water test and siphon issue help

[Reefrookie733]

Hello,
Got all my plumbing put together and decided it was time to do a water/sump/external pump test.

1. I am assuming it's common to have a couple of small leaks during the water flow test?

2. When i take off the collar on the union above the pump to fix the leak just below, i am assuming that the water above the check valve will not flow out?

3. I adjusted all the valves to balance the flow of water return even on both overflows, but one overflow is draining ALOT more water into the sump than the other, is this common or should they drain evenly??

Thanks for your help. This must be the frustration stage! lol
Wes

 

[Plecosam]

Sorry, but no it is not common for water leaks while testing.

 

[Ozelaf44]

Yeah, if there are any leaks on the bulkhead just hand tighten them as much as you can, then you can do a quarter turn on it with a wrench. If there are any leaks on that actual tank, you have to reseal the tank and let it sit for 24 hours. I dont know about the check valve. The overflows are fine, its most likely because for one of the overflows it has more pipe to travel through. Good luck!

 

[Snoopy 67]

The check valve "should" stop any draining, BUT, you also have to close the valve in front of the pump since it also is below the water line.
Hope that check valve is NOT glued in because they will require service @ some point.

 

[Reefrookie733]

The check valve "should" stop any draining, BUT, you also have to close the valve in front of the pump since it also is below the water line.
Hope that check valve is NOT glued in because they will require service @ some point.

Yeah it is glued, i didn't know not gluing it was a possibility. Couldn't water leak from that area if not glued?

 

[Reefrookie733]

Sorry, but no it is not common for water leaks while testing.

Sam i think of the 3 leaks 2 of them are from threaded connectors that i had to use because i ordered the threaded bulkhead so i put on a threaded bushing to connect to the slip pvc pipe. I am having a feeling that was a bad idea

 

[Reefrookie733]

Yeah, if there are any leaks on the bulkhead just hand tighten them as much as you can, then you can do a quarter turn on it with a wrench. If there are any leaks on that actual tank, you have to reseal the tank and let it sit for 24 hours. I dont know about the check valve. The overflows are fine, its most likely because for one of the overflows it has more pipe to travel through. Good luck!

Oz, i think the bulkhead is tight enough i think its the threaded bushing i have inserted into the bulkhead because i didnt get the slip x slip ones for some reason. Not sure how to tighten the threaded since its attached to glued pipe.....hmmm

 

[Plecosam]

Do not get disheartened, it is all part of the learning curve. My bet is if you built another tank, it would not leak.

 

[Reefrookie733]

Do not get disheartened, it is all part of the learning curve. My bet is if you built another tank, it would not leak.

Thanks for the confidence boost. Hated going to bed knowing I have a small drip in the basement. Lol

 

[Snoopy 67]

Use something like Rector Seal on threaded pipe to prevent leaks. Pipe tape is not recommended.
The check valve should have been threaded.
IF you still insist on having one I would get a spare so you can replace it when needed, ( @ the most inopportune time

 

[Reefrookie733]

Use something like Rector Seal on threaded pipe to prevent leaks. Pipe tape is not recommended.
The check valve should have been threaded.
IF you still insist on having one I would get a spare so you can replace it when needed, ( @ the most inopportune time

Thanks for the information! Most of the videos I watched ( i realize that cannot take the place from experience) used a check valve and and upgraded pipe tape, which i did. I have a feeling i just didn't tighten them enough and now they are glued so i guess the only option is to cut it off and replace it????

 

[Snoopy 67]

Unfortunately, but it does not have to be done right away unless there is a leak in that particular pipe section.
Hey, we all have to learn the hard way sometimes, I know.