I’m launching a little balcony gardening project that involves water reservoirs. I don’t have much experience with these kinds of projects, so I need a little help.

Due to some dimensional constraints, I will need two regular plastic containers (your typical storage containers), and I was hoping to get away with only including a way to fill one of them. That means I will need to connect it to the other in some way. So I thought I would just drill a hole in both of them and stick a pipe between them.

  1. What is the best way to drill holes in plastic without risking any splitting?
  2. How do I make sure that the holes are water sealed afterwards? Can I glue around the pipe and plastic box?
  • @solbearOPEnglish
    3•1 month ago

    The end outside of the container can have any number of means to attach a hose or pipe; like a barb, flange, thread, etc. For your application you will want a barbed bulkhead so you can just put a hose on there and don’t need to worry about the additional cost and work involved with rigid pipe.

    Ah, I’ve seen those kinds before, and that seems fairly simple. Thanks!

    As for the stain issue. The type of container you described leads me to believe it is a typical plastic storage box, almost all of those have a taper to the sides.

    Of course, now I understand what you meant! Yes, the boxes are slightly tapered, so that would be an issue.

    Tube and barbs also have the benefit of being easier to connect across a short distance and ensure a watertight connection. I would recommend putting the tube on both sides first, then installing the bulkheads in the containers to make life easier and avoid damage when trying to press the tube on the barbs after the bulkheads are installed.

    Great tips, noted! Now I’ll have to figure out where I can buy these locally.

    Thanks again for great help!

    • Rose ThorneEnglish
      2•1 month ago

      Look for a hardware store. Even if they don’t carry it, a local place might be able to order one for you, or at least point you in the right direction. If you can find someone who’s more plumbing focused, it might be easier, but I don’t know how many of those there are left these days.

    • @Death_Equity@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2•1 month ago

      I have seen them at larger hardware stores. I would check hydroponic supply stores, if you have those. Farm supply stores and gardening stores might be good options as well.