Leaky Bulkhead, how to seal it?

Kinetic · #1 12/27/2007, 05:29 PM

I have a bulkhead for my RDSB that leaks! I thought I fixed the leak, but now it's leaking again.

It's a special bulkhead that basically has a barb as an output, rather than a slip or threaded pvc.

I can't find another one anywhere, and the place I got it, this was the last one (fish store).

I'm using two, and the second one works like a charm.

The part that's leaking is the thread. I used teflon tape, but that worked for a day and then it started leaking again.

I'm pretty fed up with trying to tweak it to get it to not leak... so now I'm thinking of permanently gluing it.

Can I use silicon? Or will that not work on the plastic? Weld on? Epoxy?

Paradox009 · #2 12/27/2007, 05:33 PM

Silicon would work. Plus its not permanent.

Kinetic · #3 12/27/2007, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paradox009
Silicon would work. Plus its not permanent.

alright, I'll try it =) I hope this solves the problem!

stubbsz · #4 12/27/2007, 09:32 PM

How many turns of teflon and which direction did you wind it onto the thread?

-Adrian

earthboy17 · #5 12/27/2007, 09:46 PM

definitely use the silicon. Use lots. Everywhere. It holds well but isn't permanent. good luck!

(Adrian, does teflon matter which way you wind it?)

troutonmyline · #6 12/27/2007, 10:45 PM

Wind it clockwise, otherwise it'll mess up when you thread on the fitting.

lastduke · #7 12/27/2007, 11:16 PM

what's RDSB? Silicon doesn't works very well if there is a high pressure leaking. I have used super glue then silicon sealant to fix the leaking.

tonggao · #8 12/27/2007, 11:33 PM

Art, did you put the rubber washer on the solid side of the bulkhead? If you put it on the nut side, it will leak.

fishnfst · #9 12/27/2007, 11:41 PM

Overtightening can cause leaky bulkheads as well.. Try readjusting it a couple of times.. Go hand tight then 1/4 turn with a wrench or channelocks.. If all else fails remove the bulkhead then put a bead of silicone on the flange side , reassemble bulkhead and tighten only handtight.. Wait for the silicone to set per the directions then check for leaks. IF it leaks give just tighten it a hair more.. The threads don't need teflon tape.. The threads do not do any sealing on bulkheads..

stubbsz · #10 12/28/2007, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by earthboy17
definitely use the silicon. Use lots. Everywhere. It holds well but isn't permanent. good luck!

(Adrian, does teflon matter which way you wind it?)

It does matter, but if it's the actual bulk head that is leaking, I'm probably off base; I had a leaky bulkhead but it was the piece that I screwed into the bulkhead that was leaking, which is why my thoughts leaped to the teflon.

As fishnfst says, over-tightening can be the problem and just undoing and retightening carefully can often stop the leak.

Kinetic · #11 12/28/2007, 12:44 AM

I'll try one more time with teflon. i totally forget which way I winded it, but I'll try to do it correctly this time.

The washer is on the outside (dry side) on the nut side. That's the way the other one is... is this wrong? If so I'll just swap it, that should be easy.

ViPeR_930 · #12 12/28/2007, 12:48 AM

The washer should be on the inside with the flange, not the nut. Fix that and it'll stop your leak.

Bowman · #13 12/28/2007, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kinetic
I'll try one more time with teflon. i totally forget which way I winded it, but I'll try to do it correctly this time.

The washer is on the outside (dry side) on the nut side. That's the way the other one is... is this wrong? If so I'll just swap it, that should be easy.

The washer/gasket should always be on the flange side of the bulkhead whether it is wet or dry.

Skorpinok · #14 12/28/2007, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lastduke
what's RDSB?

"Remote Deep Sand Bed"

Art, is it a sched. 40 bulkhead? If you can, I just would replace it - if it's a sched 40. From my experience - if it leaks, it's probably cracked.

badpacket · #15 12/28/2007, 01:05 AM

I saw gasket material at Ace also, if you need a new one, or thicker, etc. And, as mentioned, it is installed incorrectly.

ScarabRa · #16 12/28/2007, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ViPeR_930
The washer should be on the inside with the flange, not the nut. Fix that and it'll stop your leak.

X2 COMPLETELY AGREE WITH ABOVE..oops sorry cap locks

Kinetic · #17 12/28/2007, 01:48 PM

Well that makes total sense when I think about it. Water should only be going through the bulkhead, not around it at any time.... thus needing to be on the non-nut side.

Well good news, I didn't need silicon, I stuck the washer on the other side, and this morning it's still bone dry!

Thanks for the help guys =)