I bought a stock tank that is about five feet in diameter and two feet deep. About an inch or so from the bottom, there's a drain hole with an odd plug in it. The tank is full of dirty water right now, and I can't figure out how to open the drain. I went back to the farm store where I bought it, but they said they were unaware of a special tool to use for that purpose. They suggested I use a screwdriver.

The plug is metal, and has parallel metal pieces flush with the side of the tank. My attempt to open the drain with a screwdriver was unsuccessful. Can anyone give me other ideas? Thanks!

-- bluetick (coonhound@mindspring.com), May 25, 2001

Answers

What you need is a "bung" tool, dogbone style at any good truck (large truck ) parts house. The large opening is a "bung" the smaller is a "bungee", ask the old timer at the truck parts place, anybody under fifty will not know what your talking about.

-- mitch hearn (moopups1@aol.com), May 25, 2001.

Take a piece of hose that's long enough to make a siphon, submerge the entire hose in the tank making sure it completely fills with water, hold your thumb over one end and pull the thumb end out of the tank to start the siphon. Go in the house and have a cup of coffee while it drains. I've seen the tank metal tear around stubborn drain plugs.

-- Paul (hoyt@egyptian.net), May 25, 2001.

I second Mitch's answer. After you get the bung out, this is where you put a spigot in. It will be much easier to drain next time.

-- Laura (Ladybugwrangler@hotmail.com), May 26, 2001.

they sold you the tank,, but dont know how it drains???? Would be my last time there

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), May 26, 2001.

I use a syphon for my tanks then dump them, I don't even bother with those bungs.

-- Hendo (redgate@echoweb.net), May 26, 2001.

Thanks for your help! With the help of a creative neighbor, we fashioned a tool to turn the bung. The tank is now empty. I like the idea of inserting a spigot, and will look for one tomorrow. Thanks!

-- bluetick (coonhound@mindspring.com), May 28, 2001.