How to seal a crack in a metal milk churn?

[Rollerball]

I have an old, small metal milk churn (must be about 16" high, about 10" diameter at its widest point). It's filled with water and the dog drinks from it.

However, the churn has sprung a leak - there's a small crack that's about half an inch long - the leak has been intermittent because there's a fine layer of algae on the inside and sometimes that stops up the crack for a while.

I guess the churn is aluminium as it's not magnetic, that said the handle looks like steel but that also isn't magnetic .......

I've thought of using a suitable glue or silicone on the inside but it would need to be non-toxic.

Another alternative would be to line it with plastic, but that has its own problems.

Any other ideas please? I'm trying to avoid buying a new container.

 

[Scally-Ho]

Obtain a large fibreglass repair kit for car bodies and after a thoroughly good clean, line the churn's inside with fibreglass

 

[accelerator]

A large patch of Gorilla tape on the inside and outside should do it.

I doubt it would be toxic and cause a dog any harm, but you might like to check. Personally I can't see any risk.

 

[Rollerball]

A large patch of Gorilla tape on the inside and outside should do it.

I doubt it would be toxic and cause a dog any harm, but you might like to check. Personally I can't see any risk.

Thanks, a nice idea but just checked and it's not food safe.

I'm now thinking of food grade silicone sealant, but it seems a bit expensive to buy a tube of it costing about 9 quid when I only need a very tiny amount.

 

[accelerator]

Find another old, small metal milk churn

 

[foxhole]

Foil tape inside and out .

 

[SFK]

Was going to suggest "JB Weld",

But better yet is "JB WaterWeld" - which I did not know existed until just now.

Google Search

Quote: JB WaterWeld epoxy putty is safe for use in contact with potable (drinking) water after it has fully cured. It is specifically designed for sealing and repairing items that come into contact with water, including pipes, tubs, showers, drains, and even portable water tanks.

SFK

 

[robinbanks]

the handle looks like steel but that also isn't magnetic

Stainless steel generally isn't magnetic, btw

Know anyone with a decent welder?

 

[Rollerball]

Stainless steel generally isn't magnetic, btw

Know anyone with a decent welder?

I guess I could try my local garage.

 

[opps]

You can get silicone sealants and MS polymers designed for aquariums.

eg.

Aquarium Glue & Sealants - Maidenhead Aquatics

Range of aquarium safe glues and sealants that can be used for fixing leaks in damaged tanks, pipework and equipment. Or for various aquascaping

www.fishkeeper.co.uk

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I'd have gone with the JBweld, more than adequate and easy fix, anything else is bonkers.

 

[jj4091]

Pardon our interruption...

 

[Rollerball]

Was going to suggest "JB Weld",

But better yet is "JB WaterWeld" - which I did not know existed until just now.

Google Search

Quote: JB WaterWeld epoxy putty is safe for use in contact with potable (drinking) water after it has fully cured. It is specifically designed for sealing and repairing items that come into contact with water, including pipes, tubs, showers, drains, and even portable water tanks.

SFK

Thanks, I've decided to go for this - JB Weld JB8277 Waterweld

As you state, it's safe for use with potable water, so my dogs will be happy to be able to drink out of their favourite container again.

Thanks to everyone else for their suggestions as well.