Leaking bulkhead

~SIRENA~ · #1 11/01/2007, 09:38 AM

For those of you with built in overflows, what is the best way to make sure your bulk heads don't leak. Do you have any tips. I have one that is barely leaking, but I need to fix it asap. Thanks, Adriana

KDodds · #2 11/01/2007, 10:42 AM

I install all bulkheads with silicone on the inside of the outer "nut". I put on a nice thick bead that then squishes in, acting as a seal on the outside. Any bulkheads I have installed in this fashion have not leaked. A friend helped install my 450 and more than half of the bulkheads he installed (without using the silicone) have wound up leaking. One was a 2" CL drain set 10" off the tank bottom. Not fun draining and replacing that much water. But, if you want to do it right, the bulkhead needs to be reseated dry.

rustybucket145 · #3 11/01/2007, 10:50 AM

Don't use silicone.... Your bulkhead may have an internal crack around the lip. How did you install it? How did you tighten it? Could you give us the order in which you put it in?

KDodds · #4 11/01/2007, 10:51 AM

LOL... no fear, the myth about silicone "degrading" the bulkhead's seal and impeding proper "seating" is a fallacy.

flamenco-t · #5 11/01/2007, 10:57 AM

Also try to use a dab of vaseline on the rubber seal on the inside between the seal and the glass. This will prevent the seal from twisting when you tigthen it.

stan

BrokeColoReefer · #6 11/01/2007, 11:00 AM

i have had some sucess putting thin layers of silicon over the leaking bulkhead. Is ugly, and not the correct fix, but it does work. Usually takes 3 or 4 thin coats. This works for MINOR leaks, ones that will usually clog themself shut with salt creep.

KDodds · #7 11/01/2007, 11:02 AM

Yeah, using a paper towel "backbone" for that silicone will actually help too, but things like that should always be considered temporary solutions.

john rochon · #8 11/01/2007, 11:09 AM

use good bulkheads! I've found the cheaper bulkheads will eventually leak. when I've used SCH 40 bulkheads they never leaked and were almost impossible to crack/overtighten.
make sure the glass is spotless were the bulkhead sits and vaseline as mentioned is a good idea.

Mr31415 · #9 11/01/2007, 11:21 AM

Don't over tighten them, and make sure the gasket sits properly.

~SIRENA~ · #10 11/01/2007, 11:31 AM

The bulkeheads came with the tank I purchased. I don't think it is over tightened - I'm not that strong. I did put vaseline on the rubber seal. It is a very minor leak. I will try to put silicone on the nut before tightening it again. Thanks for all the info.

Dustin1231 · #11 11/01/2007, 12:01 PM

mine leaked a very little amount, But it would run down the hose and i made it so the water would drop into the sump. After a week or two, it stopped from all the salt build up.

JoeMomma · #12 11/01/2007, 12:50 PM

Mine leaked as well. I took them off and added telfon tape around the threads. It didn't work. After a couple days it stopped on its own... and that was before I had added salt.Give it some time and it will be fine.

pledosophy · #13 11/01/2007, 11:36 PM

It could be you tightened it to much, youdon't have to be a superman to do it.

I use a product called Plumbers Grease, which is reef safe and keeps the gasket lubed and leak free IME. Easy to remove this way as well.

AZDesertRat · #14 11/02/2007, 11:18 AM

Any kind of sealant or lubricant on the rubber gasket tends to make to creep or squish out of place.
Always install bulkheads DRY, put the rubber gasket on the FLANGE side regardless if it is on the inside or the outside. Never hang any plumbing off the bulkhead unless it is supported in someway. Plumbing can cause unequal stress which leads to leaks. Hand tighten and maybe 1/4 turn past that but no more, overtightening is probably the number one source of leaks. If using threaded bulkheads always clean the flashing or excess plastic out of the threads on the fittings, this tears or smears the teflon away when tightening if not cleaned up. I prefer the putty sticks from LaCo or Ace Hardware over teflon tape. It was sugested to me years ago by my swimming pool plumbing contractor as its the only thing they ever use and my pool has never had a plumbing leak since 1983 and the fittings still have pliable putty on them every time I have replaced/repaired a pump.
Make sure you have the correct size bulkhead for the hole, little to no slop is best as that gives more sealing surface for the gasket. Bulkheads are not all the same size, it varies by manufacturer.