Question about plumbing!!!

[thezar77]

Hey guys I know you guys can help me out with this!!!!! I just installed my bulkheads on my overflow (drilled 75 gallon) and it seems to be leaking from inside the bulkhead on the return line. Is this ok ? If not how can I fix. (Leaking very slow a drip every few minutes). I hand tightened them no wrench. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance guys and gals.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

is the gasket inside the tank under the bulkhead. Can you take a close up picture of the bulkhead please and post it on here.

 

[thezar77]

is the gasket inside the tank under the bulkhead. Can you take a close up picture of the bulkhead please and post it on here.

Yeah gasket is fine. Can't take a pic now. I stayed under the bulkhead with a flashlight for like five minutes. I watched drip out from the inside. The outside is completely dry. It is an extremely small drip

 

[Tonyscoots84]

try giving it a 1/4 turn more with a wrench....

 

[thezar77]

try giving it a 1/4 turn more with a wrench....

The bulkhead isn't leaking it's where the return pipe in the overflow goes into the bulkhead. It just slides in its not threaded.

 

[albano]

The bulkhead isn't leaking it's where the return pipe in the overflow goes into the bulkhead. It just slides in its not threaded.

If it's not threaded, then it should be glued or siliconed to prevent a leak, outside the tank...you can't trust them to stay together, if it 'just slides in'

 

[thezar77]

If it's not threaded, then it should be glued or siliconed to prevent a leak, outside the tank...you can't trust them to stay together, if it 'just slides in'

Ok thank you. Any clear silicone will do or is there a specific kind. Thanks for all the help guys. You guys are awesome.

 

[albano]

Ok thank you. Any clear silicone will do or is there a specific kind. Thanks for all the help guys. You guys are awesome.

Aquarium SAFE silicone

 

[edd]

Aquarium SAFE silicone

i thought you were supposed to use pvc cement?
thats what i use.

 

[thezar77]

i thought you were supposed to use pvc cement?
thats what i use.

I was thinking that also. You mean the purple primer and that glue right? My only thing is I'm not sure how that works if you need to replace a bulkhead though. Anyone have any thought on this?

 

[edd]

I was thinking that also. You mean the purple primer and that glue right? My only thing is I'm not sure how that works if you need to replace a bulkhead though. Anyone have any thought on this?

yes and if you need to replace it you will need a new one. other wise use a threaded bulk head. i used primer and cement, don't know if its correct method. but its not leaking.

 

[thezar77]

yes and if you need to replace it you will need a new one. other wise use a threaded bulk head. i used primer and cement, don't know if its correct method. but its not leaking.

Thanks for the advice. I'm just gonna do the primer and glue also.

 

[thezar77]

Thanks for the advice. I'm just gonna do the primer and glue also.

I guess if I put unions after the bulkhead I can still replace the bulkheads and all I will have to rebuild is the plumbing kit on top. Right?

 

[edd]

I guess if I put unions after the bulkhead I can still replace the bulkheads and all I will have to rebuild is the plumbing kit on top. Right?

for now i would just glue it, if you need to change the bulk head in the future, then you can put a union. i don't see any reason to add a union now.
i glued mine with the same intentions, if i have to cut the plumbing in the future, then i'll add unions.

 

[thezar77]

for now i would just glue it, if you need to change the bulk head in the future, then you can put a union. i don't see any reason to add a union now.
i glued mine with the same intentions, if i have to cut the plumbing in the future, then i'll add unions.

Thanks for all the great advice guys.

 

[Trump]

It sounds like you got it now but just in case..... glue it/cement it! don't risk it

 

[albano]

i thought you were supposed to use pvc cement?
thats what i use.

In 'low/no pressure' fittings or piping that may have to be changed, I've used silicone without problems for many years (6 overflow drains on my 450g are siliconed for 3+ yrs), but PVC glue is best for most applications

 

[cmantis]

You can also use teflon tape around the pipe to 'tighten' it up.

 

[debbythefowler]

i wouldn't glue any bulkhead. only use threaded. what if it cracks?? you are ahem....

 

[edd]

i wouldn't glue any bulkhead. only use threaded. what if it cracks?? you are ahem....

he's means to glue your plumbing into the bulk head.