leaking bulkhead

[chansman]

The bulkhead on my over flow drain has started leaking. It probably started when I moved it but it is dripping into the sump. Anyways...I've tried to tighten it or even remove it but the nut won't budge like it's cross threaded. Any ideas? I've tried using tools...any ideas?

 

[wysiwyg]

how bad is it leaking? if it is a small drip i would say leave it and it will seal itself

 

[chansman]

it's not terrible but it's just not sealing itself and its been about 3 weeks. should I leave it be?

 

[wysiwyg]

it will eventually seal itself if its dripping onto the floor add something to catch the water but eventually it will seal itself

 

[Young Frankenstein]

Get some frag epoxy and put it on the inside, press hard with your fingers around the threads.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Spray the threads with some silicone spray, not WD-40 but silicone. It should help loosen the threads then you can follow the directions here:
https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/eq...iscussion/34973-installing-bulkhead-tips.html

 

[chansman]

Like this? Wouldn't that be toxic?

Shop Liquid Wrench 11 Oz. Heavy Duty Silicone Spray Lubricant at Lowes.com

 

[AZDesertRat]

No, you wipe the excess off. You can also find edible food grade silicone grease which is used on O rings and fittings for food processing equipment, I used it for o rings on my beer kegs and on my aquarium pumps and filters.

 

[chansman]

I'd feel better about food grease.

 

[AZDesertRat]

But that won't penetrate the threads and get the bulkhead apart to make the necessary adjustments or repairs. You need to get it apart first then clean the threads with a file and assemble it dry so it seals up correctly. You could lubricate the threads a little upon reassembly with the grease though as long as the gasket and sealing surfaces remain clean and dry. I would use a Laco thread lubricant stick though if it were me since it is designed specifically for that purpose, its mentioned in my bulkhead sticky post.

 

[chansman]

Well...it sounds like I'll be taking the sump out and using spray. I just need to make sure it doesn't get into the system right?

 

[AZDesertRat]

Yes. It probably wouldn't be a big deal but you always want to keep things clean.