Bulkhead Threaded Fitting Won't Tighten

[Rufnek100]

I'm in the process of plumbing my tank and have installed 1" slip X thread (slip on the overflow side and thread on the external side) bulkheads for the return. Upon screwing in a 1" hose barb fitting with Teflon tape, the fitting doesn't seem to tighten up. With minimal hand force only, I can screw it all the way in until the fitting's hex shoulder basically bottoms out on the bulkhead. A couple of more wraps of tape didn't make a bit of difference either.

The bulkheads are from BRS and multiple barb fittings all have the same issue in both bulkheads, so I don't think it's a defect. Plus, the barb fittings make up fine in my other threaded PVC connections elsewhere in the system. I haven't water tested it yet because I feel like it's going to leak and that I'm just asking for trouble introducing water at this point. Being a threaded connection, I feel like it should get tight before bottoming out.

Can someone offer some insight into this please? I'm also considering trying the Teflon based thread liquid too - gotta go to the local big box store this afternoon to pick up some other odds and ends anyway. Maybe I'm worrying over nothing and it's fine, but I always appreciate the opinions of those with more experience. Thanks!

 

[ca1ore]

Threaded bulkheads are 'looser' than traditional schedule 40 PVC fittings. Not unusual to be able to easily bottom-out a male fitting. If using tape, I typically have to use 2 or 3 times more wraps than for PVC - though you need to be very careful not to crack the bulkhead. Thread sealant is probably a better choice.

 

[Rufnek100]

Thank you for the info Simon - I'll pick up some thread sealant today and double check to make sure I haven't damaged the fitting.

 

[stingeragent]

Unless im reading this wrong the threaded part doesnt hold back water. Also get the thread putty not the tape.
Edit. Do you mean the threaded part that tightens your bulk head to the glass or the internal threads that you screw the start of your drain to?

 

[laga77]

Make sure the pipe putty is rated safe for drinking water. It will say "NSF" on the package.

 

[Rufnek100]

stingeragent - I was referring to the internal bulkhead thread and screwing a barb fitting into it for attachment to a hose.

I'm probably going with ReactorSeal #5 pipe thread sealant - it's NSF and approved for PVC / ABS / CPVC use.

 

[stingeragent]

AH ok. So your bulkhead is secured to the tank fine, just can't get the other piece tight. I would think youll be ok as long as you use the thread sealant. May wanna test the system out with freshwater for a week with everything running to make sure it won't leak. Short of that, only thing I could say is get a different bulkhead.

 

[fredfish13]

had the same issue. the tape won't hold to well. it will drip. mine did. i cant remember what type of sealant i used, but it doesnt drip anymore.

 

[Rufnek100]

They're coming out tonight and going back in with sealant. Thanks again for the insight!

 

[Bogue Chitto]

They have one out like rector seal that has teflon mixed in it. I have used it before, had the same problem you are talking about.