When it comes to patch a small leak in a water tank, trough, or any other large metal container there are some things you can do. Actually this method comes recommended by the US Department of Agriculture and has the advantage of being cold. There is no more need for you to weld, solder or do anything else with heated materials. What you really need to have is a drill, a toggle fastener and bolt, a rubber gasket and a brass washer. If you like this article on water tanks visit rainwater tank for more education.
Remember that this assembly usually won’t work on a seam. With that also remember that this is not a permanent repair. In case you find a hole in the tanks it meant that the whole tank wall is weakening and you’ll probably have to replace the tank soon.
See to it that you drain the tank. The next thing you want to do is to remove any rust around the offending hole, either with a chemical rust remover or with sandpaper. Thirdly, be sure to consult with a good hardware man.
People will notice that it is hard to find all the things you need in a large store alone. Always make sure to get a small toggle fastener, the smaller the better. Always make sure you get the one with a winged affair with a hinged joint in the middle that allows you to fold it together. More expert water tanks information is located at rain water tanks.
An easy way you can start is by putting the fastener on the end of a bolt, fold the wings of the fastener, then shove the bolt end and the folded fastener through the hole in the side of the tank, where the fastener wings expand and give the bolt gripping power. With the smaller fastener, the smaller the hole you have to drill and cover. If you can find a brass bolt to go with the toggle fastener, so much the better because brass doesn’t rust.
It is best to get a rubber washer or gasket two or three times as wide as the tank hole, plus a brass washer about the same size or slightly smaller. With the two they should have holes in the middle not much bigger around than the bolt that will go through them. Not getting it to fit well will create more leaks.
You may be able to use solid pieces of rubber and metal and drill your own boles in the middle if you are not able to get the things you need. With the tank, enlarge the leaking hole in the side of the tank with your drill, just large enough to slip the folded toggle fastener through to the other side. To make it more durable, smear the area around the drilled hole with rubber cement and let the glue dry. In this case assemble your bolt with the brass washer outermost, then the rubber gasket, then the toggle fastener. Remember to use a square or hexagonal nut if the bold is headless.
Remember that is ideal you Smear the back side of the rubber gasket with rubber glue and let dry. This time when the glue at the back of the gasket meets the glue on the side of the tank, the two faces will bond to a certain extent. Here it is the best time to Slip the folded toggle fastener through the hole in the tank and tighten the bold head or nut with a wrench. Now you will get a usable tank.