How to Add a Drain to a Stock Tank

A large stock tank can be useful in the garden or one the homestead. Filled with water, it serves as a watering trough for livestock or as a tank for raising koi, tilapia or other large fish. However, at some point, you will need to drain the tank for cleaning. Since most large stock tanks hold 100 gallons or more of water, a drain makes emptying the tank much easier than baling it out or dumping the water everywhere. One of the easiest drains to install and use is an outdoor hose bib tap that a hose can be attached to for controlling the flow of water. It's similar to the drain on a rain barrel. Install the drain before filling the tank with water.

Use a stock tank to raise decorative koi fish.

Step 1

Drill a 3/4-inch hole in the side of the stock tank with a drill and hole saw, positioned about 1 to 2 inches above the bottom.

Step 2

Turn a hose bib faucet with a 3/4-inch male connection clockwise into the hole to thread the hole for easier installation. Remove the faucet from the hole by turning it counterclockwise.

Step 3

Wrap the threads of the male end of the faucet and the threads of the female coupler with a single layer of teflon tape. Apply silicone sealer to the faucet threads and to the areas where the faucet meets the outside of the tank.

Step 4

Thread the faucet into the hole of the tank until the faucet rests tightly against the outside of the tank. Thread the female couple securely onto the male connector inside the tank.

Step 5

Wipe off any excess silicone sealant. Let it dry completely.

Step 6

Fill the tank with water to above the drain to test for leaks, making sure the faucet is in the closed or off position. Turn the faucet to the open or on position when you are ready to drain the tank.