help on fixing a leak

[john37]

ok, so i've got my plumbing pretty much done and was testing the water. Found a small leak. Between the ball valve and union. Very, very slow leak. not even 1 drip per 30 seconds. anyways, i've tried drying and reapplying pvc glue to the outside to seal it but doesnt seem to work.
What do i do now?
some pics for your enjoyment. ahah
first one is of where it is leaking.

 

[HenryTran]

I think silicone would work better once the hot glue has already set. Also, looking at the picture, there are droplets of water coming from the top of the valve. Is it leaking on the top or bottom of the valve?

 

[john37]

i noticed that too after posting. i think it came from the threaded part that connects to the overflow. i didnt re-teflon it

 

[simon.007]

There is a rubber h2o seal tape available at Lowes. It may help?

Simon

 

[nts9]

10 wraps of teflon tape over the leak should fix it.

 

[ReefMeister2]

NEVER take the chance considering that this entire system is sitting in your living room and on nice carpet! Being lazy and fixing this with a quick-fix solution will come back to haunt you at the most inconvenient (and exensive) time. Unless, of course, you happen to like that smell of soggy, moldy carpet padding first thing in the morning.

These parts cost literally a few dollars each at Home Depot...cut out the problem area and startover with new components and proper gluing protocol (ESPECIALLY when gluing flex pipe, unions, and/or ballvalves). PVC is very dependable but only if the glued joints (critical) are done correctly... trust me on this one!

BTW, the o-rings on PVC unions are notorious for falling out just at the moment when you are not looking. Always double-check to make sure that they are in place. I've seen multiple instances on client's tanks where these were leaking and they couldn't figure out for the life of them why, even when they've been serviced by a professional aquarium service. It happens to everyone!

 

[nts9]

ReefMeisters suggestion is the safest option
pvc is cheap

I should add that my suggestion applies if the connection is not under pressure ( return )

 

[john37]

thnks guys, i took out the section and will go and redo it.

 

[SteveOhh]

I've seen this setup in person & it is very well put together & thought out...............absolutely top of the line.

Few more days & the tank will be full............no more 200 ft of r/o line

Call or PM me John if ya need any help. I can drop by & give ya a hand.

BTW............zoas & acan are looking awsome!!!

Steve

 

[golfish]

Unless the leak pic is upside down its kind of hard to tell where its leaking

 

[john37]

Thanks steve, and i'm glad that the corals are doing well.
You guys dont have to worry about the leak anymore, i pulled out that entire part and re-did it. I'll test it tomorrow or sunday. Thanks.