sucking air

[Viv]

I've fixed a leaky bulkhead but have a tremendous amount of air returning to the tank...I don't see water dripping from any joints and their is not the amount of air I'm getting in the return in the sump. It's either air in the line or a tiny hole in a joint. How would I resecure the joint, just put more purple and glue around an already glued joint? And if its not the joints, and its air in the pipe what do I do about that? Previously I had vinyl tubing and never had this kind of problem so I really don't know how to trouble shoot. I've been at this all day and now have to get ready for work ...I'm beat and frustrated and really want to stay home and deal with this ...maybe by tomarrow morning when I get home I'll see the leaky joint -right now nothing is dripping the tank and sump are full. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I'm really not sure what to do next!

[Geoff]

it is the return that is spewing bubbles? you are sure that it is not getting bubbles from the skimmer somehow?

G~

[Viv]

There is a little bit of bubbles in the sump, but not like what is spewing from the return (more air than water) it appears....this morning found a pin hole in one of the joints (very small-but enough that over nite gave the telltale sign-drip of water around the pipe). So is there a way to add more glue to the joint when it has already been glued, or do I have to saw apart the dang thing and start over? (Just on the lighter side-my body feels broken, I have aches and pains from my ankles to my chest, getting under the cabinet to deal with this is a royal pain-yoga is not something I'm into, and ****, I really didn't need a tank to prove I was getting old and not able to do what I use to)

[Geoff]

there is actually this pretty need sillycone tape that i found at HD. it is super stretchy and seals very well over joints like what you are saying. unfortunately it was just hanging on the end of one of the aisles so i have a feeling it would be hard to find, even if you ask an associate.

G~

[Viv]

Well, its good to laugh at yourself, right? That air came from the ball valve, after the sump and before the pump...so fix the ball valve right...I figured the plumbers tape just wasn't holding any longer so I attempted to shut the ball valve to close every thing off so I could do repairs....the handle was stuck in the open position, so I take a hammer to nudge it...it gives a little, so I attempt to turn it when the pvc piece that goes from the full sump, (full sump) to the ball valve BREAKS! WATER gushes all over and all I have handy is a towel....so I shove the towel in the broken pvc pipe...what a mess!!!!!! I'm soaked, the floor is soaked, the newly painted cabinet has got paint bubbling...just awful...so I get buckets...only to find there now is no need, CAUSE ITS ON THE FLOOR! To make a long story shorter, although it did take me all, ALL, day-the sump bulk head is new, with new glued pvc, new ball valve with new fittings, the pump has been cleaned (why not, it was disconnected anyway) and everything has a new touch of pvc cement around all the joints....waiting for the curing overnite.....don't want to be up all nite with any more water,lol... Please keep all body parts crossed and say a prayer...

[Geoff]

it is always amazes me at how fast water can come out of a little pipe sometimes.

G~

[dobejazz]

What an adventure Viv How are things looking now?

[Viv]

Went the nite without bubbles, I believe all has been fixed....posted updates on my blog, thanks for asking.