Bulkeads and returns

[fogcutter]

After successfully setting up my BA overflow and dry fitting/leak testing my tank and plumbing I'm ready to start make my final plumbing setup. I have 1 " fittings that thread on to my overflow/bulkead fittings. Initially during my dry fit all three bulkheads were leaking at the threaded coupling but I was able to stop the leaks in one with some Teflon pipe tape.

Do you all glue your fittings to the bulkhead fitting? Obviously that's a fairly permanent situation meaning if you wanted to change your overflow plumbing you'd have to buy a new bulkhead fitting.

For my returns, my tank was pre-drilled with 3/4" bulkheads and during my dry run I just pushed in the 3/4" pvc pipe into them as far as they would go. No leaks at either. Are these usually glued as well? Thanks in advance.

 

[dugthefish]

Anything on the dry side gets glued/sealed. Anything on the wet side does not.

 

[flooddc]

I personally glue bulkheads to the pvc pipe. They are fairly cheap to replace. Leaking from thread will be more headache to repair and thus not worth it. Also, teflon tape is actually not for pvc thread. They are intended for brass/metal fittings.

 

[Muttley000]

I personally glue bulkheads to the pvc pipe. They are fairly cheap to replace. Leaking from thread will be more headache to repair and thus not worth it. Also, teflon tape is actually not for pvc thread. They are intended for brass/metal fittings.

This! Always use paste on plastic threads, the Teflon is so slippery that you can easily over tighten without realizing you are doing it, and bulkheads split easily when tightened too far.

 

[fermentedhiker]

Just an FYI PVC/ABS threads should not have teflon tape or teflon paste used on them. Both are thread lubricants and not thread sealants and the extra space they take up puts added stress that isn't supposed to be there on the threads themselves which can lead to thread failure on the bulkheads. You should use a thread sealant such as rectorseal5 for PVC or rectorseal Tplus2 for ABS

 

[ca1ore]

You must solvent weld PVC pipe into slip fittings otherwise the pressure from your pump will just back it out and soak your room.