Leaking main drain at the bulkhead

[hubble]

Have a leak on the main drain bulkhead where the 1" pipe attaches to the bulkhead. Anyone have a good fix? It would be possible to remove and replace but would be a huge pain in the butt. This is on a interior overflow box.

 

[Cory]

Make sure there isn't any dirt or scratches in the seal area. You could also try some silicone lubricant around the oring or vaseline. Or you can use super glue around the leaking area, or silicone.

 

[hubble]

It's leaking where the pipe is glued into the bulkhead. I've already decided to replace it, might as well do this right.

 

[Dburr1014]

It's leaking where the pipe is glued into the bulkhead. I've already decided to replace it, might as well do this right.

Good idea.
Remember, twist the pipe 1/4 turn when going in when gluing.
That will give you the best seal.

 

[homer1475]

This is exactly why I like using screw in bulkheads. Makes them easy to take apart if you have to, and makes it easy to fix a leak.

Good choice on taking it apart and fixing it right. As Dburr said, make sure you give it that 1/4" twist to get a good seal.

 

[abc123]

Bulkheads are ABS. You need to use ABS to PVC cement.

 

[Rjramos]

Use a cleaner or primer prior to glueing.

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Bulkheads are ABS. You need to use ABS to PVC cement.

I agree I use the abs/pvc glue it's like a cream color, and always prime water pipe good point

 

[hubble]

Yea, I use PVC primer and glue. Don't know why it leaks but I'll replace it.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Have a leak on the main drain bulkhead where the 1" pipe attaches to the bulkhead. Anyone have a good fix? It would be possible to remove and replace but would be a huge pain in the butt. This is on a interior overflow box.

This is my configuration and I hate it. Often the leak point is the gasket. As it is not typical or recommended, after trying to tighten my union a little, it leaked worse, so I stopped flow to the overflow, cleaned area with rubbing alcohol and used Flex seal in a can- And it has not leaked for over 14 months. Again- not an industry standard but heck- No leaks is all I care about and you can imagine- Happy.

 

[dadnjesse]

The best way to fix a leaking bulkhead is to remove it and clean the glass where it attaches and clean the bulkhead or replace it. I would not use silicone or and thing like flex seal.

 

[FSP]

Make sure to deburr the pipe end before gluing. I don't use primer or transition cement but maybe it helps

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Make sure to deburr the pipe end before gluing. I don't use primer or transition cement but maybe it helps

You deburr the pipe but don't use primer!!! Primer changes the molecular structure of the pipe so it can bond together with glue. It's an important process and usually the cause of most leaks and future breaks when pipes are accidentally bumped or pushed around when not done.

Use primer and the correct glue its all been designed for this application.

 

[FSP]

"You deburr the pipe but don't use primer!!!" Yes It's not necessary for our application, clean pipe and basically no pressure.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

The best way to fix a leaking bulkhead is to remove it and clean the glass where it attaches and clean the bulkhead or replace it. I would not use silicone or and thing like flex seal.

That's not the kind of leak this post is about.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Yea, I use PVC primer and glue. Don't know why it leaks but I'll replace it.

Pvc primer/glue is different from abs to PVC products. If your bulkheads are not PVC, you might be using the wrong product...

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Make sure there isn't any dirt or scratches in the seal area. You could also try some silicone lubricant around the oring or vaseline. Or you can use super glue around the leaking area, or silicone.

Y'all, please don't use Vaseline or other oil based products on your gaskets and o-rings.
Vaseline degrades rubber... Safer sex saves lives

 

[hubble]

Drained the overflow box and replaced the bulkhead and replaced the pvc over the weekend. I'm up an running now with no leaks. Glad I fixed it the right way.