Waterbutt leaking (where hose from house downpipe enters waterbutt)

moneyistooshorttomention

I have a waterbutt leaking at the join between "curly" type pipe that takes water over from house downpipe into the butt itself (ie at the entry point to the butt).

I don't want to spend much money on putting this right, ie because it was damage done by workmen (but I cant identify exactly which workman is responsible), rather than being "fair wear and tear".

I imagine there are tubes of sealant type stuff specifically for sealing round joins like this and where there is frequent exposure to water. Can anyone recommend a suitable (and cheap) one that a DIY amateur like myself could easily buy and use please.

DaftyDuck

There are two likely places where it could be leaking. The curly pipe pushes onto a stiff smooth tube, and the stiff tube is screwed (either directly, or with a large plastic nut on the inside of the butt) onto the butt itself.

First 'noddy' step... push the wrinkly pipe hard onto the smooth one, reach inside water butt, firstly loosen then tighten the nut on the inside. Ensure the tube/nut are fitted as flush with the side of the butt. Tighten "finger tight" only, as tighter might split the nut.

If it still leaks, then some packing will help. PTFE tape like THIS STUFF will do the job... a search for PTFE tape on ebay gives loads more. You'll only need a little bit. Wrap it around the screwthread on the inside, maybe six or so winds should do it. It may help make a seal if you spread some on the outside of the butt first... it's slightly self-sticky.

However, this is a waterbutt, not a drinking tap and not under pressure. I'd try pretty much any "gunk" you have that's lying about, and see if that seals it. Thin cotton thead, rubbed in candle wax, wound twenty times close to the butt end of the thread. A "weak" glue if it's dry (Bostick, Uhu, whatever, but NOT Superglue... you may need to redo it!), a smear of Blu tack....

Seriously, it'd probably work with any of them. Knowing you a little, I doubt you have an extensive DIY collection of tubes of "gunk"... but you are full of surprises!

Try tighten first. Then, try a little cotton with wax, then any not very gluey stuff, then splash out on some PTFE tape.

MoneyMate

Had similar problem myself used Toolstation OR sold elsewhere
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Evo-Stik+Serious+Glue/p76134 :beer:
Always useful for other jobs too.

keithu

I had the same problem and sealed it with silicone leak sealer which is a silicone rubber that can cure in the presence of water. This is handy stuff to have for emergency fixes of leaks and drips, or just for a belt and braces approach to making plumbing connections The one I used was Sentinel Seal X which dries white, although the most popular brand is Fernox LS-X which dries clear.

I wouldn't use glue as you won't be able to get it apart again for cleaning. The silicone can be pulled apart fairly easily.

moneyistooshorttomention

Thanks all...lots of ideas to weigh up as to best solution here:T