How to Make a Portable Gray Water Tank

Having a gray water tank is a boon for home gardeners, especially those in arid climates. However, getting the water where they need it--namely, on their plants--can be a hassle. Expensive pumps, timers and irrigation lines are out of the question for all but the most dedicated agriculturist. Fortunately, with just a little time and effort, a collapsible, heavy-duty vinyl container with a hose connector and fill spout can be built by growers needing relatively little water at one time.

Things You'll Need

• 2 sheets of 30 millimeter vinyl, 3- by 3-feet
• Vinyl cement
• Seam roller
• Vinyl hose fitting flange
• Vinyl filler tube flange
• Razor blade
• Wood block
• Hose fitting
• Filler tube fitting, with screw-on cap
• 2 hose clamps

Instructions

1. Lay the pieces of vinyl sheeting on top of each other and scuff along the inside edges of the vinyl with an abrasive pad. Go in about 3 inches, all the way around.

2. Glue the edges one at a time using vinyl cement applied to both surfaces. Work slowly in a well-ventilated area. Press the edges together and use a seam roller to force any bubbles out. Stop after you have three sides glued.

3. Position the hose fitting flange and filler tube flange and cut openings for them in the vinyl using a razor blade. Put the filler flange in the center of the top sheet of vinyl and the hose stem in the bottom, close to the edge. Place a block of wood inside the bag to keep from cutting through both sheets.

4. Glue the flanges in place using vinyl cement; then glue the last side of the bag together. Insert the barbed ends of the hose fitting and filler tube into the flanges. Use hose clamps to make them water-tight.

5. Fill the bag with water and check for leaks along all the seams. If you find one, empty the bag and dab a little vinyl cement on the leaky area. Wait for it to dry and check again.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're concerned about grease or household chemicals making their way into your garden, install an in-line charcoal filter on your home's gray water system.

• A 3- by 3-foot bag will allow you to make a 50-gallon gray water tank. You can make it larger, but 50 gallons of water weighs 415 pounds. Don't make a tank bigger than you can use and make sure you're able to haul the extra weight with a utility trailer or an ATV.

• Vinyl sheeting is available by the yard at most fabric stores.

• You can find all kinds of barbed fittings in the irrigation section at most large, home-improvement stores. Or, try the plumbing section at an RV supply store. If you don't find what you're looking for, call an irrigation specialist.

• If your tank gets punctured, make a patch from a piece of vinyl. Be sure the area is completely dry and scuff with an abrasive pad before gluing it.

• Vinyl cement lets off toxic fumes as it dries. Wear a respirator or work in a well-ventilated area.

References

• Joe Woodworker: Making Vacuum Bags