WATER BUTT LEAKING - huh?

ceridwen

Huh? - as in I dont really understand how it CAN be leaking - but it clearly is.

Its a solid-looking one - the plastic butt on a stand type - and I've realised it must have acquired a pinprick type hole on the base - because the ground by it is damp and its got a steady stream of drips coming from a particular area on the base of it.

a. Do they actually develop leaks like this of themselves? I just assumed it would last for many years and its actually only a few years old?

b. How long a guarantee do they normally have - and just how would the firm get it back again at no hassle and expense to me (as I sent off for it)?

c. If it comes to having to repair or replace it - IS it actually possible to repair it? I wonder if a criss-cross piece of duct tape put over that spot would ensure it lasts as long as I expected it to (hadnt thought - but assumed I guess that it would be good for at least 20 years).

valk_scot

This sort of butt is often made from two moulded halves joined together in some way (fused? Glued) and the "seam" is the weak point. The pressure of the water in the butt stresses this seam and usually that's where you get leaks, at the weaker points. Depending on the quality of the manufacture some butts will last 5 years, some more. If your's has a 20 year guarantee it would be worth going back to the place you bought it from (because that's who your contract is with) and complaining. Send them photos of the drip and the leaking area if they're online. You'd need a reciept (email reciept?) or some sort of proof of purchase of course.

As to mending it, if you can locate the leak then you could try using some sort of appropriate plastic sealent on it. The type of plastic used is often marked on the object and you can match the relevant sealent to it if so. Seal it inside and out, and do the whole seam (if visible) while there.

ceridwen

Thank you for that - will have to look out my guarantee and see how long they expect it to last. Its certainly less than 5 years old even and I have a feeling the guarantee is for longer than that.

The leak isnt on a seam - just in the overall flat base part iyswim.

I will have a receipt somewhere - and will be a paper one. I dont have any access to facilities to take photos I'm afraid - neither camera nor cameraphone - so I'd be having to "beg a favour" from a friend if the firm required that. As I cant actually see any defect myself - then it won't be possible to take a photo of it anyway...

Wondering what they would do about getting their water butt back - or whether they would just "take my word for it" that its faulty...

valk_scot

No seam on the flat base? Both mine do.

If you can't take photos easily, just offer to do so when you get in touch. That might be enough. All you need is a picture of the wet area underneath after all, if it's only a tiny leak.

Incidentally some councils in England now offer cheap water butts to residents, under the same scheme as the cheap or free compost bins. My council doesn't (I live in Scotland and no metering here in my area) but I know a couple of friends have got them. Might be worth checking out.

realfood

Many waterbutts split this year due to the severe Winter.

valk_scot

realfood wrote: »

Many waterbutts split this year due to the severe Winter.

That's a thought. I empty mine at the start of the winter and store them upside down (saves the problem of dealing with half a butt of rancid water the following March) so I've never had one freeze on me. But I could see how it could happen.

sirbrainy

valk_scot wrote: »

That's a thought. I empty mine at the start of the winter and store them upside down (saves the problem of dealing with half a butt of rancid water the following March) so I've never had one freeze on me. But I could see how it could happen.

So you've never had upside down butt problems :rotfl::D