Leaking watertank

[russall]

I have a 3000l Water tank which appears now that it is full to be leaking from the tap. At small triangle of wetness comes down from the tap.
The tank is poly with a brass fitting moulded into it.
I'm pretty sure that the leak is due to me not using enough tape between the brass fitting and the 1" poly adaptor that goes between the tank and the tap. I only used about 3-4 laps of tape and from doing a few searches I think I needed much much more.

Am I stupid to try and redo with the tank full? With water coming out? would it be possible to get a good seal again, or shall i just waste 3000l of water?
:doh:

[Metung]

I had a similar problem even though mine was installed by a plumber so it could happen to anybodt. It was only a small leak so I smeared some plumbers silicon around the junction and that luckily fixed the problem. Worth a try to start with.

[journeyman Mick]

I've pulled a 2" bung out of the bottom of a 26,000 litre tank and fitted a camlock to it without losing too much water but I did get a bit wet. If you're worried about losing too much water you could get another tap and have it ready, all taped up. Alternatively, if access is good (ie manhole above tap) you could fit a rubber ball on the end of a slender stick and poke that down to stop the water flow as the pressure should hold it in place. If you have a second tap though, you'll be suprised at how quickly you can get it swapped over.

Mick

[russall]

Thanks, that's exactly the advice I wanted to hear!

Cheers,

[Vernonv]

If you have a second tap though, you'll be suprised at how quickly you can get it swapped over.

Yeah, there's nothing like water gushing out of a water tank to motivate you to work quickly :D.

When refitting the valve, make sure it is open, otherwise if will be difficult to get it on, as you are working against the water pressure.

[russall]

Good tip Vernonv. I hadn't thought of keeping the tap open. nice one.

[journeyman Mick]

Ooops, yeah, forgot to mention, if you don't have the tap/valve open you'll get very wet and will have great difficulty getting it back in place.:-

Mick