Topic: Leaky water butt

[Tin Shed]

I have been given a water butt, but it has a slow leak from the tap. Have tried some guttering sealant which isn't working and still have a slow drip.
What is the best way to seal round the tap fitting?

[dtw]

You will need to empty it, but new washers on the inside and outside of the tap.
If the actual tap is leaking, apply some vaseline to the 'workings'.

[Tin Shed]

Thanks dwt - I think it needs news washers then.
The next question is - where do I get them from?

[star]

You can try B&Q, Focus or other DIY store. Or next time you see a Screw Fix ad on the telly....send off for a catalogue. Im not sure if you have to buy in bulk or not from them.

Another place to look is a small family run washing machine repair place (if there is one near you)....they always use washers. If you dont know the size, take the tap with you ;)

[asbean]

We tried running ptfe plumbing tape round the screw threads and that worked.

[Kea]

I made water butts from food barrels (fruit pulp) and bought taps then found like you that the tap leaked. I bought some ring washers from my local diy and they worked without any other sealants or tapes. Crawling in the barrel wasn't a lot of fun for me but it must have entertained any neighbours that happened to look out their back windows at the time. Tip: Wedge the barrel with something so it doesn't roll about when you're inside it! ;D

[asbean]

 :o :o :o   I can just picture it - how entertaining!!!!

[Fork]

Read somewhere recently about someone who used that "No More Nails" stuff to stop there water butt tap leaking.

[dtw]

I was going to suggest that, but it doesn't bond with plastic very well,
any small knock will break off.

[Clayhithe]

where do I get them from?

Cut them from an old hot water bottle.

[Tin Shed]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Will dismantle the water butt tomorrow [was busy making a leaf mold container today] and either try the local hardware shops or find my old hot water bottle.

[cleo]

Handy hint-connect a length of hose with a stop end. Leave the tap open.

Saves wear and tear on the joint

[Baaaaaaaa]

you can cut up and use anything rubber - innertubes, tyres, the kids training shoes, or the other halfs underware.

[nippie]

you can cut up and use anything rubber - innertubes, tyres, the kids training shoes, or the other halfs underware.

Tut tut  :o Mind you there is nothing worse than a leaking butt  ;D

[flowerofshona2007]

How about applying some bathroom silcone before you re seal it  :)

[dtw]

Have you fixed it yet? 

The suspense is killing us. ;D

[tartonterro]

try a product called milliput - its a modeling clay that hardens under water, not exactly inexpensive - but a little goes a long - used it to seal a hole in my water barrel at home.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Tut tut  :o Mind you there is nothing worse than a leaking butt  ;D

It might have been the piss barrel.