Glass-Holes 700 return elbow is leaking. Need help!

[glb]

This is the 3/4” 90 degree elbow that came with my Glass-Holes 700 In and Out kit. One side is threaded and the other isn’t. It’s developed a leak right where the threaded part ends (see pic). I’m pretty sure the elbow is all one piece if I remember right. The tank has been up for 7 months and the leak just recently developed a few weeks ago. At first it was a drop every once in a while. Now it’s a bit more. I siliconed around that area of the elbow but know that’s just a temporary fix. Is this piece something I can get at Home Depot? The kit I bought came with this piece because I plumbed with pvc, not flexible hosing. Plus, how do I repair it on a running tank. I assume I just turn off the flow, take this piece off (I have unions before and after so that’s not a problem), and screw in the new one then glue the other side. I have no clue how the leak developed but it needs to be fixed pronto at this point.

 

[Flippers4pups]

@glb, can you repost your picture of it?

 

[Fin]

I would just remove the fitting, inspect for cracks and if ok, clean it up, trim any left over plastic from manufacturing process and then apply a non-hardening PVC sealant (available at Lowe's or Home Depot) and reinstall. Don't overtighten.

 

[glb]

I just realized the threaded part you can see is a part of the bulkhead. I found the instructions and it seems that the elbow screws into this piece. I’ll have to use the Magic lube that came with the kit or the sticky pencil-like thing I bought to rub over the threads. Sorry for the lack of product name recognition! The elbow isn’t pvc so I can’t use pvc glue on it.

 

[glb]

This is what I think I need to use:

 

[Flippers4pups]

Do you know the dimension of the threaded side? Bulkhead? And PVC pipe diameter?

 

[Fin]

The elbow is PVC. I have several of their overflows. The bulkhead is ABS. You can still use a pvc non-hardening sealant (not cement). What you are showing above should work. Just make sure there isn't a hairline crack in the fitting or the bulkhead.

 

[Fin]

Do you know the dimension of the threaded side? Bulkhead? And PVC pipe diameter?

They primarily use 1" bulkheads and fittings.

 

[Flippers4pups]

They primarily use 1" bulkheads and fittings.

Okay.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Like this:

 

[Flippers4pups]

You could just change the bulkheads out to slip and do this:

(My old 56 I drilled and made a coast to coast spillway)

 

[jsker]

You could just change the bulkheads out to slip and do this:

(My old 56 I drilled and made a coast to coast spillway)

+1
This how I installed mine and glued the straight PVC into the bulk head. The unions are great for maintenance

 

[Flippers4pups]

I just realized the threaded part you can see is a part of the bulkhead. I found the instructions and it seems that the elbow screws into this piece. I’ll have to use the Magic lube that came with the kit or the sticky pencil-like thing I bought to rub over the threads. Sorry for the lack of product name recognition! The elbow isn’t pvc so I can’t use pvc glue on it.

Or just unthread it, clean the threads inside and out and use some Teflon tape on the male threads.

 

[Fin]

I believe their bulkheads are modified (cut down) to fit in the overflows. If you cut down a slip bulkhead, it may be too narrow to accept the pipe, since it is tapered. You can order everything you need to replace both from Glass Holes, if you want to go that route.

 

[Flippers4pups]

+1
This how I installed mine and glued the straight PVC into the bulk head. The unions are great for maintenance

The only problem with gluing the pvc into the bulkhead is when time comes to replace the bulkhead gaskets, you have to cut the pvc at the bulkhead and discard it. Have to use a new bulkhead.

 

[glb]

It’s fixed! I unscrewed the inner thread of the elbow (I held the bulkhead with a wrench so the Loc line wouldn’t spin) and rubbed the Plasti Joint Stik on the elbow threads. I screwed it back into the bulkhead (which is internally threaded) and that seemed to do the trick. Woohoo! There were no cracks in the plumbing. I was worried about fixing the first plumbing leak I had on a functioning tank but it worked out fine. Thanks everyone!

 

[jsker]

The only problem with gluing the pvc into the bulkhead is when time comes to replace the bulkhead gaskets, you have to cut the pvc at the bulkhead and discard it. Have to use a new bulkhead.

$5 for a new blukhead, no leaks priceless . I have hardwood flooring under the tank, and the boss of me would have my hide if there were a leek.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I believe their bulkheads are modified (cut down) to fit in the overflows. If you cut down a slip bulkhead, it may be too narrow to accept the pipe, since it is tapered. You can order everything you need to replace both from Glass Holes, if you want to go that route.

I think this is a thread on thread leak. Male elbow thread into a female threaded bulkhead. Teflon tape should stop the leak as it's not under pressure. Now if it's cracked, that's different.

 

[jsker]

It’s fixed! I unscrewed the inner thread of the elbow (I held the bulkhead with a wrench so the Loc line wouldn’t spin) and rubbed the Plasti Joint Stik on the elbow threads. I screwed it back into the bulkhead (which is internally threaded) and that seemed to do the trick. Woohoo! There were no cracks in the plumbing. I was worried about fixing the first plumbing leak I had on a functioning tank but it worked out fine. Thanks everyone!

 

[Flippers4pups]

It’s fixed! I unscrewed the inner thread of the elbow (I held the bulkhead with a wrench so the Loc line wouldn’t spin) and rubbed the Plasti Joint Stik on the elbow threads. I screwed it back into the bulkhead (which is internally threaded) and that seemed to do the trick. Woohoo! There were no cracks in the plumbing. I was worried about fixing the first plumbing leak I had on a functioning tank but it worked out fine. Thanks everyone!

Awesome!