help me seal my closed loop

[ryanhayes96]

I have just receintly made a clsoed loop system using half inch PVC, it was all connected on thqa back of the tank and I started the ysytem to find that it leaks out of some of the pvp that connects to other pieces of PVC, like at the 90 degree angles etc. So i took it all down and bought some silicone and like "caulked" around all of the tubing where it was leaking and stuff, i did some pretty thick applications of the silicone on them, my question is, now thta I am about to start the closed loop agian, will this hold the leaks so that they will not leak anymore as a long term solution? and if not, what will? I have looked up many different closed loop setups and it seems to me that they dont use any type of sealant and theres do not leak. I wonder why

 

[cowboyswife]

Did you use PVS glue?

 

[sytanek]

Err I think she meant PVC glue

 

[lusenut2]

Ok nope its not going to work. Take it apart and redo the PVC. Theres PVC glue made for what your doing. Nothing works better then that stuff. The silicone might work but it will probably cause you to have a lot of little bubbles. Its best to take it apart and redo it.

 

[mflamb]

If it's threaded, use thread tape.
If it's slip, use pvc primer and glue.

 

[dugg]

mflamb hit it on the nose. You have to use the primer when glueing pvc. It is also important to twist the 2 pieces together as they set. PVC glue isn't really glue, it melts the pieces together rather then glueing them. The twisting of the two pieces insures a good seal. The silicone might work for a while, but soon it will start to leak. Silicone doesn't stick well to plastic.

 

[ryanhayes96]

okay will do thanks guys

 

[mflamb]

Is there anybody in or close to Kissimmee who can help out. It's better if demonstrated the first time.

 

[sytanek]

Hrmm....Dan if you get in contact with Morgan he may be able to show you. Haven't seen him around lately tho.

 

[sytanek]

Maybe this will help



http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/skill-builder/0,,1194353,00.html

 

[dugg]

Kind of unbelievable that this old house would be wrong, but step 2 and 3 are reversed. Dry fit the pieces and then primer.

1. Measure and cut.
2. Dry fit, and mark positions with a sharpie
3. Prime.
4. Glue.
5. Push and twist.

 

[dugg]

It also helps if you will take a piece of emery cloth or light sand paper and clean the rough ends of the cuts before fitting and glueing everything. Those little shavings from the saw cut can sometimes get in the glued area when you are putting it together and cause a bad seal.