Best way to seal a leak ?

[Yokokurama]

Hi guys I am new to the hobby and is having a leak on the return line ? Not sure if thats what it is called . Where the bulk head and the gray part meet ? Haha . I tried some Teflon tape , it's still leaking . What are you guys advices on the best way to fix it ? Thanks in advance !!

 

[Daddio]

Is that a screw in fitting (I'm assuming so since you were able to remove it? If so, it can take a lot of Teflon tape. I wouldn't silicone it.

 

[pirate2876]

Don't glue it in. Lots of Teflon tape.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Could possibly use plumbers putty there.

 

[AZDesertRat]

This thread may be of help to you.
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/eq...iltration/34973-installing-bulkhead-tips.html

Since it appears to be in the overflow box, take the time to drain the box, disassemble the fitting, clean the threads out as I describe in the link above and use either LaCo type PVC thread lubricant or the heavier duty pink or yellow colored teflon tape. I much prefer the LaCo type sealants to teflon as does Spears, the largest PVC manufacturer in the world.

 

[Aquarium Art]

Lots of teflon buddy . We usually just make all the plumbing slip pvc and pvc cement to seal it

 

[AZDesertRat]

I hate glued PVC with a passion, especially around bulkheads. After helping many friends move systems and having cut literally dozens of bulkheads apart with a hacksaw its such a waste. With threaded fittings they can be used over and over or disassembled and replumbed in a different configuration when you decide to add a reactor or move things under the stand.

http://www.spears.com/tech_updates/TECH-2-No.111_web.pdf

 

[mfinn]

I hate glued PVC with a passion, especially around bulkheads. After helping many friends move systems and having cut literally dozens of bulkheads apart with a hacksaw its such a waste. With threaded fittings they can be used over and over or disassembled and replumbed in a different configuration when you decide to add a reactor or move things under the stand.

http://www.spears.com/tech_updates/TECH-2-No.111_web.pdf

+1
I have also helped people move systems and had to cut bulkheads out when they were permanently glued. Not the best idea, imo

 

[Aquarium Art]

I never cut the bulkheads . I cut the pvc connected to the bulkhead , give it enough room for me to put the correct coupling and tadaa!!!! no cutting bulkhead

 

[AZDesertRat]

Thats not always possible with stock aquarium stands though, the room underneath is limited when you are trying to get over a sump. Threaded is by far better.

 

[Reefing Madness]

I never cut the bulkheads . I cut the pvc connected to the bulkhead , give it enough room for me to put the correct coupling and tadaa!!!! no cutting bulkhead

+1. This is what i've done in the past also.

 

[Yokokurama]

Hey guy thanks for all your responses . I rewrapped the Teflon tape with a thicker layer and tried runnin the pump again . After about 10 mins it was starting a slow drip again . Would it make more sense to just switch to PVC ?

 

[Yokokurama]

Yes it is a screw fitting

 

[Yokokurama]

Lots of teflon buddy . We usually just make all the plumbing slip pvc and pvc cement to seal it

This thread may be of help to you.
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/eq...iltration/34973-installing-bulkhead-tips.html

Since it appears to be in the overflow box, take the time to drain the box, disassemble the fitting, clean the threads out as I describe in the link above and use either LaCo type PVC thread lubricant or the heavier duty pink or yellow colored teflon tape. I much prefer the LaCo type sealants to teflon as does Spears, the largest PVC manufacturer in the world.

Would something like this work ? Rectorseal 21 Blackjack Pipe Thread Sealant; 1/2 Pint Can (RS21) - Agrimart

 

[AZDesertRat]

Make sure whatever you use is designed specifically for PVC. Many products contain petroleum products so are not good for the PVC or for the reef and are not NSF 61 approved.

Unscrew the barbed nipple, check the threads for any excess flashing or mold lines then clean them up with a pocket knife or jewelers or nail file. Those few minutes prep work can make a huge difference, especially with tapes since they shred the tape and scoop it out of the grooves or threads. Then use the thicker pink colored tape designed for propane and natural gas lines since it is both thicker and much tougher. My first choice would still be the LaCo type PVC sticks but some say they ahve trouble finding them. I get them at Ace Hardware or even Lowes and HD around here.

 

[Yokokurama]

Thanks everyone for their help ! After rewrapping it with Teflon tape several more times and trying the thread paste still no luck, but finally got it to hold after using a thin layer of paste over a thick layer of Teflon . Will be seeing more of this newbie fish tank guy here!! Thanks everyone ! Much obliged .

 

[VicD81]

Make sure you didn't crack the bulkhead by over tightening the fitting. The paste you just applied on it could just be delaying an inevitable leak. I cracked mine when I first installed it. When I took it apart I couldn't even see the crack it was so small, but its there.

 

[Jonn]

I've always used Blue Monster Thread Sealant from Lowes (Shop Blue Monster 4-oz Pipe Joint Compound at Lowes.com)

Works great. It lubes, seals and cleans up pretty easy if you ever want to disassemble the pipes. So nothing permanent. I usually will not use tape on anything greater then a 1" fitting.