Plastic barrel with a crane: the secrets of self-production

In this article we will talk about how to make a tap in a plastic barrel using the simplest valves that can be purchased at any plumbing store. But before embarking on the implementation of this simple task, we will determine the need for equipping the tank with drain mechanisms.

Currently, purchasing plastic containers of 200 liters or more is not problematic. These useful containers can be used for the accumulation and storage of water intended for irrigation of the summer cottage for arranging a summer shower, etc.

However, there is a problem, plastic containers, most often, are not equipped with a drain mechanism. At the same time, the price of a barrel with an already installed crane is high, and therefore it's time to learn how to make an adjustable drain with your own hands.

So, how to put the crane on a plastic barrel and what is needed for this?

We select the necessary fittings and consumables

Before attaching the crane to the plastic barrel, we will determine what is needed for this.

In addition to the barrel itself, you will need a special fitting, tight gaskets to seal the connection and stop valves, which will fit the design of the fitting.

Mortise fitting with seal is a type of fitting designed for the tight connection of a pipe or flexible hose to plastic or metal containers.

The fittings of this type, presented on the market, by the type of production materials are divided into polymeric and metal products.

• Metal fittings for inserts made of stainless steel or brass. Such fittings are good for corrosion resistance, strength and durability.

Important: When purchasing a mortise fitting, avoid buying low-quality, low-cost products, as such fittings are often made from silumin. As a result, literally after a couple of months of operation, such an insert will become unusable, since the material used in the production will crumble.

• Polymer Fittings for the device of tight cut-in connection of pipes, most often, are made of polyethylene.

The advantage of products made of polyethylene is their elasticity. As a result, a correctly installed pipe fitting will not crack even if the nut is tightened and will provide the required tightness.

Important: Polymer accessories for tapping are not designed for installation in tanks with a volume of more than 100 liters, as they withstand pressures of no more than 4 atmospheres.

Choosing the best option from the range of products on the market, we draw attention to the limit switch mortise fitting. For the installation of a complete valve, we need a product with a threaded end. If a plastic barrel is used to collect water used for irrigation, you can use a nozzle with a trailer designed to fix the flexible hose.

Now we know what needs to be purchased for a tie-in, but before inserting the faucet into a plastic barrel, you need to select a suitable stop valve.

The valve must correspond to the diameter of the nozzle connector. In addition, it is desirable that these devices were made of the same materials. That is, it is advisable to install valves made of similar materials on a brass tie-in. The same is true for stainless steel products.

For the operation of plastic barrels in domestic conditions two types of cranes are relevant:

• traditional versions with one rotary valve - a universal, easy-to-install solution, the price of which is low;
• The ball valve “American” is the optimal solution for arranging a summer shower and similar structures, where the stop valves are stationary.

Features of the installation work

So, now a few words about how to install the faucet in a plastic barrel.

Installation instructions are simple:

• At the bottom of the plastic container make a mark at the place of the upcoming tie-in.
• Insert the drill into the electric drill, the diameter of which is 1-1.5 mm larger than the diameter of the fitting seat.
• We drill a hole and we clean its edges from burrs and irregularities.

• Next, remove from the union cap locking nut and leave one sealing ring.
• We push the prepared fitting into the hole from inside the barrel.
• Next on the outer part of the fitting we wear a sealing ring and bait the locking nut.
• Now holding the cut-out device from the inside of the barrel, tighten the union nut from the outside.
• After the installation is finished, we proceed to the installation of valves. The crane is selected in accordance with the diameter of the nozzle. While twisting the tap on the shank of the tie-in, hold the union nut with the second key.
• At the end of the installation, water is poured into the container and the tightness of the connection is checked. If no leakage is detected, the installation can be considered successful.

Now, when we know how to attach the crane to a plastic barrel, let us consider in more detail the features of operation of such structures.

Application features

A plastic container with drain fittings installed is a useful household structure that can be used to meet various household needs.

Among the possibilities of application, we note the following:

• Installations for watering plants are simply indispensable in the countryside and on the summer cottage. Often, due to the lack of connection to the water supply, well water is used for irrigation, which is accumulated in barrels. Again, a special capacity of 200 liters can be placed under the drain and thus collect rainwater. An important condition for the effective operation of irrigation systems, collected on the basis of barrels with a crane, is the difference in levels. In other words, the barrel should be much higher than the end of the watering hose. In this case, the water will flow by gravity and, as a result, the creation of pressure. To do this, the tank is installed under the overhang of the roof on a pedestal about 1.5 meters high. In the barrel is held drainpipe, which will drain rainwater. The crane is installed in the lower part of the barrel walls or in the bottom.
• Summer shower settles in a similar way. Capacity erected on the frame, which performs the function of the booth. In the bottom of the barrel, a tie-in is made and a fitting is installed on which the tap and strainer are mounted. The second inset is done at the top of the tank. To this fitting is attached a flexible hose, through which water will be supplied from the water mains or from the well by means of a submersible pump. The logic of this design is that the filled container heats up for a certain time under the sun, transferring heat to the water. Thus, after collecting the container in the morning, after lunch, you can use water heated to about + 50 ° C.

Conclusion

Now we know how to turn the faucet into a plastic barrel and how to use the result obtained as intended. It remains to purchase the necessary fittings and do simple installation work.

There are questions that need clarification? In this case, more useful information can be found by watching the video in this article.