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How to Fix Holes in a Rusty Water Tank

When you find puddles of water around your water tank, chances are your water tank rusted and ate through the tank material. A temporary fix may hold for weeks or months, giving you enough time to make arrangements to replace the water tank. When you find a rust hole in a traditional metal or steel water tank, using sealant may be the solution.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 tube of sealant/adhesive for use on metal
  • Caulking gun
  • Wire brush
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Putty knife
  • Metal paint (optional)
  • Paintbrush (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Clean the Water Tank

    • 1

      Empty the water tank to ensure the space around the leaky hole is dry.

    • 2

      Scrub the area around the hole with a wire brush to remove all the rust and clean the space.

    • 3

      Wipe the area with a microfiber cloth to ensure all dust particles and rust are removed from the space you will be working in.

    • 4

      Recheck the area to make sure you have removed all moisture and dirt before repairing the hole.

    Repair the Hole

    • 5

      Snip the tip off the sealant, making the hole as large as you need it to be to manage the adhesive easily.

    • 6

      Insert the tube of sealant into the caulking gun. Ensure it is snapped securely into place.

    • 7

      Dab the sealant around the area until the space is fully covered with the product.

    • 8

      Smear the sealant evenly over the affected area with the putty knife.

    • 9

      Paint the area over and around the sealant once the product is dry; this is highly recommended if your water tank is located outside as exposure to sunlight and the elements can break down the sealant at a rapid rate. For water tanks inside a building, this step is optional.