have to withstand a large weight of water constantly pushing on it.

That's why you put the patch on the inside, so the weight of the water is taken by the outside of the crack, the sealant you put around it will just be used to waterproof it.