Bulkhead leaks

[dreamcatcherr9]

I’ve saw a video someone suggested using a bead of aquarium sealant at bulkheads to help prevent leaks.

Anyone ever heard of (or practiced)?

 

[fishguy242]

hi yes ,have heard,do not recommend,snug them good ,do not overtighten! will break

 

[Redfoxtang]

Like said above I would not try this. Best to drain, clean the bulkhead and glass very good then snug down. If this doesn’t help then replace the gasket.

 

[mfinn]

When I put in new bulkheads ( when everything is completely dry and clean) I always add a bead of silicone around the base of the fitting so that when you put it in the hole, the silicone completely fills the space and a small amount squeezes out on the nut side.
Tighten finger tight ( just as absolutely tight as you can with your fingers) and go about a 1/4 turn with a wrench.
I've always left it completely untouched for atleast 24 hours, but I've seen others recommend as much as 48 hours.

 

[RocketEngineer]

Sealant isn’t needed if installed correctly. My first question: Where is the gasket in relation to the bulkhead flange? Putting the gasket in the wrong spot is one of the most common reasons for leaks.

 

[dreamcatcherr9]

Thank you everyone, and sorry for any confusion. No leaks! Nothing plumbed, I’m just planning ahead and thinking of little details (my first DIY plumbing to a sump).

I’ve been watching every video I can find (any suggestions on good educational videos is appreciated); one of them suggested the use of sealant at bulkheads. I never heard before, so I wanted “real world” opinions.

I am probably way overthinking it. Ok, I’m nervous, I don’t want a flood in the living room floor! LOL. But seriously, first time cutting, gluing, and plumbing with pvc. Just want to do it right the first time (hopefully).

 

[RocketEngineer]

Just remember that the direction of the bulkhead doesn’t matter. The gasket always goes on the flange side before the bulkhead gets installed. Putting the gasket on the nut side is not going to seal properly. And like was mentioned above 1/4 turn past hand tight should be enough. Good luck.

 

[andrewey]

Even if you under tighten your bulkhead, the leak will be incredibly slow- think of water beading from it pretty slowly. You're not going to experience some moses and the red sea kind of water leakage if it's a tad loose. Properly tightened, the vast majority work the first time, but your worst case scenario isn't actually so bad- you just need to turn off your pump or pull out a gallon of water and re-tighten and worst worst case scenario is replace the gasket if it's defective

 

[Hendrix]

Done it both ways.

If hole is right size for bulk head, I prefer none and agree snug fit without is best.