I decided to start testing my tank for leaks before filling it all the way after my recent move, and my megaflow intake bulkhead is leaking and I can't seem to tighten it!!! I should also mention that I told the movers not to touch either tubes from the bulkheads and they decided to remove the tube from this one anyway!!!!!!:furious: What can I do??? I'm a single mom and I don't know any other reefers locally or anyone that would be willing to help, Please Please Please Help!
Leaking bulkhead plz help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Thread starter sjj80
- Start date
There is a tool, I don't know if you can get one. You could try a strap wrench but you don't want to tighten them to much or you will smash the gasket and that can also cause leaking.
I would suggest taking it out, cleaning both inside and out and trying again.
I know people have put silicone between the gasket and tank as extra insurance. I am more a fan of water proof grease since it can be wiped off.
Good luck.
I would suggest taking it out, cleaning both inside and out and trying again.
I know people have put silicone between the gasket and tank as extra insurance. I am more a fan of water proof grease since it can be wiped off.
Good luck.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=80
Check here for a local reef forum to connect with reefers in your area.
Check here for a local reef forum to connect with reefers in your area.
So is the bulkhead leaking from the bottom of the tank? It's not just the standpipe that is leaking into the drain? If it is leaking on the bottom, when you turn the nut, then the whole bulkhead turns, center section and the nut? I would tank it apart and clean it like was said, then make sure the nut will travel all the way up the threads on the outside of the center part of the bulkhead. Hopefully the threads are not damaged. You should be able to hold the center of the bulkhead still with a gloved hand and then tighten the nut to hold the bulkhead in place. The gasket is on the inside of the tank, right? You should be able to tighten the nut hand tight and get it to stay in place, then use some adjustable pliers to turn it a small bit more.
ok, to update I was able to hand tighten and added water into the overflow without any further leaking, the threads are still in good condition, I guess I just needed to tighten the ring a little more. I will be buying some silicone tomorrow to "seal the deal" 
. Thanks again everyone for all your help and quick responses, I greatly appreciate it 
. Thanks again everyone for all your help and quick responses, I greatly appreciate it 
SNAKEMANVET
PREMIUM MEMBER
You can use silicone oil or silicone grease,it will keep the rubber ring from dying out.
psteeleb
Team RC
you can over tighern bulkheads and distort the gasket enough to make it leak, so if you can't stop the leak by hand tightening or get a tool on it you may want to relubricate teh gasket (assuming it is not broken)
get some 100% silicone plumbers grease available at most hardwarestoors in the plumbing section. it's used to lubricate seals on sink faucets - it should say free of petrolium products
use the plumbers grease by smearing it over the gasket and reinstall the bulkhead this should help proved a seal that last a long long time.. without the grease the gaskets can get dry and the slightest movement on them can create a leak or worse crack the seal and gasket
get some 100% silicone plumbers grease available at most hardwarestoors in the plumbing section. it's used to lubricate seals on sink faucets - it should say free of petrolium products
use the plumbers grease by smearing it over the gasket and reinstall the bulkhead this should help proved a seal that last a long long time.. without the grease the gaskets can get dry and the slightest movement on them can create a leak or worse crack the seal and gasket
