EPDM Rubber bulkhead gaskets - DIY

Dukereefnz · May 14, 2022

I have purchased a sheet of rubber EPDM... to make gaskets for my bulkheads with a larger diameter to cover the drilled hole, with an oversized chamfer on the inside.
I have made the gaskets and they look good, but the smell... like strong rubber smell.
They have been soaking and it a little better...

Here is the info on the label.

Yes this one is on the outside...
Here is an inside hole, the large gaskets work well.
Also planning a large sheet between the Modular marine overflow box and the back of the glass tank.
In realality there is not a lot off gasket contact with the water...

inside tank, the large gaskets seal nicely...

It is the small..... of the gaskets that worries me.
I can not seem to find anything else suiatable.

Dukereefnz · May 15, 2022

Bump...anyone made bulkhead gaskets?
Maybe that would have been a better question?

WarChief · Jun 15, 2023

I literally contemplated this. My seals seem to have held this time. But should they start their crap again this is the route I intended to take.

Dukereefnz · Jun 15, 2023

Worked perfectly - I added silicon to the rubber to fill any holes.
For the overflows I made large sheets that covered both holes.
Not one drop of salt or water - perfectly sealed.

WarChief · Jun 15, 2023

Dukereefnz said:
Worked perfectly - I added silicon to the rubber to fill any holes.
For the overflows I made large sheets that covered both holes.
Not one drop of salt or water - perfectly sealed.

Exactly what I planned. Like I said, Its holding for now. lol.... Eventually Ill get in there and change it. Just dont want to mess with whats no broken

Cajun86 · Jun 15, 2023

I have used food grade sheet silicone in the past.

WarChief · Jun 15, 2023

Cajun86 said:
I have used food grade sheet silicone in the past.

Sounds smart. The silicone probably requires a little less tightening I'm assuming? Due to it being softer???

Timfish · Jun 15, 2023

I've used DIY EPDM gaskets without any issues. FWIW Since water will migrate down threads past teh nut and any gasket a gasket on the threaded side of a bulkhaed fitting doesn't really do much.