I can't tighten my bulkheads

[homer1475]

Ive seen people take an extra diameter pipe and using a dremel make a nut shape on the inside. Slide over pipe and bulkhead, tighten. Like making a large socket.

 

[Mikeneedsahobby]

You could cut the pipe just above the union stubs. Make a pvc wrench then glue on replacement union stubs.

Or cut a bit higher and use a coupler and keep the union stubs.

 

[Mikeneedsahobby]

Or make a pvc pipe wrench liked homer said. Split it in half. Put around your pipe and use a clamp to hold it together while you tighten the nut.

 

[Blue Spot Octopus]

I think he said he already glued a pipe to his bulkhead. I don't think this will work in that case?

I guess my reading skills kinda of lack, Thanks

 

[malacoda]

You MIGHT be able to get just enough bite on the bulkhead nuts with a pair of narrow-jawed 12" or 16" tongue and groove pliers to snug them down a quarter-turn:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-16-in-Groove-Joint-Pliers-48066/203300076

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent-12-in-V-Jaw-Tongue-and-Groove-Pliers-RT412CV/205034464

ANOTHER option would be to get an old flathead screwdriver, place it against the ridge of the nut, and tap it with a hammer. The screwdriver blade will dig into the plastic, creating a indent where it can get a 'bite', causing the nut to turn as you tap the screwdriver with the hammer.

The only example I photos I have is where I did the same to remove a nut on a motorcycle engine when I didn't have the right sized socket for it.
Here is the divet left by the screwdriver blade:

And here the screwdriver blade is resting in the divet:

 

[Benoit Martin]

What are those mad scientist tools LOL
https://www.precisionmarine.com/product/closed-end-bulkhead-wrenches/

Maybe something like this.

You are correct, that would work awesome if I didn't already glue the union piece on it.
Thinking of cutting it and be done with it but then I have to order new unions and at least 1 bullhead where I glued the union way too close (another lesson learned)

 

[Benoit Martin]

I just realized that the 2 bulkheads that seem to leak the most are the ones that have the main drain and the return which have heavier piping
I did not put any support for the piping so it might be twisting the bulkheads because of the weight.
The pipes are not very long but do you think that this may be a reason for the leaking? I will add support either way to be safe but that would help explain the leak

 

[Benoit Martin]

Alright, decision made, biting the bullet, it's the right thing to do... Going to cut off the pipes, move the tank, cut the hole bigger, and put everything back together.

Thank you all for the suggestions and advice. I will post some updates on the progress and final result

 

[Awesome Dennis]

Why not just pick up the tank and prop it up just enough to get the pliers in between the tank and plywood. You can get channel lock in and snug it up and set everything back down?

 

[Captain Quint]

Alright, decision made, biting the bullet, it's the right thing to do... Going to cut off the pipes, move the tank, cut the hole bigger, and put everything back together.

Thank you all for the suggestions and advice. I will post some updates on the progress and final result

Excellent decision. The right thing to do and glad you're doing so. You will appreciate it later down the line.

 

[Benoit Martin]

Good news, no leaks and water is flowing.

Thanks again for all the great suggestions and advice and did steering me in the right direction. Bulkheads are now accessible for servicing.

 

[fishybizzness]

Aren't you much happier that you went through this now instead of later? [emoji4]

 

[Benoit Martin]

Absolutely!

 

[Captain Quint]

Good news, no leaks and water is flowing.

Thanks again for all the great suggestions and advice and did steering me in the right direction. Bulkheads are now accessible for servicing.

Looks so much better and now no worries.

Great decision and well worth the time.