Mending hole in steel trough

[JBean]

I've acquired a large and lovely vintage steel trough to use as a water feature in our garden. We've been scraping out the loose paint and rust on the inside - and found that in one place it was only rust and now we have a hole! It's maybe an inch or so in diameter.

I'd welcome advice on how to mend it. Obviously it needs to be watertight and able to withstand being constantly wet. We could put the side with the hole at the back, so it doesn't need to be an invisible mend, but we'd rather it didn't look a complete bodge.

Hubby is muttering darkly about abandoning it and buying something new and shiny instead, so I'm hoping someone can suggest a simple way to repair.

 

[LeeL82]

You could always try big boy metal filler available at local toolstations usually or amazon.

 

[Flyfisher]

Some sort of metal patch over the hole glued (or pop-Riveted?) into place and sealed with silicone perhaps?

Alternatively, find someone with a welder and do a properly permanent repair. Local garage/farm/blacksmith etc. Beware when welding galvanised metal though, the fumes can be toxic so outdoors and downwind is a good idea!

 

[plasticpigeon]

JB weld is very good at gluing metal if it is just a small patch. It is a form of epoxy and seems quite remarkable. Of course welding is probably the best repair, but with it also comes with lots of risks of damage and expense if you can't do it yourself.

 

[Gothichome]

I think fibreglass would do the trick. You can find fibreglass repair kits at most Auto parts stores (at least in NA). The kit comes with every thing you need. After that just paint to match.

 

[Gothichome]

You will be looking for some thing like this.
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomastermarine-fiberglassrepair-kit-0479313p.0479313.html?gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIk-yJpfiL4wIV0rrACh0K7wf3EAQYBSABEgI9hPD_BwE#store=21
Don’t worry about the brand name, they are all the same.

 

[Craig89]

Another vote for JB Weld. Very good stuff. I have used it to make repairs in cast iron guttering

 

[Easrow]

Can you not line it with pond liner? Flexible, waterproof and black. That way the rust won't contaminate the water. Just cover the hole with an old sweet tin or something so it doesn't pop through.

 

[Me!]

If it is definitely just the one hole, then I'm another vote for JB Weld and stick a bit of metal over it.
But, if there are any other dodgy areas as well then I'd use Isopon P40 which is a special type of fibreglass which comes in a pot where the resin and fibres are already mixed so you just need to add the hardener and then use it. Just stick a bit of duct tape over the outside of the hole to act as a temporary guide, mix-up some P40 and put a layer a couple of mm thick over the inside of the hole(s) and extend it a few cm over the inside of the metal around the hole.
Then wait 20 minutes, remove the duct tape and dob done.
And if you find any other smaller or even pin-prick holes then just a quick smear of P40 over the inside will fix them,

 

[JBean]

Many thanks for all the suggestions. We have gone for the Isopon fibreglass option, and will be trying it out tomorrow. There are indeed several dodgy areas, so our seeming one hole may prove to be several.

If we ever get it finished, I'll post pictures!

 

[a twig]

"There's a hole in my steel trough dear Liza, dear Liza..."