I just installed the bulkheads on my 80g RR and leak tested. The return bulkhead is leaking from the inside of the tube. No water coming out on the threads. And it's like 1 Drip every 10 seconds. Should I be worried about this?
Bulkhead leak
- Thread starter David M.
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certain_code
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Yup you want to fix it now before it becomes a bigger problem. Because it's the return it is under pressure and may mean that there is a small crack which could become bigger and turn into a flood situation outside your tank months down the road. Better to fix it now that have to worry about livestock later
Jimbo
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Definitely needs to be fixed. Be careful not to over tighten you can crack the tank. Make sure the gasket is on the same side as the flange on the bulk head. Hand tighten and then about 1/4 turn with a wrench.
redfishbluefish
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Did you install the bulkhead correctly? Regardless of how the bulkhead is installed (flange on the inside or flange on the outside of the tank), the gasket ALWAYS goes on the flange side. You want NO leaks coming from the bulkhead.
@AZDesertRat has a sticky on this....I'll be back in a moment if I can find it.
Found it! Read THIS, it should help.
@AZDesertRat has a sticky on this....I'll be back in a moment if I can find it.
Found it! Read THIS, it should help.
Silicone
redfishbluefish
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NO! It should only have one.
So I was wrong before, the leak only looked like it was coming from inside the pipe. It's definitely coming from the threads. At a very slow rate but still leaking. Gonna pull it apart and clean it again...
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/installing-bulkhead-tips.34973/
Threaded bulkhead or slip bulkhead? Is the gasket on the flange side regardless if it is inside or outside the tank? Did you take the time to smooth out any flashing or excess plastic mould lines or casting marks on the surfaces?
Threaded bulkhead or slip bulkhead? Is the gasket on the flange side regardless if it is inside or outside the tank? Did you take the time to smooth out any flashing or excess plastic mould lines or casting marks on the surfaces?
underwaterdan
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I had a similar problem and it turned out I had my return pipe in their crooked and it was giving just enough counter pressure to make it not seal. Try and remove and repeat your overflow pipes...
Threaded, gasket on flange side only, and I've gone over the gasket and threads multiple times.
The overflow bulkhead doesn't leak hand tightened. I'm wondering if I just need to give it a bit more when tightening it down.
It's also a used tank, so there's a good chance when I'm setting the return pipe into the hole the gasket picks up some detritus (even though I reclean it every time I remove the pipe)
How about some photos so we can see what you are dealing with?
