Need Help With a Plumbing Issue

lowfog01 · Post by **lowfog01** » Wed. Feb. 15, 2012 5:51 am

Hi Guys,

I'm building a rain barrel. The you tube video says I need a 1 1/2 inch reverse thread "bung" to go through the plastic barrel and provide a platform to screw the spigot on to. My problem is I can't find a bulk head "bung" on any webpage or any HD or Lowes, not even our independent hardware store has them. I'm I asking for the wrong name? I'm told that a plumbing supply store would have these but I can't find them. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Lisa

tsb · Post by **tsb** » Wed. Feb. 15, 2012 6:15 am

Try asking for a bulkhead fitting in plastic.

Sting · Post by **Sting** » Wed. Feb. 15, 2012 8:00 am

**Broken Link(s) Removed**

stovepipemike · Post by **stovepipemike** » Wed. Feb. 15, 2012 8:14 am

If you still have difficulty finding what you want, go to your local farm supply dealer. They will have access to large plastic farm tanks and all associated hardware. Mike

lowfog01 · Post by **lowfog01** » Wed. Feb. 15, 2012 9:36 am

Sting wrote:http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAIN-RESERVE-RAIN-BARREL- ... 2c63107362

Thanks, that's the fitting I used on the first rain barrel I did but I'm not happy with the strength on that spigot. I'm afraid I will pull it out while its hooked to the hose. If I can't find the bulk head fitting I may have to go that way again. Thanks again, Lisa

lowfog01 · Post by **lowfog01** » Wed. Feb. 15, 2012 9:36 am

stovepipemike wrote:If you still have difficulty finding what you want, go to your local farm supply dealer. They will have access to large plastic farm tanks and all associated hardware. Mike

Thanks for the tip. I'll check them out. Lisa

Rick 386 · Post by **Rick 386** » Wed. Feb. 15, 2012 10:29 am

Lisa,

You can also check out any store that deals with outside fish ponds or pool supply warehouses. Most of them have a pretty good supply of plastic fittings.

Perhaps an older hardware store employee can help you put something together. I find those type employees a hell of a lot more knowlegeable then the employees at the big box stores.

Rick

lowfog01 · Post by **lowfog01** » Wed. Feb. 15, 2012 11:31 am

Rick 386 wrote:
Perhaps an older hardware store employee can help you put something together. I find those type employees a hell of a lot more knowlegeable then the employees at the big box stores.

Rick

Me, too. The older guys at our local Ace just love to be faced with a challenge. They are the ones that helped me improvise a vacuum attachment for behind my Harman's rear baffle. They spent a hour or so just brain storming.

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions but the product Sting suggested is going to be the least inexpensive even with my perceived short comings. A quick internet search showed me the "bung" alone is around $20 and then you still have to get the spigot and the nipples. The rain reserve product is complete for 15.90 from Amazon.com so that's how I'll go. It will be great, I will just have to be careful when yanking on the hose. Thanks again, have a great day. Today is beautiful around here - the crocuses are coming up - it's going to hit 50* again today. Take care, Lisa

mozz · Post by **mozz** » Wed. Feb. 15, 2012 7:51 pm

I made a rain barrel a few years back, green algae started growing inside because the barrel was white.

freetown fred · Post by **freetown fred** » Wed. Feb. 15, 2012 9:17 pm

Also, get a large rubber washer to put between the tightening nut & the inside of the barrel. Cut one to fit if you can't find one that fits exactly.

lowfog01 · Post by **lowfog01** » Thu. Feb. 16, 2012 5:56 am

freetown fred wrote:Also, get a large rubber washer to put between the tightening nut & the inside of the barrel. Cut one to fit if you can't find one that fits exactly.

Thanks for the reminder, HD actually sells sheets of rubber to cut washers and gaskets from. I ordered the kit that Sting suggested. It makes the project about $15 cheaper start to finish. Thanks again, Lisa

PS - I only use blue or black food quality barrels for my rain barrels. It's just easier for a couple of bucks more.