Overflow to tank bulkhead leak - how long to watch?

[NancyFish]

Is it currently running fully or are you filling to test leaks? Perhaps there's some debris under the bulkhead?

I’m running it on and off and other times just letting water sit in the overflow. It has to be the gasket or the nut or thread because it’s coming from that area. It’s all new and clean, I don’t get the issue.

This time I disconnected my pipe after the union and left a taller fitting inside to see if the tension in the pipe is bothering it. But it didn’t seem like I had any.

 

[Sumbub]

When you release the nut from the bulkhead, is the bulkhead slightly off on the overflow box? Like its angled slightly upwards on one side?

 

[NancyFish]

When you release the nut from the bulkhead, is the bulkhead slightly off on the overflow box? Like its angled slightly upwards on one side?

No, everything looks fine. I didn’t even have to mess with the other ones. I tried doing it loose. I tried positioning the gasket first and letting the bulkhead drop down to it, instead of holding it to the bulkhead. I keep reevaluating the tightness.

And since it’s such a slow drip that I have to wait and watch, this is going on for the past 5 hours.

 

[Sumbub]

Try lubricating the washer. Use Vaseline and let it soak for a few minutes. Then wipe off the excess and try again.

 

[NancyFish]

Try lubricating the washer. Use Vaseline and let it soak for a few minutes. Then wipe off the excess and try again.

I just ordered silicone lubricant grease, hopefully that helps but I can’t imagine trying to fuss with this like this when the tank is in its final spot, it would have a mess everywhere.

It’s driving me nuts trying to fix this. Next step will be optimizing my sump level because I have no idea what that’s supposed to be like. lol I’d gladly pay someone to do all this.

 

[JayM]

Try lubricating the washer. Use Vaseline and let it soak for a few minutes. Then wipe off the excess and try again.

Just make sure you don’t use Vaseline on rubber.