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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: Tin Shed on October 29, 2007, 11:55:49

Title: Leaky water butt
Post by: Tin Shed on October 29, 2007, 11:55:49
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?
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: dtw on October 29, 2007, 12:55:35
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'.
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: Tin Shed on October 29, 2007, 13:04:25
Thanks dwt - I think it needs news washers then.
The next question is - where do I get them from?
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: star on October 29, 2007, 18:42:20
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 ;)
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: asbean on October 29, 2007, 19:01:01
We tried running ptfe plumbing tape round the screw threads and that worked.
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: Kea on October 30, 2007, 09:38:13
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
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: asbean on October 30, 2007, 10:28:42
 :o :o :o   I can just picture it - how entertaining!!!!
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: Fork on October 30, 2007, 10:54:30
Read somewhere recently about someone who used that "No More Nails" stuff to stop there water butt tap leaking.
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: dtw on October 30, 2007, 12:39:02
I was going to suggest that, but it doesn't bond with plastic very well,
any small knock will break off.
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: Clayhithe on October 31, 2007, 14:55:21
where do I get them from?

Cut them from an old hot water bottle.
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: Tin Shed on October 31, 2007, 15:44:54
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.
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: cleo on October 31, 2007, 18:40:58
Handy hint-connect a length of hose with a stop end. Leave the tap open.

Saves wear and tear on the joint
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: Baaaaaaaa on November 05, 2007, 13:45:02
you can cut up and use anything rubber - innertubes, tyres, the kids training shoes, or the other halfs underware.
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: nippie on November 05, 2007, 14:24:14
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
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: flowerofshona2007 on November 05, 2007, 17:19:22
How about applying some bathroom silcone before you re seal it  :)
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: dtw on November 06, 2007, 22:54:21
Have you fixed it yet? 

The suspense is killing us. ;D
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: tartonterro on November 12, 2007, 21:41:54
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.
Title: Re: Leaky water butt
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on November 12, 2007, 21:45:31
Tut tut  :o Mind you there is nothing worse than a leaking butt  ;D

It might have been the piss barrel.
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