Is there a way to fix leaky plumbing

Bthomas · Apr 29, 2021

I just redid plumbing to my sump and have a couple joints where it's leaking slightly. One of which I had to put a cup underneath to catch the water as it was a pretty steady drip.
Is there a way to fix leaky joints without cutting it out and starting over?
Would smearing more cement around the outside help? Or maybe silicone?

mdb_talon · Apr 29, 2021

The "best" way of course is to redo it. I would not just smear pvc cement around the edges it works by softening the pvc and then it fuses the pvc together in a chemical bond. If I were going to try to seal a leak I would get it completely dry and use a fast setting 2-part epoxy.

ca1ore · Apr 29, 2021

I would cut it out if you can. When you make a solvent weld, put plenty of solvent on the pipe and turn it a few times to make sure you get a watertight seal. I have used solvent on the outside to seal very small drips, but not larger ones.

Bthomas · Apr 29, 2021

I really really don't wanna have to cut it out. It was such a headache and I hate doing plumbing.. I may try the 2 part epoxy first and see if that seals it.
Was even considering letting it run and see if salt creep could seal it

Poof No Eyebrows · Apr 29, 2021

Duct tape!!!!

count krunk · Apr 29, 2021

I'm sure 5200 caulk would seal it right up. I think it's reef safe once it dries.

You get better every time you work with PVC. You really should cut and redo of it's a major leak.

After I moved my tank my return around the bulkhead fittings has a veeeeery slow drip. I'm ignoring it until I move the tank again. Doesn't affect water level, it's like a drip every 10 minutes

ca1ore · Apr 29, 2021

Bthomas said:
I really really don't wanna have to cut it out. It was such a headache and I hate doing plumbing.. I may try the 2 part epoxy first and see if that seals it.
Was even considering letting it run and see if salt creep could seal it

I would try solvent first. I sealed a leak one time by 'dissolving' PVC shavings in some solvent. A bit messy, but worked.

CMMorgan · Apr 29, 2021

My existing 90 gallon had this flex hose that was more like vacuum hose. I went with it because it was what the tank came with and it worked to run the tank plumbing through the wall. No matter what I did, that thing just dripped from the bulkhead. I had damp rid in the cabinet. I kept a bowl under it. I tried glue, I tried tightening the bulkhead, tightening the clamp. I had a similar drip on the inside of the sump where that same hose met the sump. I tried caulk, I tried Flex seal.
Eventually, salt creep built up and it stopped dripping. It has been running for about 3 years now. No longer a problem. That said, if I were you... I'd fix it properly.
Older, wiser and a better reefer ... I would have yanked that hose and started over. It would have saved years of worry about what mildew I will eventually find behind that stand. I'm soon to find out.

Bthomas · Apr 29, 2021

Yeah I'm thinking I may just rip it out and start over.
I'm just so tired of messing with it atm. Just transfered the whole 150 gallon from one tank to another and resetup everything. I'm tired/sore so it may just drip for a few days..

CMMorgan · Apr 29, 2021

Bthomas said:
Yeah I'm thinking I may just rip it out and start over.
I'm just so tired of messing with it atm. Just transfered the whole 150 gallon from one tank to another and resetup everything. I'm tired/sore so it may just drip for a few days..

I feel you. Sadly ... that is how mine turned from a few days to weeks to years. LOL
I am rehoming that 90 to a new reefer. My greatest gift to him will be giving him two new bulkheads and telling him to go hard plumb it.

Bthomas · Apr 29, 2021

CMMorgan said:
I feel you. Sadly ... that is how mine turned from a few days to weeks to years. LOL
I am rehoming that 90 to a new reefer. My greatest gift to him will be giving him two new bulkheads and telling him to go hard plumb it.

I will try not to let it go that long.. lol

BZOFIQ · Apr 29, 2021

YOu didn't post pics but take a look at these.

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www.plumbingsupply.com

ca1ore · Apr 29, 2021

CMMorgan said:
I tried Flex seal.

Well, if you had tried flex paste ......

WVNed · Apr 29, 2021

https://www.doityourself.com/stry/repairing-leaks-in-pvc-fittings

monkeyCmonkeyDo · Apr 29, 2021

Kill the flow. Let it dry out. Mark ur drip areas on ur pipe. U can get the above posted pieces and apply the pvc glue to them and slap em on or you can do as youve said and just apply some more glue at the joint to make a complete seal ring around the pvc fitting. Some paper towels and crack a window yo.
Lol
D