Leaking fitting

OutsideBrian · Feb 15, 2019

Why is this bulkhead leaking?!
Seemed fine for a few days, noticed a small drip so I tried tightening it. Got maybe a quarter of a turn and now it’s really dripping, luckily into my sump.
But why?!

AllSignsPointToFish · Feb 15, 2019

What kind of fitting is it? Can you post a picture ?

lapin · Feb 15, 2019

What type of fitting is it?
O ring damaged or has dirt is a common one. Gasket not lined up is another. Thread sealant missing on the threads.

OutsideBrian · Feb 15, 2019

It seems like it is leaking around the rubber through gasket itself.
I didn’t put any sealant on the nut. Should I Teflon tape it?
Can I safely loosen that nut off with water in the tank, drain the overflow?

Dom · Feb 15, 2019

- Check to be sure the seal is placed on the INSIDE of the tank.
- Was the seal, bulkhead and glass thoroughly cleaned?
- If you are refusing a bulkhead that has been sitting around for a while, the seal may need to be replaced.

OutsideBrian · Feb 15, 2019

Dom said:
- Check to be sure the seal is placed on the INSIDE of the tank.
- Was the seal, bulkhead and glass thoroughly cleaned?
- If you are refusing a bulkhead that has been sitting around for a while, the seal may need to be replaced.

This is a week old, brand new tank. Yes the rubber seal was placed inside the tank.

lapin · Feb 15, 2019

+1 to the above.
Depending on your overflow type you can prob turn off your return pump and drain the overflow. Remove the bulkhead. Clean the glass and look for a piece of sand on the gasket or a piece of excess rubber left form the molding process. When putting it back together you can smear a bit of silicone lube (not silicone sealant) on the gasket to help it fill in any small gap. Also over tightening can cause leaks.
Tape on the threads will not do anything.