I've Sprung A Leak!

[Knight of Albion]

Noticed that, somehow, one of my water butts has sprung a leak. Just a small crack, but enough to empty the contents over a period of time.
Its made of heavy duty plastic.
Noticed some PVC tape in the hardware store but the woman cashier couldn't tell me if it was water-proof and suitable for outside use.
Anyone got any tips/recommendations?

Thank you.

[roitelet]

I use a hot glue gun to repair cracks works well.

[veggiechicken]

Anything here to help you? http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ght_80718.html

[BertieFox]

I've tried mending leaks in plastic barrels and found I ended up spending lots of money, time and materials and it still ended up leaking. I tried various plastic repair materials, even fibre glass and resin, and 'melting' the plastic with a hot soldering iron. Nothing made a repair that lasted more than a few days. From the moderator's reference above I see that there is some special plastic but I would suggest however tight you are, the best thing is to buy a new barrel and use the old one as a worm bin or a compost bin.

[Knight of Albion]

Thanks for the advice everyone. It looks like buying a new one is going to be the only (cost effective) answer.

A shame, it's in perfect condition otherwise. Could get 30 years use out of it if it weren't for that hole ...

[veggiechicken]

Put a tap into the butt where the hole is, then you can turn the tap off and stop the leak

[Potstubsdustbins]

I have found one product that will stop leaks on plastic but at £20 plus per can it's not worth it for a water butt.

[Bigmallly]

Just wondering if something like this fitted where the crack is would work:

FISH POND THREADED SOLVENT WELD TANK CONNECTOR END CAP WITH RUBBER WASHER SEAL | eBay

[Knight of Albion]

I did wonder if super glue would work, or a plastic golf tee eased into the hole?

[Bigmallly]

Hows about a bicycle puncture repair kit, if it withstands 40+ PSI, I'm sure it will withstand the weight of the water. Only guessing mindst.

[Stan79]

How big is the crack?

Where is it?

As hinted at already, rather than fix the crack could you drill a larger hole and either plug that with a bolt, nut, rubber and metal washers?

Or find a student to stick their finger in it all year in return for access to the festival?

[Knight of Albion]

The crack is down at the bottom (not underneath) but not on the seam, which made me think about wheter the golf tee (which is tapered) would work, or even super glue, if that is weather-proof.
The crack itself is little more than a hairline fracture, but the force of water is causing a drip to seep through. Might not sound significant, but if you've ever had a dripping bathroom tap ... it soon adds up to a bucket load.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Just had a thought, google Pattex Stabilit Express.

Its a high strength two part glue, not cheap the best price I have found is direct from Germany £8-88 plus £4-27 postage.

It is probably the best adhesive I have ever used, very high strength, water proof and gap filling up to 5mm.

The instructions that come with it are all in German but there are full instructions in English on line. We use it in the model boating world to bond different plastics and plastic to metals etc.

[Bigmallly]

The crack itself is little more than a hairline fracture

For a crack of that nature, I'd be tempted to get a red hot knife and scrape some of the plastic over the crack to seal it..........It may be worth a go before you part with any cash.

[out in the cold]

We had a leak in one of ours. We patched it up using plumbers mastic,such as you might get from a diy store.

Had to fairly paint it one, but it is still working 3 years later