Leaking bulkheads?!

adamizy · Aug 23, 2015

I seem to be having a problem with my bulkheads...I bought a used 57 rimless and at first it had rubber gaskets on both sides and was leaking so I put only one new one on the inside of the tank on each and still having issues. Maybe I'm doing something wrong?

hybridazn · Aug 23, 2015

Their should only be a gasket on the side of the bulkhead that goes on the inside of the tank (flange side). How tight did you tighten it? Are the holes in the glass smooth or is there any chipping around it?

Aussie paul · Aug 23, 2015

Make sure the bulkhead and the gasket surface's are both clean as well as the glass. If all else fails run a thin bead of silicone around the edge of the bulkhead outside edge of gasket and tighten so it seals

AZDesertRat · Aug 23, 2015

It does not matter if the gasket is on the inside or outside, they alwasy go on the flange side regardless if it is in or out of the water.
I have a very detailed Bulkhead Installation Tips sticky thread on this forum that should answer all your questions.
What size drilled holes and what is the outside diameter of the bulkheads? Are they snug in the holes with little to no side to side movement? Are you tightening only hand tight with maybe 1/8 to 1/4 additional turn. Are you sure the leak is from the gasket area and not from the inside? You aren't using teflon tape or sealants on the bulkhead shaft and nut are you? Are they installed clean and dry and are not supporting the weight of piping and fittings which would could cause unequal stress on them?