Can a Uni-Seal leak?

[Dom]

Just discovered the uni-seal on my 40 gallon storage container is dripping. Does such a thing happen? The seal is less than a year old.

This is the first time I have used a uni-seal and am uncertain what the norm is.

Thanks,
Dom

 

[Redfoxtang]

Depending on the application and how it’s used they can absolutely leak! Do you have a picture of how it’s being used?

 

[vanpire]

Mine did. Not all but some.

 

[Dom]

Depending on the application and how it’s used they can absolutely leak! Do you have a picture of how it’s being used?

I selected it over a bulkhead because I constructed a water storage container out of a 40 gallon Brute. Since the container is round, Uni-seal was the recommendation.

This is a recent development. Up until now (about a year), it has been fine.

Need input on a new water mixing station...

After looking at water storage solutions, I decided to go with a 40 gallon Brute garbage pail with lid. My plan is to build a stand tall enough so that I can get a 5 gallon bucket under it and have quick access to RODI water for water changes. So I plan on installing a 1/2" bulkhead with a PVC...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Greg P]

I had one leak. I was a bit messy drilling the hole on a drum. I replaced it with a bulkhead and it's been fine for over 4 years.
I have a few other Uniseals on similar drums that are fine after 8 years.

I'd suggest you take the Uniseal out and inspect the hole for burrs/debris. If you find nothing to cause it to leak consider replacing it with a bulkhead.

 

[JasonK84]

I’ve had 2 Uniseals split and start dripping. That’s in about a years time. Both happened on the RO/DI container of my mixing station. Salt side still has original uniseal from same batch that were splitting on the DI side. Ran out of the first set of uniseals and replaced again. Maybe a bad batch. Hoping this last one holds up.

 

[hart24601]

I had uni seals on brute cans that worked well for a couple years but eventually leaked as well.

 

[csb123]

I’ve never had a leak, but no product is perfect. I have used multiple uniseals from 3/4 inch thru 3 inches. It takes a little care to install them. My hypothesis is the uniseal gets scraped or cut during installation.

1. Deburr the cut hole with sandpaper till smooth. ( make sure the hole is round using a hole saw, and cut with little pressure)

2. Bevel and deburr the leading edge of your pipe.

3. Use a little lube (ie. KY) to put the pipe in...no jokes please (family forum

4. Really big uniseals (ie. 3”) are a bear to install. Do all of the above, plus cut longitudinal slots into the leading edge of the pipe about 6-12 inches long. Once you muscle the pipe into place, cut the slotted part of the pipe off.

Good luck!
Sean

 

[Greg P]

Being afraid of lubed plumbing blowing out of uniseals, I just spit on the connections.
Seriously .. just a bit of spit. It will dry out and the seal is good.

 

[Saltees]

For the above reasons, I never use Uniseal below waterline, only to hold pipes entry above waterline or non critical operation. Bulkheads are my go to and on flat surfaces only. For brute containers, I will do the pipe penetration on the flat base instead of the curved side wall.

 

[csb123]

Being afraid of lubed plumbing blowing out of uniseals, I just spit on the connections.
Seriously .. just a bit of spit. It will dry out and the seal is good.

I agree, as most adults know, saliva is a good lubricant. KY is water soluble, so it washes away easily.