Zinc tubs are ideal for nostalgic mini garden ponds. The containers may show some rust. This highlights the rustic look even more. A leak, however, is problematic. Luckily, the leak was quickly fixed. On this page you will learn how to seal your zinc tub.
How to seal a zinc tub?
To seal a leaking zinc tub, you can attach silicone (for plants only), pond liner (for mini ponds), fiberglass mats and synthetic resin or replacement parts. For small holes in upper areas, you can also fill in shallow water and use aquatic plants.
Ways to repair a zinc tub
Silicone
The all-rounder silicone is probably the first thing that comes to the mind of eager DIY enthusiasts when an object needs to be sealed. However, the product is not always as effective in use as expected. Whether you can seal your zinc tub with silicone depends on the type of use. If you use the tub as a flower bed and only fill the container with soil, using silicone is not a problem. However, if your zinc tub houses a mini pond, a silicone seal will not hold. When applying it, it is important that you always work on the outside wall.
Seal with pond liner
If you want to seal a mini pond, you should use pond liner (€39.00 on Amazon). Use this to line your zinc tub. Make sure that no wrinkles form.
Glass fiber mats and synthetic resin
Two other useful tools are
- Fiberglass mats
- and resin
You can get both utensils from car dealers, or with a bit of luck even from craft stores. When sealing, proceed as follows:
- Pour the viscous resin into a tub.
- Dip the mat in it.
- Place the mat on the leaking area of the zinc pan.
Attach replacement line
Zinc tubs are usually made of the same material as your gutter. Do you still have some waste left over from assembly? Then simply solder them onto the small crack. However, you should first consider whether the effort is really worth it. Soldering irons have a high cost, which is often far too expensive for repairing tiny cracks. However, if you have the opportunity to borrow the tool, it is definitely worth using.
Tip
You've never worked with a soldering iron before? Then ask a roofer for help.
Alternatives
Perhaps repairing is unnecessary. If the hole is at the top of the zinc tub, simply fill the tub with shallow water and plant it with aquatic plants that thrive even at low water levels, for example:
- double marsh marigold
- heart-leaved frog spoon
- fresh green Cyprus grass
- Arrowweed
