How to seal a hole in a water garden container

kennykenny · 06-09-2011, 10:43 PM

I have a patio whiskey barrel water garden. I would like to cut a hole in the side of the barrel to run the hose that extends from the pump inside the barrel to the outside pump outside of the barrel so the hose doesn't have to hang over the side from the top. Is this a good idea to cut a hole in the barrel or am I just opening up a problem that I am not going to be able to seal? If possible to seal the hole, what can I use?

**oh'mike** · 06-10-2011, 08:13 AM

Any hardware store will have the fittings needed for that----The name escapes me right now--sorry.

one side will have a hose thread---the other a long threaded section with a rubber washer --a metal washer and a nut.

Make sure that the inside of the hole is sanded smooth (whiskey barrels are charred ) and you are good.
If seepage occurs a sealant like permatex or Form-a-gasket should work (auto parts store or hardware store) Silicone might work,but I doubt it because of the wet wood.

kennykenny · 06-10-2011, 02:14 PM

Thanks for the information. I forgot to mention that my whiskey barrel is not made of wood but is the heavy duty resin plastic material(see pic). Will this affect the use of the marterials that you are mentioning?

BTW, if you rememeber the name of the fittings needed, please let me know. Thanks!

**oh'mike** · 06-10-2011, 06:40 PM

Plastic makes it easier---Bung hole port---try to ask for that with a straight face

---Mike---

They are fairly common---used to attach drain hose to washing machine drain pans--

sdsester · 06-12-2011, 07:46 PM

Make sure you auger or hole saw is sharp so you get a nice clean hole.

kennykenny · 06-16-2011, 12:55 PM

I checked into the bung hole port at my local Lowes and Home Depot. Neither one carried them seperately from the washing machine pans. Even if they did, the port would be too big for the hose that I am using from from my pump. I believe that the hose diamater is either 1/2 or 3/4 in.

Any other suggestions? Thanks!

Mike Swearingen · 06-17-2011, 11:15 AM

I would just use black plastic roofing cement to seal around the hose.
It is very sticky and will seal a roof leak in the driving rain. In comes in different size containers.
Whenever I use it, I always use old clothes, and throw-away rubber gloves and a paint paddle or something similar to smear it on with.
I have used it for roof leaks and my waterfront bulkhead leaks for years.
Works great!
Good Luck!
Mike