Fixing a small pvc leak?

[kdx7214]

I just got my tank setup, filled with sand and water, and pump running and discovered that I have a small leak in the plumbing. It's directly over the sump and only drops a single drop of water maybe every 2-3 minutes. To fix it the "right" way I'd have to rip out the plumbing (and a wall that's too close to allow me to access the rest of the plumbing) and replace it all.

What kind of long term issues could I expect if I just leave it the way it is? Is there an easier fix for this that would prevent tearing out a wall? My wife really doesn't want me to take down the drywall lol.

Thanks!

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I'd watch it and let it go. The salt will eventually pack up the leak.

 

[dedragon]

check the bulkhead and see if that is where it is leaking from first. It may be over or under tightened, either can cause a small leak

 

[BAMatter]

Do you know where it’s leaking from? Can cut above it, install a union, and just do from the leak down (obviously in theory as I have no clue how it’s plumbed).

You really do want to try to correct the problem, so it doesn’t get any worse..

 

[Jedi1199]

I just got my tank setup, filled with sand and water, and pump running and discovered that I have a small leak in the plumbing. It's directly over the sump and only drops a single drop of water maybe every 2-3 minutes. To fix it the "right" way I'd have to rip out the plumbing (and a wall that's too close to allow me to access the rest of the plumbing) and replace it all.

What kind of long term issues could I expect if I just leave it the way it is? Is there an easier fix for this that would prevent tearing out a wall? My wife really doesn't want me to take down the drywall lol.

Thanks!

I am one of the fix it right, fix it once camp. Better a less desirable project done right, than a halfway job that will continue to cause issues.

I also agree with find the actual leak first. dry paper towels up the line till you find the actual source of the leak.

 

[Saltyreef]

If its a failed glue joint, ive had plenty of experience removing pressure from the line and slathering the area in primer and glue from the outside.
Still running the chemical loops at work with no leaks just fine years later.

 

[flagg37]

One word. Bubblegum.

 

[sfin52]

One word. Bubblegum.

The cheaper the gum the better

 

[kdx7214]

check the bulkhead and see if that is where it is leaking from first. It may be over or under tightened, either can cause a small leak

All the bulkheads are fine. The leak is coming from where a 45 elbow meets straight pipe.

 

[kdx7214]

I am one of the fix it right, fix it once camp. Better a less desirable project done right, than a halfway job that will continue to cause issues.

I also agree with find the actual leak first. dry paper towels up the line till you find the actual source of the leak.

I'm normally 100% with you on this. I'd rather do it right. That being said, this would literally entail taking out a 4' wide chunk of wall to get to the thing. That and ripping out most of the return line plumbing and replacing it. There is no way the wife would go for that. Hmm. I guess I could empty the tank and pull it out from the wall. Going to have to think about this.

 

[kdx7214]

If its a failed glue joint, ive had plenty of experience removing pressure from the line and slathering the area in primer and glue from the outside.
Still running the chemical loops at work with no leaks just fine years later.

I actually tried that first, but no go on this one. I was considering trying E6000 since it is often used for acrylic/glass bonds in sumps. It's thick enough I could just cover the outside and let it cure.

 

[dedragon]

then i would just pull it out and reglue everything, did you use a union fitting before the elbow? I usually throw 1 in under the bulkhead just in case I decide to change anything or want to add a external fuge or something

 

[Jedi1199]

I'm normally 100% with you on this. I'd rather do it right. That being said, this would literally entail taking out a 4' wide chunk of wall to get to the thing. That and ripping out most of the return line plumbing and replacing it. There is no way the wife would go for that. Hmm. I guess I could empty the tank and pull it out from the wall. Going to have to think about this.

I guarantee you she will like a flooded floor even less... especially if she is the one who has to clean it up. A 4ft square section of drywall is easy to take out and replace. An entire floor is something else entirely.

The problem with a small leak like this is, it is easy to forget about it. You don't see the damage as it happens little by little. Spraying water halfway across the room, you see and fix immediately. Drip by drip will do more damage as it goes unnoticed until the real damage is done.

My opinion, explain to her that you either fix a small issue right today or risk a MAJOR issue in a few months. Despite what I have seen others say, leaks do not just fix themselves.

If she still squawks, tell her "too bad!! I am going to fix it right" and then take your lumps.. lol

 

[sfin52]

I guarantee you she will like a flooded floor even less... especially if she is the one who has to clean it up. A 4ft square section of drywall is easy to take out and replace. and entire floor is something else entirely.

The problem with a small leak like this is, it is easy to forget about it. You don't see the damage as it happens little by little. Spraying water halfway across the room, you see and fix immediately. Drip by drip will do more damage as it goes unnoticed until the real damage is done.

My opinion, explain to her that you either fix a small issue right today or risk a MAJOR issue in a few months. Despite what I have seen others say, leaks do not just fix themselves.

If she still squawks, tell her "too bad!! I am going to fix it right" and then take your lumps.. lol

This right here. Its the best solution.

 

[kdx7214]

I guarantee you she will like a flooded floor even less... especially if she is the one who has to clean it up. A 4ft square section of drywall is easy to take out and replace. An entire floor is something else entirely.

The problem with a small leak like this is, it is easy to forget about it. You don't see the damage as it happens little by little. Spraying water halfway across the room, you see and fix immediately. Drip by drip will do more damage as it goes unnoticed until the real damage is done.

My opinion, explain to her that you either fix a small issue right today or risk a MAJOR issue in a few months. Despite what I have seen others say, leaks do not just fix themselves.

If she still squawks, tell her "too bad!! I am going to fix it right" and then take your lumps.. lol

We're fortunate in that this is in the basement, so no flooring to worry about. I guess I'll just have to look at it some more and see how the money situation holds out. I'd basically have to replumb the entire water return. Thanks for the advice!

 

[RobB'z Reef]

your reef, your call. Sometimes fix it right is a bit cavalier when it's not you. But best bet is fixing it right, however... been there done that both ways. This is what I've done in the past. Holding strong 18 months later... link to post in build thread detailing how i dealt with it once.

Large Build - Rob's Really Rad 180 Reef Rally

It's full and still standing! I kept not trusting my stand design lol. But so far so good. Gonna run with this tap water leak and flow balancing test for at least a few days into next week. I'm gonna do some crash tests etc. Pull the power, drop a pump etc learn what biotch did under...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

We're fortunate in that this is in the basement, so no flooring to worry about. I guess I'll just have to look at it some more and see how the money situation holds out. I'd basically have to replumb the entire water return. Thanks for the advice!

I stand by my original post more so. We're not dealing with high pressure here. In your application, what I suggested will be fine. If you notice it getting worse, then do something about it.

 

[flagg37]

Why don’t you shoot us some pictures. Maybe one of us can come up with a different idea that will save you from cutting up the wall.

 

[AJsReef]

While replacing the pipe run is the “best” fix, I’ve had success with JB wet weld for leaks that didn’t self seal.

 

[edd59]

i dont understand, if the leak is above the sump, then why do you have to remove a wall. cut the 45 out and replace with a new 45 a 2 couplers.
as mentioned above JB weld works wonders. i used it many times even to fix a drip in my house water supply at 50 psi. lasted for years and sold the house.