Leaking overflow box! Repairable or Replace?

[Cesar Romero]

Hi all,

So I recently notice a leak on one of the overflow box return drain. The tank is already pushed to the wall and cycle started. It is leaking slowly but steadily.

Here is a pic, showing the vertical crack:

Has anyone had this same issue? Is this something I need to replace or is this something that can be fixed?

I found this products online, but wondering if they would work and hold:

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Cesar Romero]

Here is a closer shot of the crack

 

[Gareth elliott]

I personally would start with pvc primer and cement on the inside to bond the over flow to the pipe.

Hoping the seal of this bond, would either bypass the crack all together. Or that the bonding process would close any exposed gaps internally.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Plumbers tape or drain water into buckets until water stops flowing. Clean and dry area with alcohol and do 2 part epoxy or jb weld marine until cured and refill from buckets once dry.

 

[ncaldwell]

Can the white pvc pipe be removed?

 

[Cesar Romero]

I personally would start with pvc primer and cement on the inside to bond the over flow to the pipe.

Hoping the seal of this bond, would either bypass the crack all together. Or that the bonding process would close any exposed gaps internally.

The bottom pvc is already cemented to the overflow. The top pvc is pretty tight on the top and am concern any additional pressure from above, to try to push it in for the cement, may crack it.

Plumbers tape or drain water into buckets until water stops flowing. Clean and dry area with alcohol and do 2 part epoxy or jb weld marine until cured and refill from buckets once dry.

I was thinking of this option as well, have you had success with one more than the other?

Can the white pvc pipe be removed?

No, unfortunately the white pvc is cemented into the overflow box from the bottom.

 

[vetteguy53081]

The bottom pvc is already cemented to the overflow. The top pvc is pretty tight on the top and am concern any additional pressure from above, to try to push it in for the cement, may crack it.


I was thinking of this option as well, have you had success with one more than the other?



No, unfortunately the white pvc is cemented into the overflow box from the bottom.

Has good .Luck with the epoxy

 

[DangerDave]

Salt creep may lock it up in a few days...

 

[Cesar Romero]

Think I’ll try doing the 2 part epoxy, then after that cures, use plumbers tape, and hopefully that would hold as a permanent solution. Will head to the store after work

 

[Cesar Romero]

Thank you everyone for your help with this!

 

[Antics]

I would replace it personally. Just because of my fear of the crack slowly expanding and going further up. Eventually it could cause a larger leak as the pressure eventually causes it to crack. Not trying to scare you, it's just what I would be thinking about at night. Rather replace it and not worry.

 

[Cesar Romero]

I would replace it personally. Just because of my fear of the crack slowly expanding and going further up. Eventually it could cause a larger leak as the pressure eventually causes it to crack. Not trying to scare you, it's just what I would be thinking about at night. Rather replace it and not worry.

You make a good point. I’ve reached out to the manufacturer to see their opinion to the matter and what they recommend.

 

[ca1ore]

It's not immediately obvious to me where it's is leaking from? You say 'crack'; are your talking about the end of the overflow box (not clear to me that it's a crack versus a scratch). Not easy to crack these things unless you've dropped it.

 

[Cesar Romero]

It is by the return line, there is a vertical crack as shown on the second pic. Putting your fingers around it you can feel it on the side seen there and another vertical crack coming on the other side of the same return line.

 

[Cesar Romero]

Just wanted to update everyone though, I contacted Synergy Reef and they are sending me a new box! They even cemented the pvc drain line for the new boxfor me! I’m supper happy of their service and help on this. What a great company!!! :):):)

 

[Antics]

Glad it worked out for you! Replacing in this situation was definitely the best route.