Rain barrel that leaks- what to do?

All33347824
by All33347824
I have tried the black flex spray that is advertised on tv to patch a cut up boat, but on the plastic barrel it just peeled off. The leaks are on the bottom side in the seams and around the facet.

  7 answers
  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on May 06, 2018

    You could try the flex seal caulk.

  • Photography77 Photography77 on May 06, 2018

    Try using some clear sealant that is used in aquariums, get a tube of it.

  • Betty Betty on May 06, 2018

    Flex seal chalk is good for leaks .wal mart sells it cheaper then other stores .

  • Ken Ken on May 06, 2018

    Polyethylene just does not glue well. Best solution is to search for a new barrel locally. Seriously. They are inexpensive to purchase from companies that use them to transport liquids only once. Usually they cost less than the flex spray you used to repair yours.


    If you view this as a challenge, I had success repairing cracks in polyethylene using a piece of a laundry detergent bottle and a heat gun to melt it onto the original surface. Mine did not need to be water tight so I cannot say if it was. As for the "facet", use Teflon tape on the threads. If the faucet is molded in rather than screwed in, you need a new barrel.

  • Antk8 Antk8 on May 06, 2018

    why not jut get a heavy plastic drop cloth and line the barrel with it? As it fills with water the water will form it to the inside of the barrel. Just be sure to leave some slack so it is not pulling on the plastic as it fills.

  • William William on May 06, 2018

    HA HA! Flex Seal! McGyver has some in his back pocket with the pocket knife and duct tape. Use a two part epoxy along the seam. Force it into the crack. Use 100% silicone sealant around the faucet.