How to seal the hole in the Northcote Pottery 51cm White Terrazzo Look Precinct Lite Omni Bowl?

[Beginner20]

Hello,

I love the Northcote Pottery 51cm White Terrazzo Look Precinct Lite Omni Bowl and would like to use it as a water feature for my centrepiece garden bed but I need to seal the drainage hole.

What do you recommend to use as a sealant?

Thanks

[EricL]

Hello @Beginner20 

I propose using Selleys 50g Knead It Aqua Epoxy Putty. The general steps are to clean the holes of the pot before you place the putty over them. Spread the putty over the hole and make sure that you feather the edges with your thumb so that the putty adheres very well to the surface of the pot. Make sure to do the same thing on the other side for a uniform finish. Please note that there is no need to put a very thick plug on the holes as long as the putty covers it and is strong enough to carry its own weight without sagging should be enough.

Place a piece of paper on a flat surface and place the pot over it and let the putty cure to full strength. In regards to sealing the interior of the pot, I suggest using Crommelin 1L Clear Pond Sealer if you are intending to fill the vessel with water on a long-term basis. Please note that the pond sealer will only work on porous surfaces. The sealer will not work on any part of the interior of the bowl that is covered in ceramic glaze.  

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[AlanM52]

I have done this many times when making garden water features.

From packaging that uses fairly stiff plastic cut a circle larger than the hole and as mentioned clean around the area.

Using something like Selleys 90ml Clear Wet Area Silicone Sealant (0541546) smear one or two beads around the hole.

With chopsticks (or similar) drop the 'plastic plug' in the centre and gently/evenly work around to bed it down into the silicon.

Leave it for the curing time plus another day and then check for leaks.

Cheers

[Beginner20]

Thank you @AlanM52 and @EricL 

I want to install a solar water pump. Can I feed the pump cable through the hole and patch it up with the aforementioned products? or is there a better to install the solar water pump and patch up the hole?

Which solar water pump do you recommend?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Beginner20,

Yes, you can feed the cable through the hole and seal with any of the products above. The Selleys Wet Area Sealant would be a good option.

Something like the Aquapro AP300SP Solar Pump And Panel Kit would work for your project. It should have plenty of flow for your feature, but bear in mind that they are a direct-powered unit and only operate when sunlight hits the panel, not at night.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[AlanM52]

That is a good solution provided by @MitchellMc. I would like to ask will the water feature be out in the open or part of a covered entertainment area?

If the latter then you might want to consider the Aquapro AP750LV Low Voltage Water Feature Pump (2810056) which is powered by a AC adaptor.

This of course ensures the pump will always work regardless of day/night or weather conditions.

If you add the TP-Link Tapo P100 Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug (0367694) you can remotely control the water feature vis a phone app or simply press the power button on the smart plug. The Tapo P100 has many features:

• Remote Control – Instantly turn connected devices on/off wherever you are through the Tapo app
• Schedule – Preset a schedule to automatically manage devices
• Timer - Create countdown timer lists for connected electronics
• Voice Control – Manage your smart plug with voice commands via Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant

https://www.tp-link.com/au/home-networking/smart-plug/tapo-p100/

Finally... you could add some lighting.

USB String Lights.

https://tinyurl.com/4rrh5n3y

To power the lights use a double adaptor and any USB charger.

I have no issues with lights like that submerged in water.

To shorten the length simply cut off what's not needed.

Cheers

Preview

[Beginner20]

Thank you @AlanM52 @MitchellMc 

OMG! I love TP-Link Tapo P100 Mini Wi-Fi Smart Plug! Thank you for telling me about this product. I didnt even know it existed! I am going to buy a dozen of them for the house. I love the away mode that allows me to turn on the lights when I am away!

The water feature is outdoor hence I'd like a solar water pump. I read the reviews on some solar water pumps and some said that they only last 6 months or less I am on the hunt for a reliable and long-lasting solar water pump.

[AlanM52]

RE: They only last 6 months or less.

Water pumps need water for normal operation, if there is no water they get very stressed!

Have a look at my 'Bird bath autofill & recycle with timer & float level' Part 1 & 2.

Note that I have included run-dry protection.

If the water level in the bucket drops to a low level a float switch will turn off the pump.

Many solar water pumps don't have this feature, 

When looking for a solar water pump (usually sold as a kit) make sure one of the features is - run-dry or dry-run protection.

Here is one example:

https://tinyurl.com/3mvwz7fx

Clearly states the pump has Dry Run Protection.

Maintenance is important.

Water features (with pumps) out in the yard are often forgotten and neglected leading to pump failure, even more so if the feature has water plants.

Cheers