Horizontal nipples leaking from drilled hole.

[dmbnj]

I have a 5gal bucket water that was fine for 6 months. Now it is leaking from where the nipples are inserted. I tried teflon tape but that didn't help. Any solutions that are cheaper than a new bucket?

 

[Odelia]

Is Teflon tape the same as plumbers tape?

 

[Rocky Rhodes]

Caulk?

 

[Monguire]

Cheapest/easiest solution I've found is to smear the threads on the nipple with beeswax or petroleum jelly and then screw it into the bucket. Makes a cheap n easy water-seal. Might have to wipe up any globs off inside the bucket depending on how liberally one applies the gunk.

 

[speedy2020]

The trick is use drill bit smaller than recommend. This will allow you to tight in the future if need. You could check Craigslist for free bucket or plastic barrel.

 

[pdirt]

If you do use caulk, be sure to use the one made for aquariums, it has fewer toxic substances that can leach into the water.

The beeswax sounds like a great simple fix, though.

Also, be sure to to not thread the nipples too tight. Hand tighten until firm/snug, perhaps a little less firm that you think might be necessary. I say this because most people's tendency is to overtighten things, which in plumbing can lead to leaks.

The hole size I have used for all my horizontal nipple waterers (most of which are buckets, but I have used yogurt tubs) is 3/8". This has been the perfect size, in my experience.