Bulkhead leak

[Kial]

so I've had a few problems with my bulkhead leaking from the return pipe. I managed to get it refitted but now it's slowly dripping back into the sump. I decided to put some silicone around the edges to try stop the drips coming through but it's still dripping slightly.
Would this be a problem if it's dripping back into the sump?

 

[Diesel]

No not a problem as the water will drop back into the system, only bad effect is the saltcreep you going to get around the bulkhead.
Can I ask how you have it installed?
With the rubber ring inside or on the outside?
Did you tied it up with a large wrinch or small?
Did you clean the surface where the bulkhead goes in?

 

[Kial]

The rubber gasket is on the inside with tape on all threads. I did it hand tight as much as I could turn it and was all clean on both sides.
Glad to hear it shouldn't be to much of a problem apart from salt creep but hoping the silicone should stop the leak all together

 

[Diesel]

You might want to try to tie it a bit more but move it 1/8" each time and see if the dripping will stop.

 

[Kial]

I've just had a look then, it's barley leaking now. Got a drip coming out every few seconds just running off the return pipe back into the sump. I don't want to risk turning it again in case it starts leaking more again :/

 

[Erica-Renee]

if its leaking around the threads of the fittings The best solution is Teflon paste not tape.. I never use the tape on anything plastic . It comes in a tube from most home supply places for around 3.00

If its leaking between the gasket and flange or flange to glass. take it apart and inspect gasket glass and flange surfaces for burrs or imperfections. Sand them down and re hand tighten....

But if the leak is a drip and is dripping to inside the pipe salt creep will most likely seal it.. Just be careful during power outage stage depending on how your weir is configured to avoid over flowing your sump..

 

[litenyaup]

May be some debris under the rubber basket allowing water to sneak by. Also I always hand tighten then do a 1/4 turn with wrench.

 

[Kial]

Leak seems to of stopped now so I think I'm all good! To be honest, the fact the tank came brand new with fittings that were not the right fit to start with ( had to buy own new ones) I think it could possibly be down to the drilled holes not being correct maybe.
Beware if anyone buys the aquareef 400, after doing a bit more research and watching others videos it seems this tank is fairly common to leaks. 100% silicone has done the job now though.
Thanks for all the advice everyone

 

[Erica-Renee]

I've just had a look then, it's barley leaking now. Got a drip coming out every few seconds just running off the return pipe back into the sump. I don't want to risk turning it again in case it starts leaking more again :/

If you have over tightened it, it will also leak.. you might want to try and back it off a bit then tighten it back down slowly until the leak stops... If you can reach and see it...


Good Luck

 

[Idoc]

Best to use thread sealant with PVC vs teflon tape. I know many people use teflon tape with PVC, but the information on PVC manufacturer sites says not to do it.

 

[Kial]

I'll use thread sealant in the future or if I have to take it all apart again for some reason. But all good for now