I have a concrete planter (round cup-shaped top, stem, square base. Urn-like, I guess), that doesn't have a drain hole. Is it possible or feasible to drill a drain hole from the bottom of the "cup" through the stem, and out the bottom of the base? It might be 7" or so. Will it crack the concrete? Any other ideas? Thanks!
P.S. We really need some type of drainage, as the flowers are stunted and a heavy rain just filled the bowl!
sounds like a bird bath not a planter!!! It would probably crack since you need to drill a hole in concrete with a hammer drill.
Rich
Did the change the laws? I've drilled many a hole in concrete using a regular drill and a carbide tipped masonry bit. I've made them to hold electrical boxes, hose reels, deck post supports, planter hangers, etc. Hammer drills are faster, but not needed.
Well I sure would not want to stand over a birdbath and drill a 7" long hole with a regular drill and masonry bit. Youre talking about drilling a 1" maybe a 2" at most with "regular drill and masonry bit. Wonder how long that bit would last going thru 7 inches of cement?
It might.
The concrete used in the planters high PSI and very small or no rocks. You might not need "hammer mode". I have added drainage holes to others before but not to the style you have.
If the stem is 4" around or more, you work slow on a padded surface and no more than a 1/2" hole you most likely will be able to do it.
As an alternative you might consider drilling a couple of 1/4" holes from the base of the bowl to the outside going sideways and down. Of course this will only work if one side of the planter isn't high visibility. This option is safer IMO.
Colbyt
The good part is, you don't have to. That is the job of the OP. May take some time, but it is possible. I'm not so sure the OP has to either. Not all planters have drain holes. You put a couple of inches of stone in the bottom though. Best to consult with someone that knows hot to plant in one though.
Possible yes, difficult probably.
7 inches is a long way to go. My suggestion is to get a 1/4 masonary bit and turn the urn over and start in drilling, without a hammer drill. See how it goes. This will be a slow process. Once you have reached the end of the bit it will be time to look for a longer one. You will probably need to find a real supply store as the box stores may not have bits as long as you need. You might try Harbor Freight. I would not put much bigger than 1/4 in in the urn.May be a whole lot easier to drill through the side near the bottom.
If you insist on keeping the planter exposed, there may be a couple of ways around the problem. Replant the plants after putting a layer of stone in bottom of planter. Fill the planter so the soil is mounded and the plant at the same depth at soil surface. Pack well. Put on some shredded cypress mulch. In heavy rain, water might run off rather than collecting and flooding the planter. You could also - if feasible - just lay the planter on it's side for an hour after a heavy rain. Or put a clay pot inside so's you can lift out the plant and remove water.
It would be almost be easier to just cast a new planter, with the drain-pipe pre-installed. Is this a one-peice thing, or is the pedestal separate from the bowl?
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It's one solid piece. It's also from our premier garden supply store. I may see what they recommend. I wish they thought of a drain hole!
Dave
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A varible speed hammer drill is the way to go.
I've drilled thru clay pots, glass bottles & concrete planters wth mine.
A regular drill with a carbide masonry bit will take about 10 to 20x longer for a comparable hole.
Seven inches is a deep hole but it you're careful it will work.
cheers Bob
OP-
How about a hole just through the wall of the planter above the pedestal?
Just let the water dribble down the "back side"?
cheers Bob
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That's something I thought of, but then I picture water (mineral) stains where the water outlets down the side of the planter. It's definitely an option. Thanks!
Dave
I agree, the hole in the side will let the water stain the planter but the drilling will be so much esier.
Get a hold of a variable speed, mid sized rotary hammer & let us know how ithe long hole turns out
If you're in SoCal , bring it by & I'll give a try.
cheers Bob
Also, if its 7" is it really gonna crack?
"Airkings" wrote
Just insert an appropriate sized rubber hose from the hole in the side to the adjacent ground area. Auto parts stores often stock a wide variety of rubber hose sizes, sold by the foot. Not likely to leak since little pressure build-up. Also easy to remove to clean the hose and poke into the hole to ensure it is not clogged.
The voice of reason. Or just replant in another pot and use that one for water tolerant planting.
Turn it over. Drill the 7' of concrete (ridiculous idea). By the time you get the thing drilled, the water will have drained out and probably need watering again as it will be mid-summer. Oh, and add more potting soil because half of it will fall out during the process.
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