Omar Khalid
Inserting a tap into a plastic bin is a useful skill to have, especially for those who want to utilise large plastic containers for water storage. The process is relatively straightforward and can be done with basic tools. It involves marking the location of the drain, drilling a hole, and securing the tap with various methods such as threading, gluing, or using a wrench to tighten lock nuts. However, it's important to consider the type of container and tap, as well as any potential issues like air pressure equalization.
Characteristics and Values Table for Inserting a Tap in a Plastic Bin
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bin Position | Bottom bung facing up to avoid spilling liquid |
| Hole Creation | Drill or cut with scissors/knife; expand with a round file if needed |
| Hole Treatment | Apply sealant, wrap with Teflon/fum tape, or use PVC cement |
| Tap Type | Plastic butt tap with a wide nut, threaded fitting, or mortise tap |
| Tap Insertion | Secure tap from the inside; use a wrench or spanner to tighten |
| Additional Considerations | Clean inside of the bin, outline drain location, ensure joint sealing |
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What You'll Learn
Outline the location of the drain
When installing a tap in a plastic bin, it is important to carefully plan the location of the drain to ensure the functionality of the structure. Here are some detailed instructions to outline the location of the drain:
Firstly, ensure that the bin is cleaned and dried, with no residual dirt or rust inside that could interfere with the tapping process. Turn the bin so that the bottom is easily accessible and mark the desired location of the drain with a compass. It is recommended to place the drain as low as possible on the bin, but not directly at the bottom, as this could reduce the functionality and require a special pedestal.
Next, with your chosen location marked, you can begin to drill a hole. If the plastic is soft, you can use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the hole. The size of the hole will depend on the tap you plan to use. For example, if you are using a 1/2" pipe tap, you will need to drill a 1/2" hole. If using a 22mm tap, ensure the hole is of a corresponding size.
After the hole is drilled, you can prepare the tap. If your tap has a threaded connection, you will need to pay extra attention to joint sealing to ensure the tap is secure and watertight.
Now, you are ready to insert the tap into the outlined and drilled hole. This may require some force to deform the plastic slightly and create a tight seal.
Finally, secure the tap with a wrench, being careful not to overtighten and cause deformation or product failure.
By following these steps to outline the location of the drain, you can effectively install a tap in a plastic bin, creating a functional and secure drainage system.
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Drill a hole
Drilling a hole is the first step to inserting a tap into a plastic bin. Before drilling, it is important to outline the location of the drain. Turn the bin so that the bottom is facing up to avoid spilling any liquid. Outline the location of the drain on the bottom of the bin.
Once you have outlined the location, you can begin drilling. If the plastic is soft, you can cut a hole with scissors or a sharp knife. Otherwise, use a drill to make a hole. The size of the hole will depend on the tap you are using. For example, if you are using a 3/4" NPT male thread spigot, you will need to drill a 1-inch hole.
After drilling the hole, you can prepare a mortise tap for the bin. On the thread side, install a large metal washer and a waterproofing rubber gasket. Apply sealant to the gasket and washer. Insert the inlet pipe of the tap into the hole, and put another gasket and washer on the thread, treating the joint with sealant.
Finally, screw the nut onto the thread from the inside of the bin. If the bin has a narrow neck, you may need to use a fitting with a flange on one side to tighten the nut.
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Cut the hole with scissors or a knife if the plastic is soft
If the plastic is soft, you can cut the hole with scissors or a sharp knife. Before cutting, make sure the bin is empty and dry, and mark the spot where you want the tap to be inserted. Cut a square or circular hole, depending on the shape of your tap, and ensure it is slightly smaller than the size of the tap to create a tight fit. Be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp plastic edges.
Once you have cut the hole, you may need to file away any rough edges or expand the hole slightly with a round file. Next, you will need to prepare a mortise tap. On the thread side of the tap, install a large metal washer and a waterproofing rubber gasket. Apply a sealant to the gasket and washer, and insert the inlet pipe of the tap into the hole. On the other side of the bin, put another rubber gasket and washer on the thread, and treat this joint with sealant as well.
Finally, screw the nut onto the thread from the inside of the bin. If your container has a narrow neck, you may not be able to tighten the nut from the inside. In this case, you will need to use a fitting with a flange on one side. This will ensure that the tap is securely attached to the bin and doesn't leak.
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Prepare the tap
To prepare the tap, you will need to outline the location of the drain. Use a compass to mark the spot where you will drill a hole. If the plastic is soft, you can cut a hole with scissors or a sharp knife. If you are drilling, and the hole is not big enough, you can expand it with a round file.
Next, you will need to prepare a mortise tap for a plastic bin. On the thread side, install a large metal washer and a rubber gasket. Apply sealant to the gasket and washer. Insert the inlet pipe of the tap into the hole. On the other side, put on another rubber gasket and washer, treating the joint with sealant.
Now, you will need to attach the tap. From the inside, screw on the nut. If your bin has a narrow neck, and you cannot tighten the nut from the inside, you will need a fitting with a flange on one side.
If you are using a metal hose bib, heat it with a torch and thread it while hot. This will slightly melt the threads, helping to secure the tap. If you are using a plastic bib, you may not be able to heat it, so you will need to use thread sealant on the bib you screw into the threads.
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Seal the tap
Sealing the tap is a crucial step in the installation process to prevent water seepage and subsequent damage to the bin. The choice of sealant depends on the material of the bin and personal preference.
If your tap comes with a plastic or rubber gasket, you can use that to seal the tap against water. If it does not, you will need to use a sealant such as plumber's putty or silicone. Plumber's putty is easy to use and does not require time to dry, so the tap can be used immediately. However, it should not be used on porous surfaces like marble or granite. Silicone, on the other hand, can act as an adhesive and provide a stronger seal, but it is messier and requires time to cure.
To seal the tap with plumber's putty, roll a piece of putty between your hands until it forms a soft rope about 3/4 inches thick. Apply a ring of putty to the bottom of the tap base along the edges, ensuring you have enough to cover the entire edge. If using silicone, run a ring of it along the bottom of the base. After tightening the tap to the bin, you may need to wipe away any excess sealant.
Other methods of sealing a tap include using thread seal tape, such as FIX-A-TAP, which is designed for sealing pipe threads on brass and steel fittings. Additionally, when dealing with a plastic bin, you can use PVC cement or a threaded fitting on a length of PVC to secure the tap. For a metal tap, heating it with a torch before threading can help melt the threads and create a secure seal.
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Frequently asked questions
First, outline the location of the drain. Then, drill a hole in the plastic bin. If the plastic is soft, you can cut a hole with scissors or a sharp knife. Next, prepare a mortise tap for a plastic bin by installing a large metal washer and a waterproofing rubber gasket on the thread side. Apply sealant to the gasket and washer. Insert the inlet pipe of the tap into the hole and put a rubber gasket and washer on the thread on the other side, treating the joint with sealant. Finally, screw on the nut from the inside.
You will need a tap, a large metal washer, a waterproofing rubber gasket, sealant, a flathead screwdriver, and a knife.
Before you start, turn the bin so that the bottom is facing up to avoid spilling any liquid. Outline the location of the drain with a compass. If you are using a metal hose bib, heat it with a torch and thread it while hot.
You can use PVC cement to set the fitting in the hole. Alternatively, you can use a threaded fitting on a length of PVC and put it inside the bin, coming through the hole. Put a fitting on the new fitting to secure it and then unscrew the pipe that you used to insert the fitting. You can also use heat to get a clean thread that will seal and be relatively strong.
