We have been renovating a pond that was built in 1970s. We have removed 40 years of silt and are ready to start filling the pond. The pond has a standpipe that acts as an overflow drain and has a capped pipe at the bottom to allow the pond to be drained. The standpipe (attached photo) appears to be in good shape so we have decided to reuse it. The original cover for the standpipe drain (photo attached) is brass and is pristine. I believe it is called a shear cap. The metal rod used to open the shear cover rusted away years ago. My plan is to reuse the bass cover as it was originally installed. Any thoughts on this plan? Should I use some type of sealant or gasket between the brass cover and the pipe - if so, any recommendations?

Thanks in advance for any advice. It is greatly appreciated.

Attached Images
shear cover 2.jpg standpipe.jpg