Small leak - what to use?

[jwill275]

I use a 3/4' flex pvc as my return line, at the tank the line is glued into a 3/4 - 1" reducer that is glued into my 1" bulkhead. I found a very small leak at the pvc connection. Is there anything I can use to close this leak without taking the whole thing apart. The leak is so slight that I only noticed it because of the salt crud build up at the leak.

Thanks for your help!

 

[liverup]

You can try siliconing the crap out of tit.

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[James983]

John, what about some type of marine epoxy from Homie? The leak is small and outside the tank, I think that might work.

 

[Editour2]

I agree with James.....I believe Home Depot sells a quick dry epoxy...this way you can wipe down the leak and apply....just mix the 2 parts and time it so that it will dry soon after the application. If that doesn't work I would go with the silicone.

 

[username in use]

A pool store will have a two part epoxy which is much like our reef epoxy. We use that to seal small plumbing leaks on pools all the time. Its relatively cheap, and can be used when wet. And actually, if you get a little water on your fingers you can really smooth it into the crack really well and make a nice looking little seal. Just turn the water off for an hour or so while it sets up so the pressure isn't pushing out against it. This stuff holds up to 1.5 horsepower pool pumps, so it should be no problem on that.

 

[jwill275]

Thanks Guys just picked up some JB Water Weld, it's an epoxy stick that works in water. It specifically states PVC, sets in 15-25 minutes cures in 60. Hopefully this will do the trick. Thanks again.

 

[James404]

JB water weld is good to use, however since this is the return line, it is pressurized, from my experiences it may not do the job well. If this was the drain from the tank line I would say go for it but personally I would redo it.

 

[WallysWorld]

If the leak only occurs when your return pump is on (pressure in the pipe) do the following.
Stop the return pump clean and dry the fittings then use a blow dryer to warm the pvc fitting (shield the glass so it doesn't heat up) for about 5 minutes. This will dry out the fittings. Take pvc primer and wipe the fitting joint real good. The primer should suck up into the leak as long as there is no water still leaking. Then wipe with pvc glue. If possible before wiping with primer and glue seal one end of the pipe and attach a shop vac to the other end and wipe the pipe while the shop vac is running, taking off the shop vac while wiping.
This is the only way without taking off the fitting. The problem with putty is its on the outside of the pipe and the pressure is comiing from the inside of the pipe, they never last on pressure lines only drains and suction lines.

 

[James404]

If the leak only occurs when your return pump is on (pressure in the pipe) do the following.
Stop the return pump clean and dry the fittings then use a blow dryer to warm the pvc fitting (shield the glass so it doesn't heat up) for about 5 minutes. This will dry out the fittings. Take pvc primer and wipe the fitting joint real good. The primer should suck up into the leak as long as there is no water still leaking. Then wipe with pvc glue. If possible before wiping with primer and glue seal one end of the pipe and attach a shop vac to the other end and wipe the pipe while the shop vac is running, taking off the shop vac while wiping.
This is the only way without taking off the fitting. The problem with putty is its on the outside of the pipe and the pressure is comiing from the inside of the pipe, they never last on pressure lines only drains and suction lines.

Agreed.

 

[jwill275]

Walter

Thanks - I'm watching the repair if the drip continues I'll have to take your advice. I can plan it when I do a water change and drop the DT water below the return without worrying about my sump overflowing. Thanks

 

[duke62]

epoxy is a good way to fix it.i would not use silicone.it takes alon time t cure and its a temporary fix.also i would change out the fittin and make it right.epoxy will work but a solid fix is alot better