Bulkhead still leaking and I'm about to scream
- Thread starter glb
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You have it installed correctly. I believe in the tips thread I say to install the nut finger tight then an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn with a wrench.
Let the PVC hang freely so you can see the alignment then if you need to, add a spacer or wedge to fill any gaps between the pipe and stand so you do not pull it out of alignment and put the bulkhead in a bind causing the gasket to compress unequally. The idea is to support the weight so it stays in its normal alignment with no stress.
Let the PVC hang freely so you can see the alignment then if you need to, add a spacer or wedge to fill any gaps between the pipe and stand so you do not pull it out of alignment and put the bulkhead in a bind causing the gasket to compress unequally. The idea is to support the weight so it stays in its normal alignment with no stress.
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glb
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I'll do this. I already removed one brace and the elbow joint leveled out. I'll take off the other one and see if that fixes it. Maybe I put them on too tight. Thanks everyone! I'll give an update when I get home.
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glb
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Well I took it all apart and realized the elbow pipe wasn't tight enough and fixed that. The system is up and running with fresh water! So far no real leaks. The overflow gasket drips about one small drop every 5 minutes. Does this count? I've read that once the system has been running for a few days that these usually resolved. The return bulkhead is perfect. It's almost ready to go!
I would fix the drip. It may slow down over time but drips in saltwater end up being a stalagtite or stalagmite of salt creep. It gets pretty ugly. The best saying I have ever hear in this hobby is "If its worth doing, its worth doing right the first time."
Did you take the time to clean the excess plastic mould marks or flashing out of the threads and off of the flat surface of the bulkheads before installing them? A little jewelers or nail file and an Xacto knife work wonders for this. It doesn't take much of an imperfection in the plastic to cause the gasket or threads to leak.
Did you take the time to clean the excess plastic mould marks or flashing out of the threads and off of the flat surface of the bulkheads before installing them? A little jewelers or nail file and an Xacto knife work wonders for this. It doesn't take much of an imperfection in the plastic to cause the gasket or threads to leak.
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glb
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I was afraid you were going to say that.
I thoroughly cleaned off the teflon lube and didn't see any rough spots but I'll look at it again. The back of the tank is spray-painted. Could that cause a problem?
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glb
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Couldn't I just silicone caulk around the gasket? You'll probably say no but I figured I'd ask. It's such a teeny leak and I'm afraid I'll create a new one by taking it apart again. I'm very frustrated!!!! But I do appreciate your help.
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What size hole compared to the bullhead. Make sure the gasket is in middle. if it keeps leaking you might have to use clear silicone ( tank safe off course) and it will be fine
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Teflon paste might not be good for the tank, and not every teflon paste is for plastic. Clean it and use clear silicone on the gaskets inside and out and on thread. It never fails. Leave for 24 hrs and then fill with water.
Never use Teflon paste or tape or silicone on PVC fittings and bulkhead gaskets. All PVC manufacturers have this warning on their sites. Gaskets are always installed clean and dry so they adhere to the glass, silicone prevents this adhesion.
There are PVC thread lubricants specifically for this purpose like the LaCo sticks I talk about in the Bulkhead Tips sticky thread.
There are PVC thread lubricants specifically for this purpose like the LaCo sticks I talk about in the Bulkhead Tips sticky thread.
VicD81
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I had the same setup and the same problem. I used the magic lube they sold on their site just on the gaskets and bare pipe on the threaded fittings. In the end I finally found a hair line crack on the bulkhead that I could only see if I pried it apart. Got new bulkheads and fixed the problem. Good luck!
I would and did put teflon tape on the threaded elbow. I didn't use any magic lube. The back of my tank is also painted, so no problem there. I sanded the plastic surfaces of the bulkhead that went against the gaskets with fine sandpaper. As it said in the directions if I remember correctly. My advice is to tighten the nut. It's hard to get at in the glass holes box, so "hand tight" isn't very tight. Sounds like you know not to put pressure on the plumbing by push/pulling it one way or the other. I've attended a pic of mine, you can see the tape on the threads. Hope this helps
