Hello, I'm trying to make life a little easier for my 82 year old mother and y2k.

My wife just bought a six or seven gallon potable water jug from Bimart, which would be fine for us, but is too heavy for my mom. It has a pouring spout, but the thing would weigh better than fifty pounds when full, and Mom can't do that anymore.

So what I am trying to do is caulk a PVC pipe fitting its spout attachment point, with suitable bushings or reducers, in order to adapt it to fit a regular garden faucet (sometimes known as a "hose bib"). This way, she could leave the big jug on its side, and just turn the valve on in order to get water. My question is what kind of caulking, or adhesive, would be safe for use in this situation? When I was much younger, and still invincible, I used silicone caulk, but now I wonder if that was a good idea for use in a potable water application, especially for my mom.

Anyone have any knowledge about this? Thanks VERY much

-- jumpoffjoe (jumpoff@echoweb.net), July 06, 1999

Answers

I'll be interested also, to see if there is such a caulk ---

When I've worked with State Well Inspectors, they always have any non- pressurized line leaks or entrances into the well sealed with regular silicone based caulk, so I would think it should be OK. But really, there are adequate fittings and bushings without the need for caulk.

-- Jon Johnson (narnia4@usa.net), July 06, 1999.

They make a food grade RTV, check at restraunt supply. Hartz makes aquarium silicone rubber sealer, safe for fish. I have seen valves at brew shops that don't need sealer. Make sure it can't leak.

-- && (&&@&&.&), July 06, 1999.

Dow Corning 100% Silicone Sealant...........

on the tube itself it says:

"SAFE FOR FOOD CONTACT: When cured and washed, ingredients which remain or which could migrate to food are listed in FDA Regulation No. CFR 177.2600."

hope this helps

-- andrea (mebsmebs@hotmail.com), July 07, 1999.

Jumpoffjoe: Sounds like you need a small tube attached to the spout with a screw clamp,no silicone needed. Then attach a on/off valve to the other end,like used in large water coolers, you push in and water comes out. KISS maybe sounds too simple, but should work. Let me know. my address is real. Furie...

-- Furie (furieart@dnet.net), July 07, 1999.

Hi 'Joe' ;>)

Had a similar a problem myself: needed H20 dispensing containers for gravity carbon filter & emergency shower supply. My solution: drilled hole near bottom of 5 gallon plastic food-grade pail and intalled large flange, 1/2 in. hose bib using close nipple with electrical conduit nut and large I.D. washer inside and a rubber 'O' ring between the bib and pail outside. Put a plastic lid on the filter unit, voila!, problem solved.

Hope this helps.

-- Purple One (formerly@dowmstream.nabor), July 08, 1999.