Step 5: Make a Seal for the Bottle

lit birthday candle heats up piece of PVC
Photo: Ask This Old House TV
«»
Mark the pipe assembly 11 inches from the long open end. Using the flame of a birthday candle, heat the pipe evenly at this mark until it becomes soft. Then push the pipe inward to create a slight bulge. Hold the pipe straight until it has cooled and the bulge is no longer soft. This bulge will create a seal between the pipe and the soda bottle.
Next

Related Content

Ask TOH users about Outdoor Structures
Discuss

Contribute to This Story Below

Add Comment

    More in Landscaping

    Tools List

    Close
    • hacksaw
      hacksaw
    • drill
      drill/driver fitted with a ½-inch bit
    • adjustable pliers
      pliers
    • utility scissors
      scissors

    Shopping List

    Close
    1. 10-foot length of ½-inch PVC pipe
    2. ½-inch PVC tee
    3. two ½-inch PVC end caps
    4. 2-inch-long scrap of 1½-inch PVC pipe
    5. PVC pipe cleaner
    6. PVC pipe cement
    7. replacement valve for a tubeless tire
    8. plastic cable ties, aka zip ties
    9. birthday candle
    10. duct tape
    11. clamp for 1½-inch hose
    12. two 2-liter soda bottles
    13. string (regular twine or cotton string is fine)