Bulkhead leaking

[TriggerFinger]

i filled the tank with rodi to test for leaks and low and behold the return bulkhead started leaking as soon as the overflow box was full. It’s not leaking IN the return hose, it’s on the outside so it’s leaking from the seal.;Facepalm I want to take it off and wipe everything clean and try again. How do I drain the overflow box? The pvc is not glued to the bulkheads, can I just take the drain stand pipe off and left it go to the sump?

 

[Flippers4pups]

Take some tubing and a bucket, place it in the overflow box. Suck on the end outside the tank and syphon the water out into the bucket.

Having one of these helps tremendously:

 

[TriggerFinger]

Thanks @Flippers4pups Just got back from petco and got one of these. Wish me luck!! If that doesn’t fix the leak then what should I do next? It’s a new bulkhead with new gaskets. I can’t tighten it anymore by hand, kinda scared to tighten it with pliers

 

[Hermie]

just wondering is the washer/gasket on the opposite side of the glass as the lock nut?

 

[Goodair]

 

[jsvand5]

I usually hand tighten and then do another 1/4-1/2 turn or so with channel locks. Also check to make sure there is not a burr on the gasket or the bulkhead itself. I use sandpaper on that when needed.

 

[Flippers4pups]

If there is a large chip on the edge of the hole, it may not seal.

If there is debris under the gasket, it may leak.

If it was leaking and just wasn't tight enough, draining the overflow and taking the bulkhead and gasket out and cleaning the glass and gasket may be needed. Debris may have gotten under the gasket.


Once glass and gasket is clean, hand tighten and using a adjustable pair of pliers, turn the nut no more than a 1/4 turn. This should seal the bulkhead.

 

[lapin]

You can also put some silicone grease (not sealer) on the gasket. It will help it sit flat and not bunch up as you tighten