Bulkhead leak

CobrahSparkles · Nov 21, 2015

I just installed the bulkheads on my 80g RR and leak tested. The return bulkhead is leaking from the inside of the tube. No water coming out on the threads. And it's like 1 Drip every 10 seconds. Should I be worried about this?

certain_code · Nov 21, 2015

Yup you want to fix it now before it becomes a bigger problem. Because it's the return it is under pressure and may mean that there is a small crack which could become bigger and turn into a flood situation outside your tank months down the road. Better to fix it now that have to worry about livestock later

Jimbo · Nov 21, 2015

Definitely needs to be fixed. Be careful not to over tighten you can crack the tank. Make sure the gasket is on the same side as the flange on the bulk head. Hand tighten and then about 1/4 turn with a wrench.

CobrahSparkles · Nov 21, 2015

I'm about to take the return off and see if there's a crack. If so this may be a real pain.

redfishbluefish · Nov 21, 2015

Did you install the bulkhead correctly? Regardless of how the bulkhead is installed (flange on the inside or flange on the outside of the tank), the gasket ALWAYS goes on the flange side. You want NO leaks coming from the bulkhead.

@AZDesertRat has a sticky on this....I'll be back in a moment if I can find it.

Found it! Read THIS, it should help.

CobrahSparkles · Nov 21, 2015

Oh yea I read that sticky. Installed according to that.

CobrahSparkles · Nov 21, 2015

The return had two gaskets on the flange...

Reefing Madness · Nov 21, 2015

Silicone

redfishbluefish · Nov 21, 2015

KirbyM said:
The return had two gaskets on the flange...

NO! It should only have one.

CobrahSparkles · Nov 21, 2015

Yea I know, took one off and about to test it again.

Bugsy_Barboza · Nov 21, 2015

Did you use teflon tape on the threads? I had same problem when I leak tested mine, teflon tape fixed the problem.

CobrahSparkles · Nov 21, 2015

No didn't use Teflon tape. Everything I've read says to stay away from it for the bulkheads.

CobrahSparkles · Nov 21, 2015

So I was wrong before, the leak only looked like it was coming from inside the pipe. It's definitely coming from the threads. At a very slow rate but still leaking. Gonna pull it apart and clean it again...

AZDesertRat · Nov 21, 2015

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/installing-bulkhead-tips.34973/

Threaded bulkhead or slip bulkhead? Is the gasket on the flange side regardless if it is inside or outside the tank? Did you take the time to smooth out any flashing or excess plastic mould lines or casting marks on the surfaces?

underwaterdan · Nov 21, 2015

I had a similar problem and it turned out I had my return pipe in their crooked and it was giving just enough counter pressure to make it not seal. Try and remove and repeat your overflow pipes...

CobrahSparkles · Nov 21, 2015

AZDesertRat said:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/installing-bulkhead-tips.34973/

Threaded bulkhead or slip bulkhead? Is the gasket on the flange side regardless if it is inside or outside the tank? Did you take the time to smooth out any flashing or excess plastic mould lines or casting marks on the surfaces?

Threaded, gasket on flange side only, and I've gone over the gasket and threads multiple times.

The overflow bulkhead doesn't leak hand tightened. I'm wondering if I just need to give it a bit more when tightening it down.

It's also a used tank, so there's a good chance when I'm setting the return pipe into the hole the gasket picks up some detritus (even though I reclean it every time I remove the pipe)

CobrahSparkles · Nov 21, 2015

underwaterdan said:
I had a similar problem and it turned out I had my return pipe in their crooked and it was giving just enough counter pressure to make it not seal. Try and remove and repeat your overflow pipes...

Going on the 5th time removing and cleaning now lol. Oh the joys of reef plumbing.