911..PLEASE HELP!!..... Hayward bulkhead ??

[dvanacker]

I have 200g full and stupid me did not check to make sure the bulkhead on the overflow sealed properly. I have a big problem because its external and I can reach it (I have to drain and move the tank).

The ? is ...I have a 2" hayward bulkhead. I hand tighten the most I could and its major leaks. Was I supposed to use a wrench on these or what is going one. I actually have 3 of these bulkheads in the system and they all leak. HELP!!!

 

[shawnz28]

what side did you put the rubber gasket on? Is it on the side with the nut or the side with the flange?

 

[dvanacker]

I have done this many times before just hand tightened them (smaller abs type). Gasket on the wet side I know. The hayward has a very thick gasket though......does it need wrench tightening? Should I use silicone?

 

[DaveMorris]

I usually use a wrench on them for just a tiny bit of extra pressure. Turn too much and they crack. I like them to be slightly tighter than I can do by hand.

 

[dvanacker]

I finally fixed all 3 of the leaky bulkheads. WORD TO THE WISE. Hayward 2" bulkheads need wrench tightening....lots of force. The gasket is very thick so no need to worry about squishing it. I had a hard time to find a wrench though.....no monkey wrench was big enough...I needed 4.5"...found a huge channel lock though..$40. Dang.