Fix leaking bulkhead?

[Monkeyfish]

When my basement was re-finished it was necessary to break down my tanks. Now that I've "reassembled" them I've found that one of the return bulkheads on my 180 is leaking. I loosened the nut and cleaned underneath the gasket inside the overflow box and then tightened it both by hand and then with a wrench.

Still leaking.

Can this be fixed or am I better off just buying a new bulkhead and re-plumbing that one section (PVC)?

 

[Salinity01]

I would just buy the new bulkhead. Or buy a new gasket. Mine had a slow leak but after a day or so it stopped on its own. Just dont over tighten them.

 

[divebri69]

I'm with Salinity01. Buy a new bulkhead. I suppose you could just do the gasket, but I'm guessing you'll play heck finding just the gasket.
Be really careful about using a wrench on plastic fittings.... just a nudge too much and they can warp, a tad more and crack the acrylic.
Good Luck!
Brian

 

[Editour2]

Eric,
be careful not to tighten too much with the wrench.......you will snap the plastic bulkhead nut.
Talking from experience. I would try a new gasket first...you have nothing to loose....you are placing that on the wet side...correct? You could also run a bead of silicone around the gasket before you place it in the overflow.....
Frank

 

[billsreef]

then tightened it both by hand and then with a wrench.

Hand tight. Using a wrench usually results in over tightening, which results in deforming the gasket or worse. I'd pull it apart, inspect the gasket for tears or permanent deformation (it should be perfectly flat with no ripples or waves) and the plastic nut and fitting for any signs of cracks that might have occurred from over tightening. If all the parts pass inspection, reinstall, and don't use the wrench Naturally any parts that don't pass inspection need to be replaced.

 

[Monkeyfish]

I ordered a new bulkhead from Savko. Not really sure what's wrong with the one I have, no obvious "broke" to me, but then again it ain't working so...

 

[WallysWorld]

Eric,

You said return line I assume you mean the drain line. Establishing where the leak is first is the best way to know what needs to be done to fixing it. Like Bill and Frank said don't use a wrench, you will most likely push the gasket out of place and or crack the nut. There is very little if any pressure on the drain line and the bulkhead.
Make sure you clean the glass on the inside of the tank real good and remember the rubber gasket goes inside the tank. Any gasket or washer on the outside where the nut is does nothing to seal the bulk head. I've seen it done this way that's why I mention it. I'm sure you wouldn't do this but... ;-)

 

[Monkeyfish]

Thanks WW, but I did mean the return line. The gasket is inside the tank and I did clean the glass. Awaiting my new bulkhead from Savko.

 

[MHG]

After I tighten the bulk head I put a bead of silicone around the outside of the flange/gasket area... This keeps it from twisting , keeps the gasket from degrading and is an extra layer of protection.


For all the people who have a knee jerk reaction... I am not saying to silicone the gasket, threads or any part of it prior to or during installation. AFTER the installation is complete....

 

[Monkeyfish]

I had to cut the bulkhead out with a dremel since I glued the pvc to the slip fitting (forgot about that). When I removed it, I found a slight deformation in the gasket, probably from being overtightened. Hopefully, I can re-plumb the tank tonight and will take extra care to NOT screw up the bulkhead.

 

[Editour2]

Good luck......just don't overtighten...I've done it (more than once).

 

[Monkeyfish]

So I replace the bulkhead without a hitch and then redo the plumbing... during which time I somehow manage to create a leak in a elbow on the other side of the tank.

Never. Freaking. Ends. :headwallblue:

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

WHY ME!!!!!
know the feeling very well!

 

[Monkeyfish]

All fixed. Been running for 12 hours and no leaks. Here's hoping the plumbing is finished. :beer:

 

[billsreef]

:beer: