How to Repair Water Butts

[art600]

Two of my water butts have developed leaks.  I thought at first they had split, but on closer examination the area looks as if it is peppered with tiny holes.

With the impending drought in the south of england I would like to rescue these butts.

Any thoughts please

[gote]

It is posible to line them with polyester and glass fibre. I do not know what you can find in your area but I would buy a litre or so of the stuff used to build plastic boats and sufficient amount of glass fibre fabric (thin) used for the same purpose. When the but is dry, I would mix some of the stuf with the hardener and cover the inside using a flat paint brush. Then, using the brush, I would press a layer of the fabric onto the inside and finally give it a top coat. I have done this a couple of times and it worked for me. You can mix in some pigment to avoid the coat being too obvious.
This is a very short sescriptionof how it works. If you decide to do it get more info from manufacturers and boat enthusiasts.
Good luck
Göte 

[bulborum]

The same is for sale at Garages for repairing cars
The very large Superstores as tesco also sells it

Roland

[Maren]

Hi Roland,

reading Göte's description, am I right in saying that we are dealing with two different substances:

a) the polyester compound
b) the glass fibre fabric?

Do Tesco sell both of these? what are they called?

I have 4 butts to be repaired, and this is a welcome incentive.

[bulborum]

There are three components

a) the polyester compound
b) hardener
c) the woven glass fibre mat

I think they call it Polyester car repair kit

Roland

[art600]

Thanks Gote and Roland for your advice.

I am told there is something I could paint over the area - I forget the namer - but it is very expensive.  what you have suggested is not nearly as expensive and will enable me to reclaim 2 butts.

Maren - glad I thought to raise the topic and hope you succeed with your 4 butts.

[David Nicholson]

Arthur, glad to see Derbyshire men are as tight as Yorkshiremen

[art600]

On my mother's side there is a good line of Scottish forebears 

[PDJ]

You can repair them by putting a cheap liner of polythene or pond liner inside same as with a pedal bin.

[ronm]

IF the damage is not great, I find the careful use of a heated piece of metal usually takes care of cracks etc.

[chasw]

Its a shame none of you live nearer,we have a local juice company that has the raw juice come in 40 gallon blue barrels,managed to buy two at a fiver each.........and now both joined ,so when one is full it automatically feeds the other

[ronm]

There used to be a tannery near you in Irthlingborough Chas. I used to get all mine there. Shame its gone now .

[chasw]

Yes there used to be quite a few in the area ,its a shame the boot and shoe industry has almost dissapeared

[Maren]

Thank you Roland, that's first class advice. I'll go buy the stuff and do it ASAP.

[Maggi Young]

I remember seeing a paint-on type of material advertised for repairs of a leaking  roof, gutters etc.  Demo was of large bucket with holes and slits which regained its ability to hold water after treatment with the stuff.... of course, I cannot remember  what it was called... a search has not found it yet.... but I've come up with some other stuff!
 Rescue 911® -- Multi-purpose Instant  Leak Sealer

http://www.repairproducts.co.uk/page37.htm

That and more : http://www.repairproducts.co.uk/page29.htm

Flexacryl Roof Repair Compound Black 1kg
http://www.diynot.com/shop/Building/Building-Chemicals/Flexacryl_Roof_Repair_Compound_Black_1kg/7584