Plumbers epoxy to patch a crack
- Lacybug
- Fledgeling
- Posts: 107
- Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2014 9:57 pm
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Plumbers epoxy to patch a crack
Hey there, my finches' bathtub sprung a leak, so I used 2-part plumbing epoxy to patch up the crack. I used it on the outside of the container, so it doesn't really come in direct contact with the water, but I'm still wondering if it's safe for my birds? I used J-B WaterWeld, which says it's Drinking Water Safe, but I know birds are more sensitive to things than we are so I thought I'd see if anyone knows for sure. It cured hard, and I've been letting it soak a while just in case. I could try to cover most of it on the outside with duct-tape to add an extra layer of protection and keep them from getting to it... I'm mostly worried about water contamination. Any fumes have been aired-out overnight. What do you guys think?
Poe (NG) & Little Beep (NG/Pied)
Gandalf (NG/Pied) & Peep (CFW)
Sir Richard (Penguin/Pied) & Gwendolyn (Fawn Penguin)
R2-D2 (CFW) & Penelope (CFW)
Nyota the Senegal Parrot.
Crease the hand-tame pegleg (CFW)
- cindy
- Bird Brain
- Posts: 18754
- Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2009 8:33 pm
- Location: west central Florida
Re: Plumbers epoxy to patch a crack
to be safe use the clear aquarium silicone they use on fish tanks. Some duct takes contain zinc, I would avoid that on the inside of the cage.
Do you have what the material you want to use has in it? When it comes to food or drinking/bathing water my thought is toss the broken one and get a new one.. it is not worth the risk.
Do you have what the material you want to use has in it? When it comes to food or drinking/bathing water my thought is toss the broken one and get a new one.. it is not worth the risk.
Zebra, Gouldians, Java, CBM Shaft tail & Grasskeets
~ My Facebook groups ~
*Finchaholics ~ finches, hookbills, softbills & canaries are welcome here!
discussions regarding species, housing, breeding, preventatives, treatments
*Birdaholics ~ Avian Classified Ads Only
- Lacybug
- Fledgeling
- Posts: 107
- Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2014 9:57 pm
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Re: Plumbers epoxy to patch a crack
Really, duct tape contains zinc? Had no idea.
Do you know about electrical tape? I've been using it to pad any sharp edges I find.
Anyway, this is the product...
http://www.jbweld.com/products/waterweld-epoxy-putty
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0411/ ... d.pdf?1921
And what people have said about it:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showt ... ?t=1889390
Looks like it contains zinc as well? Sigh.
See really, I made my own bird bath out of a square plastic container (that fruit/nut mix comes in) laid on its side, with a big entrance/exit cut out of the lid.
Like this:
http://www.ccwproducts.com/mprod.php?cat_id=157
I think MiaCarter mentioned doing something similar once? But the water slowly escaped around where the lid screws on. My husband is enjoying the snack, but there goes $10 down the drain. xD So much for a diy idea!

Anyway, this is the product...
http://www.jbweld.com/products/waterweld-epoxy-putty
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0411/ ... d.pdf?1921
And what people have said about it:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showt ... ?t=1889390
Looks like it contains zinc as well? Sigh.
See really, I made my own bird bath out of a square plastic container (that fruit/nut mix comes in) laid on its side, with a big entrance/exit cut out of the lid.
Like this:

http://www.ccwproducts.com/mprod.php?cat_id=157
I think MiaCarter mentioned doing something similar once? But the water slowly escaped around where the lid screws on. My husband is enjoying the snack, but there goes $10 down the drain. xD So much for a diy idea!

Poe (NG) & Little Beep (NG/Pied)
Gandalf (NG/Pied) & Peep (CFW)
Sir Richard (Penguin/Pied) & Gwendolyn (Fawn Penguin)
R2-D2 (CFW) & Penelope (CFW)
Nyota the Senegal Parrot.
Crease the hand-tame pegleg (CFW)
- MiaCarter
- Molting
- Posts: 3528
- Joined: Wed Apr 30, 2014 1:36 pm
- Location: SW Florida
Re: Plumbers epoxy to patch a crack
Lacybug - Yes!
I've used the square-ish containers that seed comes in - brand is 3D Premium Gourmet from Walmart.
I've had water escape around the point where the cap screws on too. I put the cap on tight, then I used hot glue on the seam where the cap meets the plastic. It sticks the cap on forever, but that's okay. You can test the seal by pouring water in through the door and putting the container upsidedown, so it's resting on the cap. Put it on top of a paper towel. If you have a leak, you'll see the water on the paper towel.
It's on the outside, so there's no way anything can leach into the water.
And glue sticks are non-toxic and no fumes. Nobody messes with the glue line. (If they did, I'd just spray it with bitter apple spray.) You could also put that black flexible tape over the glue line too. I used that black flexible tape around the door that I cut so the edges wouldn't be sharp. It stays on pretty well.
I've used the square-ish containers that seed comes in - brand is 3D Premium Gourmet from Walmart.
I've had water escape around the point where the cap screws on too. I put the cap on tight, then I used hot glue on the seam where the cap meets the plastic. It sticks the cap on forever, but that's okay. You can test the seal by pouring water in through the door and putting the container upsidedown, so it's resting on the cap. Put it on top of a paper towel. If you have a leak, you'll see the water on the paper towel.
It's on the outside, so there's no way anything can leach into the water.
And glue sticks are non-toxic and no fumes. Nobody messes with the glue line. (If they did, I'd just spray it with bitter apple spray.) You could also put that black flexible tape over the glue line too. I used that black flexible tape around the door that I cut so the edges wouldn't be sharp. It stays on pretty well.
Humum to....
13 Zebra Finches....and 2 squeeps!
3 Society Finches
6 Gouldians
1 Weaver
1 Pintail Whydah
2 Cockatiels
2 Parakeets
....along with 1 MinPin, 1 Pug, 1 JRT, 1 Yorkie, 2 Chihuahuas and 15 cats.

www.PetFinchFacts.com
13 Zebra Finches....and 2 squeeps!
3 Society Finches
6 Gouldians
1 Weaver
1 Pintail Whydah
2 Cockatiels
2 Parakeets
....along with 1 MinPin, 1 Pug, 1 JRT, 1 Yorkie, 2 Chihuahuas and 15 cats.

www.PetFinchFacts.com
- Lacybug
- Fledgeling
- Posts: 107
- Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2014 9:57 pm
- Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Re: Plumbers epoxy to patch a crack
THANKS for the reply MiaCarter!
I didn't even think to use hot glue. Would've saved me a lot of trouble.
The black tape you're talking about.. is it electrical tape?
Also, if you happen to have a picture, and don't mind me gleaning from your idea...
But I already appreciate what you have told me!
I didn't even think to use hot glue. Would've saved me a lot of trouble.

The black tape you're talking about.. is it electrical tape?
Also, if you happen to have a picture, and don't mind me gleaning from your idea...

Poe (NG) & Little Beep (NG/Pied)
Gandalf (NG/Pied) & Peep (CFW)
Sir Richard (Penguin/Pied) & Gwendolyn (Fawn Penguin)
R2-D2 (CFW) & Penelope (CFW)
Nyota the Senegal Parrot.
Crease the hand-tame pegleg (CFW)
- MiaCarter
- Molting
- Posts: 3528
- Joined: Wed Apr 30, 2014 1:36 pm
- Location: SW Florida
Re: Plumbers epoxy to patch a crack
Lacybug - Yes! It's electrical tape! I couldnt' think of the word. LOL
You bet! I'll get a photo for you in the morning!
You bet! I'll get a photo for you in the morning!
Humum to....
13 Zebra Finches....and 2 squeeps!
3 Society Finches
6 Gouldians
1 Weaver
1 Pintail Whydah
2 Cockatiels
2 Parakeets
....along with 1 MinPin, 1 Pug, 1 JRT, 1 Yorkie, 2 Chihuahuas and 15 cats.

www.PetFinchFacts.com
13 Zebra Finches....and 2 squeeps!
3 Society Finches
6 Gouldians
1 Weaver
1 Pintail Whydah
2 Cockatiels
2 Parakeets
....along with 1 MinPin, 1 Pug, 1 JRT, 1 Yorkie, 2 Chihuahuas and 15 cats.

www.PetFinchFacts.com
- atarasi
- Weaning
- Posts: 1643
- Joined: Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:50 pm
- Location: Washington state, USA
Re: Plumbers epoxy to patch a crack
Duct tape, kitchen hardware, twist ties, remote controls, flooring and flooring adhesives all may contain zinc. There may be significant amounts of zinc in the adhesive found on paper towel and toilet paper rolls.
-from the ExoticPetVet
-from the ExoticPetVet
Jordan
-
- Brooding
- Posts: 1246
- Joined: Tue Aug 20, 2013 3:51 pm
- Location: Ocala, Florida
Re: Plumbers epoxy to patch a crack
Buy a new bath dish. Why take the chance? maybe your birds will be ok for a while, then down the road, get sick from it. Use an emory board or metal file to smooth sharp areas. Wipe away the residue with a paper towel or wash it. A bird could get caught in tape, if it comes loose.