Leaky bulkhead

[Deezill]

ok, guys I'm sure you have heard it before I have disassembled and reassembled several times and I still get leaks and suggestions? Silicone under the glass please help. Thanks

 

[Samina]

Is the bulkhead leaking or the seam by the silicone? Sorry just want to clarify. Did you drill the hole yourself or is it manufactured that way? Do you have the rubber gasket on bulkhead in the tank/sump? And does the rubber gasket look good or is it hard/non flexible or damaged? Also, the bulkhead should be tightly fitted on but not overly tightened.

 

[Deezill]

Is the bulkhead leaking or the seam by the silicone? Sorry just want to clarify. Did you drill the hole yourself or is it manufactured that way? Do you have the rubber gasket on bulkhead in the tank/sump? And does the rubber gasket look good or is it hard/non flexible or damaged? Also, the bulkhead should be tightly fitted on but not overly tightened.

I have not added any silicone yet. I was thinking about it. I was reading i might have the bulkhead too tight. I want to use silicone but I have not yet.

 

[Deezill]

it's like a really slow leak I thought tightening it would help

 

[Samina]

Ahh ok. I didn’t realize you meant putting silicone on the bulkhead. I haven’t personally done that but I know some people do. I would examine the rubber gasket that is on the bulkhead, also since you are thinking you may have over tightened the bulkhead, I would also suggest to take the bulkhead off and examine the hole to check if there are any cracks. Have you checked to see if you gasket looks good?

 

[Deezill]

Yea it looks fine

 

[Keith31831]

Where is your gasket? I think it should be opposite side of glass as the nut.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Where is your gasket? I think it should be opposite side of glass as the nut.

Regardless of how the bulkhead is installed....flange inside the tank/flange outside the tank......The gasket always.....ALWAYS...goes on the flange side, never on the nut side.

I would pull it apart and make sure the flange has no raised seams and re-install.

 

[Deezill]

i cut out all the plumbing and starting from scratch

 

[Deezill]

so for the next time, the gasket should go on the inside where the white PVC is? or the part where i screw on that little piece that tightens the bulkhead i don't know what flange is

 

[redfishbluefish]

The flange is the flared out side of the bulkhead. Let me put it this way, NOT the nut side. Gaskets never, ever goes on the nut side. Always goes on the side with the flattened out flange. And it doesn't matter which way the bulkhead is installed....gasket is always with the flange, never, ever with the nut. Hope this helps. I'll see if I can find a picture.

 

[Deezill]

so the nut is the thingy im screwing around correct?

 

[rc1626]

The flange side is opposite the nut side. The bulk head would go down into your overflow box with the threads coming through bottom of tank. Your gasket would be put on the flange side inside the overflow box. The nut would be screwed on on the outside bottom of tank. Can't tell if pictures are correct or not. As said earlier not too tight. Hand tight with an additional 1/4 turn or so.

 

[rc1626]

Yes, the nut is what your threading on the bulkhead.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Read thru yhis real quick. Should be helpful.

Installing Bulkhead Tips

Bulkhead tips: 1. Always install bulkheads clean and dry, no silicone, teflon or thread lubricants. Silicone and lubricants cause the gasket to scoot out or not seal properly. Have you ever removed an old automobile windshield or other gasketed glass? The rubber vulcanizes to the glass with...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Deezill]

Yes, the nut is what your threading on the bulkhead.

Thanks

 

[vetteguy53081]

I hate to say this as it is an alternative , not typically a proper solution but I had this a while back and placed silicone around the whole ring. I of coursed lowered the water for 4 hours and cleaned area with alcohol first. It never leaked thereafter.

 

[Deezill]

I am currently ordering new bulkheads now BRS is out of them. Anyone know where to purchase new ones from I need 1 inch plz send link thanks.

 

[redfishbluefish]

THIS sticky might help from @AZDesertRat .

 

[Deezill]

I hate to say this as it is an alternative , not typically a proper solution but I had this a while back and placed silicone around the whole ring. I of coursed lowered the water for 4 hours and cleaned area with alcohol first. It never leaked thereafter.

I really considerd silicon. maybe the old gaskets were bad.