Pipe leak!!

[jonleeroyix]

Anyone know what could cause this? I have it tightened as much as it will go using channel locks without breaking something yet it still drips? Should I replace the union or will there be a better way

 

[dank reefer]

Is it dripping from the bulkhead?
If it is, you might have some debris on gasket. Also make sure that the gasket is installed on the flange side, which is typically the wet side of the bulkhead.

 

[Redfoxtang]

What exactly is leaking? The union or the bulkhead? If it’s just a seal problem this stuff works great for leaking seals ( not actual pvc to pvc glue) if that makes sense.

DOW 111 - O-Ring Lubricant

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[jonleeroyix]

Is it dripping from the bulkhead?
If it is, you might have some debris on gasket. Also make sure that the gasket is installed on the flange side, which is typically the wet side of the bulkhead.

It’s dripping from the union part, thankfully not from the actual bulkhead, I’m at work now unfortunately but I’m going to pop it off when I get home and take a look

 

[Tamberav]

Edit: nvm thought it was your bulkhead leaking.

 

[fishguy242]

agreed, lube o ring, make sure both surfaces are clean, worst case take o ring to hardware store ,get exact match...

 

[131696]

Then if still leaking put lots of Teflon around threads also that will help,also always put a shutoff value after bulkheads from now on if any leaks just shut off valve and work on problem.

 

[fishguy242]

Then if still leaking put lots of Teflon around threads also that will help,also always put a shutoff value after bulkheads from now on if any leaks just shut off valve and work on problem.

good eye,that's it ,not seated flush.

 

[PanhandleReef]

Looked like the right one leaking to me. It's the one dinged up by channel locks and looks to have wetness around the base of the union on the pipe. May just be the picture but it also appears the pipe isn't sitting fully flush into the union. Maybe it was cut at a slight angle and left a gap when seated.

 

[jonleeroyix]

Then if still leaking put lots of Teflon around threads also that will help,also always put a shutoff value after bulkheads from now on if any leaks just shut off valve and work on problem.

This isn’t my original plumbing I bought the tank used and thought it was weird to have no shutoff valve! Do you think I could add one still without having to completely empty the tank or replumb entirely?

 

[Ro Bow]

#reefsquad

 

[fishguy242]

yes you can do what you need ,the tank should only drain to weir box level,
raise input as high as possible, and repair,change what you need, give any new glue 2hrs after last joint to restart.
get water circulating in tank pointed at surface ,while shut down.

 

[jonleeroyix]

Changed out the fitting and now it’s leaking from the bulkhead!! Help!

 

[fishguy242]

Changed out the fitting and now it’s leaking from the bulkhead!! Help!

not the end of world..do not overtighten

 

[fishguy242]

what have you tried so far to stop ?

 

[jonleeroyix]

So i can just tighten this?

not the end of world..do not overtighten

 

[fishguy242]

So i can just tighten this?

just a bit ,cracking bulk or nut .big prob ,easy and see ,poss just rattled loose,hand tight and a smidge,
if that does not stop leak, we can go from there

 

[jonleeroyix]

just a bit ,cracking bulk or nut .big prob ,easy and see ,poss just rattled loose,hand tight and a smidge,
if that does not stop leak, we can go from there

Is actually making it worse I hand tightened and did maybe 1/8 turn with a wrench

 

[hlaalu]

Things with gaskets and o rings will leak if they are over tightened because the rubber will compress/contort/all sorts of weird stuff. Try to hand tighten those parts, then no more than a 1/8th turn with a wrench. But first you should completely remove, and clean the gaskets (check them for damage), manifold, and as much of the glass as you can. It sucks, I know…from experience.

 

[fishguy242]

yes this drain over flow, clean glass at bulk ,and washer ,and bottom bulk ,and reinstall wet. hand tight ,lil snug.

hint you can do this from below with finger tip,careful of sharp edge..