Duct tape kept out more floodwater than sandbags in laboratory tests

[u/Hotchi_Motchi]

https://phys.org/news/2026-10-duct-tape-floodwater-sandbags-laboratory.html

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[u/captainofthedogs]

Sandbags need to be paired with a well-laid tarp to block water.

[u/pewpewshazaam → u/captainofthedogs]

Where do i even find a tarp that gets laid a lot?

[u/SquareTetrisBlock]

Makes sense. Sandbags are a good barrier, but they don't create much of a seal. The water can still seep around the edges.

[u/Psychlonuclear → u/SquareTetrisBlock]

It's weird that we somehow always need a "lab test" or similar for obvious things. Like there's no proof sandbags have rounded edges for water to go through unless someone got paid to test it.

Oh wait, there it is, money.

[u/incpen → u/Psychlonuclear]

Congratulations, your grant has been approved. Please submit your findings for peer review in 9 months.

[u/FaultyFaucet_6]

Now I just need to find a sandbags worth of duct tape

[u/cwsjr2323]

Sandbags are to weigh down the plastic barrier, or prevent bullet holes

[u/InterestNo4080]

I made Bags of sand out of duct tape I should be fine

[u/The-Traveler-]

FYI, in the event of minor flooding near you this winter, you can put sand in rolled towels or old tied tshirts if you don’t have sandbags. Sometimes it’s an emergency or people are tight on funds. Stay safe. ✌️

[u/UsefulEagle101]

Ok, but on the inside or outside?

[u/skandel → u/UsefulEagle101]

Why not both?

[u/ebikr]

I’ve used it and they are not wrong.

[u/gypsysniper9]

Flexseal for the win

[u/Training-Lettuce6773]

This is common sense lol