More than one way is available when it comes to patch a small leak in a water tank, trough, or any other large metal container. Particularly, this method comes recommended by the US Department of Agriculture and has the advantage of being cold. The good thing about this is that you don’t have 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.

Keep in mind that this assembly usually won’t work on a seam. Also this is not a long term repair option. Just one small hole on the tank wall will mean that the whole tank wall is weakening and you’ll probably have to replace the tank soon. You’ll learn more about water tanks when you visit rain water tank.

Make sure you drain the tank. After which you have to remove any rust around the offending hole, either with a chemical rust remover or with sandpaper. Always keep in mind that you have to consult with a good hardware man next.

It may be hard for you to find all the things you need in a large store by yourself. Always make sure to get a small toggle fastener, the smaller the better. Here the type you want is a winged affair with a hinged joint in the middle that allows you to fold it together.

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. When your fastener is small then the holes you have to cover and drill are small as well. It is best if you can find a brass bolt to go with the toggle fastener, because brass doesn’t rust. To find out more on water tanks check out rainwater harvesting.

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. Both of the things should have holes in the middle not much bigger around than the bolt that will go through them. A bad fit will create more leaks in the future.

Remember that as an alternative you may be able to use solid pieces of rubber and metal and drill your own boles in the middle. It is important that you 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. It will be more durable if you smear the area around the drilled hole with rubber cement and let the glue dry. Keep in mind that it is best to assemble your bolt with the brass washer outermost, then the rubber gasket, then the toggle fastener. Having a headless bolt will require you to use a square or hexagonal nut.

Keep in mind that you need to Smear the back side of the rubber gasket with rubber glue and let dry. Remember that 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. When this happens remember to Slip the folded toggle fastener through the hole in the tank and tighten the bold head or nut with a wrench. Doing so will now give you a usable tank.

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