The joint on the base of a galvanised watering can is leaking.
What type of solder and flux is used to repair it?
What type of solder and flux is used to repair it?
Soldering a watering can
- Thread starter John.Stitch
- Start date
probaly welded.. not soldered..
could be braized I supposed... but galv fumes are nasty so wear a mask..
could be braized I supposed... but galv fumes are nasty so wear a mask..
If the joint is leaking because it wasn't formed properly, you could probably use a roofing/gutter sealant around the inside.
If it's rusted through, any repair is going to rust again unless very well treated.
There is a chance that if you have a blowtorch to get the area hot enough, you could get some solder to stick, but I think it'll test your patience!
If it's rusted through, any repair is going to rust again unless very well treated.
There is a chance that if you have a blowtorch to get the area hot enough, you could get some solder to stick, but I think it'll test your patience!
To elaborate the can was left outside over winter with water in it and the water froze which expanded and pushed the bottom out into a convex shape so that it would not stand up as normal.
I hammered the base flat aware that it may break the joint between the base and the side and it now leaks.
I tried soldering using plumbers solder and flux but it would not take so I will remove that and hammer the joint flat to get a good a seal as possible then apply some silicon to the inside of the joint.
thanks for all your advice
I hammered the base flat aware that it may break the joint between the base and the side and it now leaks.
I tried soldering using plumbers solder and flux but it would not take so I will remove that and hammer the joint flat to get a good a seal as possible then apply some silicon to the inside of the joint.
thanks for all your advice
Most of the galvanised watering cans I've seen had rolled seams around the base, like an oversized tin can. A bit of water lodged in the seam, and a winter frost may have sprung the seam, unrolling it enough to cause a leak.
I would go with a bead of sealant around the inside.
Galvanised steel should solder nicely with the right flux (probably something like Bakers No. 3) and a lead bearing solder, using a large hatchet shaped bolt (soldering iron) and a few years experience. The old adage was a good tinman could solder a cat's tail to a brick wall.
It's one of those repair jobs that could end up as rebuilding the whole watering can, as patching the leak just chases it further round each of the seams in turn.
I would go with a bead of sealant around the inside.
Galvanised steel should solder nicely with the right flux (probably something like Bakers No. 3) and a lead bearing solder, using a large hatchet shaped bolt (soldering iron) and a few years experience. The old adage was a good tinman could solder a cat's tail to a brick wall.
It's one of those repair jobs that could end up as rebuilding the whole watering can, as patching the leak just chases it further round each of the seams in turn.
they will fix it - and nick half your other tools 
. Got many round your way 
DIYnot Local
Staff member
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local
