Removing Reefer 350 weir pipes

[Gill K]

Hi from Cambridge, UK,
I've had a reefer 350 for about 5 years and mostly all going fine until yesterday . The pipework under the weir started to leak quite badly and although I've emptied the weir and dismantled the sump-side pipework I cannot unscrew the central and right hand pipework in the weir itself. Has anyone any suggestions how I can release them please?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R! Unfortunately I don't know the answer but I can tag some users who might
#WelcometoR2R
#reefsquad

 

[fishface NJ]

Welcome to r2r. Someone from reefsquad will help

 

[pelphrey]

Are you trying to unscrew the pipes from inside the overflow box? They are brittle and I would guess that being in there for so long they are probably caked with crud.

 

[albano]

Welcome.., not sure about your problem, but could it be caused by Harry and Meghan leaving?

 

[kichimark]

Welcome to R2R. Reefsquad has already been paged so someone will come along. You can also post in the "Tank Emergency" section for more coverage.

 

[Ruben's Reef]

!!! Welcome to R2R !!! #reefsquad will chime in soon.

 

[Peace River]

Hi from Cambridge, UK,
I've had a reefer 350 for about 5 years and mostly all going fine until yesterday . The pipework under the weir started to leak quite badly and although I've emptied the weir and dismantled the sump-side pipework I cannot unscrew the central and right hand pipework in the weir itself. Has anyone any suggestions how I can release them please?

Welcome to R2R!! Is it the nuts on the bulkhead? If so, Will either of these tools be helpful?

Bulkhead Nut Tool

Makes Installing Bulkheads Easier and Quicker Compatible with Bulk Reef Supply ABS Bulkheads Installing bulkhead nuts can be tough, especially when they are in the back corner of your tank. Barr Aquatic's Nut Tool is perfect to slip over the bulkhead nut and give you a textured surface to turn...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

https://m.grainger.com/mobile/product/2GWK4?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrZbb7PCU5wIVj5OzCh0m4wUNEAQYByABEgJ9h_D_BwE&cm_mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMIrZbb7PCU5wIVj5OzCh0m4wUNEAQYByABEgJ9h_D_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!320227100378!!!g!543721931894

!

 

[dbl]

Welcome to R2R.

 

[nereefpat]

The pipes on the inside of the overflow should pull out, unless you glued them (whoops). The bulkhead nut on the outside of the tank could be loosened with a channel lock pliers or one of @Peace River 's fancy tools there.

 

[Peace River]

If you can do it without affecting the tank itself, hot water may help to loosen stubborn connections.

 

[Samina]

Welcome to R2R!!

 

[Gill K]

Are you trying to unscrew the pipes from inside the overflow box? They are brittle and I would guess that being in there for so long they are probably caked with crud.

Yes from inside the box and well crudded. Any ideas how to uncrud without cracking the weir base. Can always replace pipes, but have to get them out first!!!

 

[Gill K]

Welcome to R2R!! Is it the nuts on the bulkhead? If so, Will either of these tools be helpful?

Bulkhead Nut Tool

Makes Installing Bulkheads Easier and Quicker Compatible with Bulk Reef Supply ABS Bulkheads Installing bulkhead nuts can be tough, especially when they are in the back corner of your tank. Barr Aquatic's Nut Tool is perfect to slip over the bulkhead nut and give you a textured surface to turn...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

https://m.grainger.com/mobile/product/2GWK4?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrZbb7PCU5wIVj5OzCh0m4wUNEAQYByABEgJ9h_D_BwE&cm_mmc=PPC:+Google+PLA&ef_id=EAIaIQobChMIrZbb7PCU5wIVj5OzCh0m4wUNEAQYByABEgJ9h_D_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!2966!3!320227100378!!!g!543721931894

!

The bulkhead nut (on underside of cabinet) is glued in place from manufacture. Pipes can only be removed by rotating them anticlockwise. Got one off but the other two wont shift.

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[Gill K]

Welcome.., not sure about your problem, but could it be caused by Harry and Meghan leaving?

Yea, the goldfish bowl has been exchanged for something a bit bigger - Canada!!

 

[Skynyrd Fish]

Welcome to R2R! Sorry your having issues. This is a good place for advice.

 

[Gill K]

The pipes on the inside of the overflow should pull out, unless you glued them (whoops). The bulkhead nut on the outside of the tank could be loosened with a channel lock pliers or one of @Peace River 's fancy tools there.

The pipes are fitted with TWO sets of screw threads and an O ring. The bulkhead nut is glued from manufacture.

 

[Peace River]

The bulkhead nut (on underside of cabinet) is glued in place from manufacture. Pipes can only be removed by rotating them anticlockwise. Got one off but the other two wont shift.

What about a basin wrench or a strap wrench? Any chance you can share pictures (including what you removed)?

 

[Gill K]

If you can do it without affecting the tank itself, hot water may help to loosen stubborn connections.

That's a thought! depends which expands more - the pipe or the screwthread. Bucket poised to catch runout