Polyethylene Water Tank Repair - Crack

Links to other rainwater videos and an Amazon Parts list is below the Description.
This post cover Polyethylene Water Tank Repair - Crack. Note: Do not do any kind of welding inside a tank without proper ventilation - It can kill you! We show you how to repair a crack in a Polyethylene Water Tank, but the same method can be used for anything made of polyethylene, including canoes, kayaks, or anything else.
See some of our other Rainwater Harvest videos here:
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Large Rainwater Harvesting System Design: • Large Rainwater Harves...
Rainwater Harvesting Lessons Learned: • RainWater Harvesting L...
More Rainwater Harvesting System Lessons Learned: • More Rain Water Catchm...
Rainwater Harvesting Winterization: • Rainwater Harvesting W...
Rainwater Harvesting Spring Preparation: • Rainwater Harvesting S...
Large Rainwater Harvesting System Upgrade - 1200 Gallon to 4500 Gallon: • Large Rainwater Harves...
First Flush Downspout Water Diverter Product Review: • First Flush Downspout ...
Leaf Eater Product Review: • Leaf Eater Product Review
Rainwater Harvesting System in Action Catching rain from Tropical Storm Ida: • Rainwater Harvesting S...
Permaculture Rainwater Harvesting Swale - How to Dig a Swale with a 2-Bottom Plow: • Permaculture Rainwater...
Rainwater Swale 1-Year Update: • Permaculture Rainwater...
Rainwater Harvesting System2: • Rainwater Harvesting S...
Video Tour of Another Completed Rainwater Harvesting Project: • Rainwater Harvest Vide...
How to Stop Algae from Growing in you Rainwater Harvest Tank: • How to Stop Algae From...
Polyethylene Water Tank Repair: • Polyethylene Water Tan...
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Valid Comment from Sp9rks: "Anyone doing this type of repair that is done inside a tank be aware of the extreme danger of confined spaces. You can die quickly and not see it coming. You may not think there's fumes etc but are risking your life. To lower the risk, have another person on the outside with something to put a large hole in the tank quickly if the worst happens and you collapse. Obviously use a fan in the tank to ventilate it but prepare for the worst. An axe etc is probably a good thing to have handy. Tanks can be replaced but not your loved one/s. Rescues from confined spaces often result in the rescuer dying as well as the other."
The Tank
I bought two 1550-gallon polyethylene tanks that I found on Craig’s list. I bought both for $450, which is about half of what one tank costs. Both tanks needed a little repair, but it was still a good deal. This post covers how to repair a crack. I’ll do another post in the future on how to repair a hole or gouge.
The Crack
The crack that I’m working on looks like it happened by an object hitting the tank and creating the crack with one half of the cracked piece knocked inward.
Clean
The first step was to clean the tank. I did this with a brush, water, and mild dish soap. I washed the outside of the tank just like I would a car. This prevents dirt and debris from getting into the repaired area. On the inside, the tank had some sand in it. I took my shop vac in and vacuumed up all of the dirt on the inside and wiped down the repair area with a wet rag.
Level the Crack
The next step is to level the crack. The two pieces on either side of the crack do not line up, so I stuck a screwdriver in the crack and pried the inner piece out to line up with the outer piece.
The Welder
They make a kit for welding polyethylene. I bought my kit from Amazon and it cost just over $100. I’ll include a link to that below. The welding kit is like a big hot soldering iron with sticks of polyethylene that you use to fill in gaps.
0:00 Intro and Dent
0:56 View the Crack and Hear the Plan
2:37 The Welding Kit
4:31 Prepping the Tank
5:01 Iron to the Tank
6:24 V in the Tank
7:10 Fill the V
7:53 Inside the Tank (Use Ventilation)
8:44 Screen Going In
10:08 Screen Installed
11:27 Conclusion
#rainwaterharvesting #rainwater #rainwatersystem
Check out our blog at: greatescapefarms.com/

[@missyrabbit5250]

I got a 1500 gallon tank for free since it had a large crack. I am going to.fix it. Thank you for video

[@marcymorehead3873]

Todd, Thank you for taking my call today. I am glad to hear that 4 years later, the tank is still being used. The video was very helpful. Dave

[@caseG80]

Marcy Morehead good to know it’s still holding up cheers

[@greatescapefarms]

You are welcome.

[@danieleckart3103]

@@greatescapefarms still holding?

[@farzadadam]

Thank you so much! : Happy new year to you and your family, blessing brother

[@greatescapefarms]

Thank you and to you and your family as well.

[@chrisj7663]

Thanks. Excellent tutorial !

[@TomStedham]

This was very informative.

[@greatescapefarms]

Thanks Tom!

[@platimer1]

This was great and entertaining when you are in the tank speaking!!! Like the Wizard of Oz

[@greatescapefarms]

Yea, it was interesting shooting this video. It was interesting climbing into the tank as well. If I were to gain another two pounds, I wouldn’t be able to fit inside. But it was worth buying the tank so cheap and fixing it up. Saved many hundreds of dollars.

[@nasmr1234]

Thank you for this useful video. It is better to clean the Cracks .

[@greatescapefarms]

Thanks!

[@davidsauerwrx7460]

I accidently drilled a 5/16 hole in the gray water tank on my RVG (Yes, I know lets not talk about how!) All I had to do was run a 3/8 tap into the hole and put in a 3/8 bolt covered with silicone. The tank was plenty thick Worked great! Dave

[@scootersonlyrepair6773]

Good thing it's just grey water and the epa says grey water is ok to dump on dry ground. I argued with a cop for almost an hour before he found out he was wrong, because I leave my grey water open and I live on the street

[@fergferguson7370]

Good job ...thanks for the video

[@greatescapefarms]

You are welcome.

[@Kieran46100]

I thank you Sir for your excellent Video, this is very helpful for me in repairing in a PE coolant expansion-tank

[@greatescapefarms]

You are welcome.

[@chantelleyurechuk9764]

Great vid, Thanks. I Am working on to fix a childs Slide

[@harrybrown4815]

one thing I learned whilst working on gas pipe replacement in the UK is to scrape the plastic with a stanley blade or sharp knife to ensure the that teh plastic is clean and green that is no contaminates on, in the polymer to be welded.

[@greatescapefarms]

Good call. I was fortunate that it worked for my scenario.

[@Accumulator1]

Did you use a brass scraper so the gas didn't blow your ass apart?

[@lolomasumasu1703]

Thanks alot I should try it too.

[@greatescapefarms]

Please do. If you go into the tank like I did, please consider forced air or breathing apparatus of some sort. It has been pointed out that oxygen can be depleted quickly in a tank and melted plastic is toxic.

[@scootersonlyrepair6773]

I have repaired abs bumper covers this way but mow my ldpe water tank has a Crack forming so I wanted to make sure the process was the same

[@Interp66]

Great job! I’m new to plastic welding and this is a big help! I have a small pond and I’m going to use mine to build filters and stuff like that! New supporter here!

[@greatescapefarms]

Thanks!

[@sp9rks716]

Anyone doing this type of repair that is done inside a tank be aware of the extreme danger of confined spaces. You can die quickly and not see it coming. You may not think there's fumes etc but are risking your life. To lower the risk, have another person on the outside with something to put a large hole in the tank quickly if the worst happens and you collapse. Obviously use a fan in the tank to ventilate it but prepare for the worst. An axe etc is probably a good thing to have handy. Tanks can be replaced but not your loved one/s. Rescues from confined spaces often result in the rescuer dying as well as the other.

[@greatescapefarms]

Agreed. I just added a section in the show notes about this topic. Thanks!

[@laurarichman6998]

Did you ever do the video on how to repair the hole in the tank? Can't find it on your site.

[@greatescapefarms]

I'm sorry. Life has got in the way and it is still waiting for repair. :(

[@schandrakalalaxmilaxmi3129]

Supper

[@greatescapefarms]

Thanks!

[@RAINMAN309]

My outer tub on my washing machine is all cracked up and leaking water what adhesive can I use to fix it to where it doesn't leak anymore

[@greatescapefarms]

Sorry, I have no experience with washing machines and don't know what material the tub is made of.

[@rapnakaraibach6627]

Hi, thank you for that video. You said that in other video you will show how to seal bottom part of water tank. Can you send me link where i can Find it?:)thx in advance

[@greatescapefarms]

Sorry, I have not posted that video yet. It should be coming in the spring of 2021.

[@rapnakaraibach6627]

@@greatescapefarms ok np thx 4 answer 👍🏽

[@mtman84]

@@greatescapefarms Have you posted this video yet? I need the help desperately with multiple big cuts in a tank. Thank's!

[@asasial1977]

Probably a good idea to have a fan at the opening to circulate air when you are inside. Not trying to preach or be nitpicky but easy to run out of air and not realize until its to late.

[@greatescapefarms]

A good note on safety. Thank you!

[@user-lx4bi9xd8i]

👍👍👍

[@greatescapefarms]

Thanks.

[@jforeman8401]

Where’s the other video, I’ve got the exact same problem in the bottom center of a 2200 gallon white pe tank never been used but the hole is 6-7”x3-4” I thought of adding a plate with a 2” treaded coupling for a drain, it’s gonna be for rainwater collection for the house

[@greatescapefarms]

I'm sorry, I've been swamped on the farm and still have not fixed that tank yet. I hope to do it this year.

[@farzadadam]

Excellent idea, it looks promissing,, but, he mention that he has another video to fix the buttom of the water tank,, WHERE IS THE CLIP,

[@greatescapefarms]

I apologize for the delays. Summer slipped away from me and it is now too cold to do the work (7 Degrees F right now). I will be doing to work and video in the April 2018 timeframe. Again, sorry for the delay.

[@ellsworth5841]

Soooo.... did it work? I mean, when you filled the tank, was there zero leaking?? I am pretty sure the tank I bought (at auction) may have a similar gouge, but in the bottom/base/underside. MUCH more water pressure there than up near the top edge, so I am really curious how this worked out for you. Thanks.

[@greatescapefarms]

This worked great for me. The tanks are full right now with no leakage at all. I have another tank I'll be repairing in the next couple of weeks that sounds similar to yours. It looks like someone took a chainsaw and cut a line at the bottom corner of the tank right where it curves under. I'm going to repair it relatively the same way, but it will require a lot more material to fill in the hole. Keep an eye out for the video - likely coming in September. I'll put it in the system I have and offload water from the other two tanks and pressure test it before I put the video out.

[@ellsworth5841]

Thanks for the info. I'll be looking for the next video. Sounds closer to my situation.

[@greatescapefarms]

Unfortunately it is still on the to do list. I have way more projects than time, but I will get to it.

[@nicolaslockheimers]

Can fiberglass sheets render the same results?

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

How did you get inside? And how do you get out? 🤔🤨

[@greatescapefarms]

I just crawled in (and out).

[@fishytales3768]

Got a 25 litre container leaking but I can't even see a crack I'm well confused. I've been over it with a torch and can't see a thing.

[@greatescapefarms]

That sounds like a gas/fuel can. I have had mine leak right at the seam, usually on the top. Hope that helps.

[@fishytales3768]

@@greatescapefarms That's what I put it down to.

[@megostop9650]

How to avoid the fume while in the tank?

[@mapquestHs]

Buy yourself a breathing apparatus and be sure to call osha to watch you do the job...Or tough it out like a big boy :)

[@greatescapefarms]

Yes, I should have taken the air and fumes into account in the closed spaces.

[@rhondalarson2422]

Joe N500 must not have watched the video. This WAS done from the inside as well as on the outside. It wasn't done with glue but melted polyethylene. Seems pretty permanent to me.

[@greatescapefarms]

So far it is holding up great!

[@kenwebster5053]

Absolutely do not weld inside a tank without respiration gear. Fume levels will be much higher in the enclosed space than open air, even by thousands of times. Chemicals are absorbed through the lungs more readily than any other way. This would be highly hazardous to your health and likely to cause permanent and debilitating illness. I had a friend, antique dealer/restorer who suffered nerve damage paralysis from spraying finishers. At 1st people assumed he was drunk. He ended up in a wheel chair and died not long after. Didn't even make 50, left a wife & 2 boys. Just don't do anything like this ever, nothing is worth that price. Patch the outside only.

[@greatescapefarms]

Noted and won't be repeated. Show notes also noted.

[@otrotland5377]

screen from a metal screen door?

[@RitaElaineHeltonBarker-uz4sz]

I was thinking of using a propane torch to heat the crack and then melt a burning milk jug to fill in the crack ?

[@greatescapefarms]

I have never tried that method. Use caution as to not set the jug or tank on fire.

[@RitaElaineHeltonBarker-uz4sz]

@@greatescapefarms yes open flames may be ill advised it could start a Fire which would burn down my Tank

[@greatescapefarms]

@@RitaElaineHeltonBarker-uz4sz Good luck with your fix.

[@neweraadhesivesealantspvt.7291]

We provide complete pipes & plastic joining, sealing repairing solution for pvc pipe, plastic item and specialized tape.

[@greatescapefarms]

thanks.

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

It looks like a puncture wound to me, not a crack. My tank has a 40” crack in it. We’re going fix it but don’t know how, Maybe some form of this repair, I have a few soldering irons.

[@greatescapefarms]

That's a big crack. Good luck.

[@TheRainHarvester]

Maybe use that underwater tape?

[@salehkhzank]

for more information

[@greatescapefarms]

ok.

[@kennethrutt7986]

Is your repair still holding today?

[@greatescapefarms]

Yes it is. These tanks are my only source of water for my nursery business and the repair is holding up great!

[@otrotland5377]

I used hot glue and a soldering iron.

[@greatescapefarms]

Did that work ok?

[@oafdawg314]

Should have drilled a 1/4" hole on top and bottom of the crack to relive stress so the crack doesn't continue.

[@greatescapefarms]

Good idea. Thanks.

[@Johnny67Ciwa]

Whats that? Fiberglass?

[@greatescapefarms]

It is polyethylene, a kind of semi-soft plastic.

[@LiquidScreen]

Did you get inside the tank?!

[@greatescapefarms]

I did. It has been pointed out to me that I should have had a fan blowing fresh air in the tank. I have another to repair this fall (hopefully) and I'll do all the proper safety precautions for that one.

[@bluesporeprint659]

you really should have had forced air inside that tank while you were in there. breathable air depletes fast

[@greatescapefarms]

Good call. Thanks!

[@NoPeeking]

You drill a hole at each end of a crack to keep it from spreading then you do your repair. .

[@greatescapefarms]

Cool tip. I've been up and running for 4+ years now with no added cracking or water leakage.

[@JimmysSpeedShop]

Stop drilling works great, especially on parts that see flexing, used in aviation for years, standard practice

[@redesigndiva2331]

And then flex seal was invented~2020

[@greatescapefarms]

Well you just helped pinpoint one of my projects for spring 2021. I'll be giving this a try: amzn.to/3nJ45s0

[@MarkNOTW]

No. Flex seal isn’t going to hold up for long. Nothing sticks to poly.

[@TheRainHarvester]

​@@greatescapefarms did flexseal work?

[@alwoolhouse6255]

How did you get into the tank? You must be an alien or sutin (inspired by kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZi0o52tmqike5o :-). Nice tutorial - I have this kind of gun (not been out of the pack yet) and I'm looking to buy a lot of used IBCs which could be damaged. Thanks for posting.

[@greatescapefarms]

You are welcome.

[@caseG80]

Plastic is very toxic respirator is good idea

[@greatescapefarms]

Good call. Thanks!

[@joen5000]

This can't hold for long. If the repair were from the inside, it might have held longer. Since nearly no glue would stick to Polyethylene, it is an issue repairing it from the outside. I tried that in the past with various methods, nothing really functioned.

[@greatescapefarms]

Hi Joe, I invite you to re-watch the video. The repair and the screen support was put on from the inside. The repair itself was done with a polyethylene welder, which is not a welder, but rather melts the plastic together. I did the repairs on the outside as well, but like you said, the real support was on the inside.

[@joen5000]

I think, what you describe is the only way that it may hold for some time. When melting it from the inside, the pressure pushes the crack to be closed. You use the liquid pressure in your favor. Melting Polyethylene is the only logical way to somehow repair this crack, because most glues don't stick to it, except if there is a glue with a solution that melts it. I don't know of such a glue with such a material.

[@Robzilla007]

I like how you attempt to criticize his work without even watching the clip, good stuff! 👌

[@JoseRuizVlog]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXO7nopnj5uofqc this is how I fixed mine!

[@greatescapefarms]

Thanks.

[@mackjones7008]

would be great if you could hear what he was doing. could not hear hardly anything he was saying, was a complete waste of time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MarcusTinkersTooMuch]

This isn't a bad attempt, but save your self trouble and just call a local plastic welding service and get it done properly, so you can go back to not worrying about your tank.

[@greatescapefarms]

I had no idea there was such a thing. I just ran a google search and found 2 within 100 miles of me. Any guess what the service costs?

[@jagboy69]

150bucks for a cheap soldiering iron today in joe bidens america. :-/

[@farzadadam]

Thank you so much! : Happy new year to you and your family, blessing brother

[@greatescapefarms]

You are welcome. Happy New Year to your and your family as well!