Leak !!! Help !!!!

amafregia · Jul 25, 2023

First saltwater tank, first plumbing job. LEAK at bulkhead of return pump. Please help! leak is coming from bulk head threads, yes, teflon tape was used and feels very tightly screwed in.

Peace River · Jul 25, 2023

Did you put a gasket on the water side of the bulkhead fitting? You shouldn't need the teflon tape, it may be part of the issue. I suggest that you drain the water below the fitting, remove the fitting, remove the teflon tape, make sure that the fittings, gaskets, and glass are well cleaned, then put it back together and see what happens. Even if feel like you have it all right, sometimes there can still be a little weep.

@vetteguy53081

vetteguy53081 · Jul 25, 2023

amafregia said:
First saltwater tank, first plumbing job. LEAK at bulkhead of return pump. Please help! leak is coming from bulk head threads, yes, teflon tape was used and feels very tightly screwed in.

Agree with @Peace River - assure gasket is on the inside of tank glass (water side) and not on the outside.
If gasket on inside, assure its snug and not overtightened.

Rmckoy · Jul 25, 2023

It’s very easy to over tighten the plastic nut for the bulkhead and even easier to crack them enough to make them leak .

You might have to find a plumbing store and buy another

neonreef3d · Jul 25, 2023

gaskets should be on both sides.

Rmckoy · Jul 25, 2023

neonreef3d said:
gaskets should be on both sides.

Agree !
Normally a new bulkhead comes with 2 gaskets

Lavey29 · Jul 25, 2023

Best of luck with good advice here OP and I'm just glad it's not a RS tank this time.

RocketEngineer · Jul 25, 2023

neonreef3d said:
gaskets should be on both sides.

Nope. The gasket should go on the FLANGE. It doesn’t matter if the flange is inside the tank or outside. You only need one gasket.

@OP: Those threads are not for holding water, they are only for the nut. You need to put the gasket on the fitting, then install it through the hole in the tank, then put on the nut. Don’t use silicone or any type of lubricant. Tighten the nut hand tight plus 1/4 turn. That’s it. Properly installed bulkheads don’t leak.