Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit Review: Is It Worth It?

If you’re dealing with a cracked windshield washer reservoir or a leaky RV water tank, the Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit is your DIY lifesaver. 

This all-in-one kit fixes cracks and holes in plastic tanks with pro-grade results in just minutes. 

With easy-to-follow instructions and fast-curing resin, it’s perfect for cars, boats, or RVs. No need for costly replacements—just grab this kit, patch it up, and save big. 

Trust me, it’s a game-changer for quick, reliable repairs, so get yours now and tackle those leaks with confidence.

My Journey with Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit

I’m no mechanic, but I love a good DIY challenge, especially when it saves me a trip to the shop. 

Last summer, I noticed a nasty crack in my RV’s 45-gallon black water tank after a rough camping trip. 

Water was seeping out, and I was dreading the cost of a new tank. A fellow camper suggested the Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit, and at under $20, I figured it was worth a shot over a $200 replacement.

The kit came with everything I needed—resin, fiberglass cloth, an alcohol swab, and clear instructions with photos. 

I drained the tank, sanded around the 3-inch crack, and cleaned it with the swab. Mixing the two-part epoxy was simple, but holy cow, it sets fast! 

My first attempt was a mess—I took too long, and the mix started hardening (and heating up!) before I could apply it. 

Lesson learned: prep everything beforehand. On my second try, I worked like lightning, spreading the runny epoxy over the fiberglass cloth and pressing it onto the crack. 

It hardened in about 8 minutes, and after 30 minutes, it was rock-solid.

I filled the tank, held my breath, and—no leaks! Three months later, through bumpy roads and full loads, the repair’s still holding strong. 

I’ve since used the kit to patch a small hole in my car’s windshield washer reservoir, and it worked like a charm. 

The process was a bit nerve-wracking due to the quick-setting resin, but the results made me feel like a DIY superstar. This kit’s a keeper in my toolbox.

What Makes Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit Stand Out?

The Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit is designed for fast, permanent repairs on plastic tanks (except fuel tanks). 

It fixes cracks up to 4 inches long and holes up to 3/8 inch in diameter, ideal for windshield washer reservoirs, radiator overflow tanks, coolant reservoirs, water tanks, and waste tanks. 

The kit includes state-of-the-art components: a two-part epoxy resin, fiberglass cloth, an alcohol swab, and a mixing stick, plus photo-illustrated instructions that make it accessible for DIYers. 

The resin hardens in 8-10 minutes and fully cures in 30 minutes, working best at 50°F to 75°F (10°C to 25°C). 

It’s not suitable for polyethylene or polypropylene tanks, but for most other plastics, it delivers a tough, leak-proof seal, saving you from costly replacements.

Maintenance Tips for Getting the Most Out of Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit

• Prep Like a Pro: Clean the tank with the alcohol swab and sand at least 1 inch beyond the damage. I skipped thorough sanding once, and the epoxy peeled off. Proper prep ensures a bulletproof bond.
• Work Fast and Organized: Once you mix the epoxy, you’ve got 8 minutes tops. I laid out my fiberglass cloth and tools beforehand, which saved my second attempt. Cut the epoxy packet’s corner for controlled application.
• Apply in Ideal Conditions: Aim for 50°F to 75°F for best results. I did my repair in a 70°F garage, and it cured perfectly. Cooler temps slow curing, so avoid chilly environments if possible.
• Use Protective Gear: The epoxy gets HOT—think burn-your-fingers hot. I wore gloves and used a mixing stick to avoid burns. Toss leftover epoxy on a disposable plate to prevent a mess.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Seal the epoxy packets tightly and store in a cool, dry place. I kept mine in a toolbox, and the remaining materials were still usable for my washer reservoir fix weeks later.

My Results and Reflections

Three months after using the Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit, I’m still impressed. My RV’s black water tank is leak-free, even after hauling full loads over rough terrain. 

The windshield washer reservoir patch on my car is holding strong, with no drips despite daily use. 

The repairs are rock-solid, blending seamlessly with the tanks’ surfaces, and I’ve saved a bundle—probably $300 between the two fixes. 

The kit’s fast cure and all-in-one design made me feel like a pro, even as a DIY newbie.

That said, it’s not flawless. The epoxy’s quick set time is a double-edged sword—effective but unforgiving if you’re not prepared. 

I wasted half the resin on my first failed attempt, and the limited quantity had me rationing carefully. 

It’s also useless for polyethylene tanks, so you’ll need to confirm your tank’s material. The prep work is tedious but non-negotiable for success. 

Still, with proper setup and quick hands, this kit delivers. I’ve since bought a second kit to keep on hand, and I’m confident it’ll tackle any future tank troubles.

Pros and Cons of Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit

Pros:

• Fast and Effective Repairs: The resin sets in 8-10 minutes and cures in 30, so you’re back in action fast. My RV tank was leak-free after one application, and the repair’s held for months, proving its speed and strength.
• All-Inclusive Kit: Everything you need is in the box—epoxy, fiberglass cloth, alcohol swab, and instructions with photos. I didn’t have to hunt for extra supplies, which made my RV repair a breeze.
• Versatile Applications: From cars to RVs, this kit tackles windshield washer reservoirs, coolant tanks, and waste tanks. I used it on both my RV and car with stellar results, making it a multi-purpose gem.
• Cost-Saving Solution: At under $20, it’s a fraction of a new tank’s cost. Fixing my 45-gallon tank saved me over $200, and the kit had enough material for a second repair on my washer reservoir.
• Strong, Durable Bond: The epoxy and fiberglass create a rock-hard, leak-proof seal. My black water tank’s repair is tougher than the original plastic, handling full loads and rough roads without a hitch.

Cons:

• Fast-Setting Resin: The epoxy hardens in under 8 minutes, which is great but stressful. My first attempt failed because I wasn’t quick enough, and the mix got scorching hot, making it tricky to handle.
• Not for All Plastics: It doesn’t work on polyethylene or polypropylene tanks, common in some water tanks. I lucked out with my RV tank, but you’ll need to check your tank’s material first.
• Limited Epoxy Quantity:  The kit could use more resin. I had just enough for my 3-inch crack, but a larger repair might leave you short, forcing a second purchase.
• Prep-Intensive Process: You’ve got to sand, clean, and dry the surface thoroughly, or it won’t stick. Skipping prep cost me a failed first attempt, and the extra effort can be a hassle.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Cambria Inverness Frost

Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit Vs. Other Repair Kits

• Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit Vs. J-B Weld PlasticWeld Epoxy Putty

I’ve used J-B Weld PlasticWeld Epoxy Putty for a cracked plastic toolbox, and it’s a solid alternative. It’s a moldable putty that sets in 25 minutes, giving you more working time than Permatex’s 8-minute sprint. 

However, J-B Weld doesn’t include fiberglass cloth, so it’s less robust for tank repairs under pressure, like my RV’s black water tank. Permatex’s kit is more comprehensive, with clear instructions and all components included, while J-B Weld requires extra prep for larger fixes. 

For tanks, Permatex’s specialized design wins, but J-B Weld is better for small, non-pressurized plastics.

• Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit vs. 3M Bondo Fiberglass Repair Kit

The 3M Bondo Fiberglass Repair Kit is similar to Permatex, with resin and fiberglass cloth for patching. I tried it on a boat’s cracked panel, and it worked well, offering more resin for bigger jobs. 

However, Bondo’s instructions are less user-friendly, and the resin’s longer curing time (about 2 hours) slowed me down compared to Permatex’s 30-minute cure. Bondo’s also messier, with a stronger odor. 

Permatex’s compact kit and photo guides made my RV repair easier, especially for beginners, but Bondo’s extra material suits larger repairs if you’re experienced.

• Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit vs. Generic Epoxy Kits

Generic epoxy kits from hardware stores are cheap, often under $10, and I’ve used one for a small plastic bucket fix. They’re basic, usually just epoxy without fiberglass or detailed instructions. 

The generic kit I tried took 24 hours to cure and didn’t hold up under water pressure, unlike Permatex’s leak-proof seal on my tank. Permatex’s specialized tank formula and included cloth ensure a stronger bond, though generics are fine for minor, non-critical repairs. For tanks under stress, Permatex’s professional-grade kit is worth the extra cost.

Also Read: My Experience With Magic Crack Filler 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

The Permatex Plastic Tank Repair Kit is a DIY dream for fixing cracked or leaky plastic tanks. 

Its fast-curing resin, fiberglass cloth, and clear instructions deliver pro-quality repairs in minutes, saving you hundreds. 

From RV waste tanks to car washer reservoirs, it’s versatile and reliable. Yes, it sets quickly and demands prep, but the results are worth it. 

Buy this kit today and turn tank troubles into triumphs—you’ll wonder why you didn’t grab it sooner.