Brute Can Crack

WhoIsCandice · Apr 17, 2022

Hey everyone!

I'm currently using 35 gallon or 40 gallon grey brute trash cans for storing RO/DI and saltwater. However I recently realized that one of my brute cans has a crack, about 7 inches long on the bottom of the trashcan. I used Plumbing Glue (Christy's Red Hot Blue Glue) but this doesn't seem to be bonding well.
-I used a water pump in the trash can when half full and if aimed not towards the top of the trash can, seal would break.
-Filled to completely full today after resealing using the same technique, and I can see that the crack grew under the increased water pressure.

Obviously I can go and buy a new trash can, but is there anyway to reseal this by chance?

vetteguy53081 · Apr 17, 2022

WhoIsCandice said:
Hey everyone!

I'm currently using 35 gallon or 40 gallon grey brute trash cans for storing RO/DI and saltwater. However I recently realized that one of my brute cans has a crack, about 7 inches long on the bottom of the trashcan. I used Plumbing Glue (Christy's Red Hot Blue Glue) but this doesn't seem to be bonding well.
-I used a water pump in the trash can when half full and if aimed not towards the top of the trash can, seal would break.
-Filled to completely full today after resealing using the same technique, and I can see that the crack grew under the increased water pressure.

Obviously I can go and buy a new trash can, but is there anyway to reseal this by chance?

Now is the time to put that " FLEX SEAL" commercial to the test. If it can seal a boat with a hole- It should seal the brute. Flex seal has a tape that should work.

sfin52 · Apr 17, 2022

I would br more worried about the crack growing.

WhoIsCandice · Apr 17, 2022

I think the crack growing is likely due to using the glue here which is quite inflexible, whereas the plastic used for the brute can is flexible, which I think under water pressure here is going to cause the crack to fold outwards here.

I'll try flex-seal! Thanks.

Rmckoy · Apr 17, 2022

WhoIsCandice said:
Hey everyone!

I'm currently using 35 gallon or 40 gallon grey brute trash cans for storing RO/DI and saltwater. However I recently realized that one of my brute cans has a crack, about 7 inches long on the bottom of the trashcan. I used Plumbing Glue (Christy's Red Hot Blue Glue) but this doesn't seem to be bonding well.
-I used a water pump in the trash can when half full and if aimed not towards the top of the trash can, seal would break.
-Filled to completely full today after resealing using the same technique, and I can see that the crack grew under the increased water pressure.

Obviously I can go and buy a new trash can, but is there anyway to reseal this by chance?

Being 32 -40 gallons of water and could possibly be inside . I wouldn’t risk trying different glues . Are these glues being used in contact with saltwater to be used in your tank ?
Not to rain on your tote repair parade . But I personally wouldn’t try repairing it .
If it’s older or not as tough as it once was . I would just replace it . This one could graduate to serve it’s intended purpose of a trash can

exnisstech · Jun 24, 2022

Is it sitting on a firm level surface? I have never seen one crack.

jmatt · Jun 24, 2022

Well, what's more expensive and inconvenient? Buying a new $50 garbage can or cleaning up 35 gallons of water and the concomitant damage? I know which way I'd go.

WhoIsCandice · Jun 24, 2022

I ended up just getting multiple new cans, even the flexiseal didn't work. Just FYI for anyone that stumbles on this thread.

The surface was firm and it cracked on the ground. However it was an old can that had been sitting in the sun for years unused. At some point I DEFINITELY started moving it around with water (not completely full but maybe about 20% full) and definitely the bottom of the can was sagging before it completely failed. I'm just now remembering this.

Anyways, the surface of the bottom even though it was cracked, was also deformed and not flat, which meant that the stress was going to be too much for whatever sealant I used without adding plastic / plastic-welding. This is a PITA and I'd rather not breathe in any fumes or what-not.

Anywaaays, I mostly use these brute cans for fresh-water top off storage. But $35-40 bucks at home depot and I got a new can + lid.

Dom · Jun 24, 2022

vetteguy53081 said:
Now is the time to put that " FLEX SEAL" commercial to the test. If it can seal a boat with a hole- It should seal the brute. Flex seal has a tape that should work.

Is it safe for use in this application?

ZombieEngineer · Jun 24, 2022

Oh man. I thought this was a recipe for making crack in a brute can like toilet wine. Sorely disappointed.

TankYou · Jun 24, 2022

Crack kills....

WhoIsCandice · Jun 24, 2022

At least in my case the crack was discovered when the brute can had already been emptied or near-empty (it's been a while) and the can is outside on grass. So no harm done.