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| General Reef Discussion In this forum we discuss issues related to keeping marine and reef aquariums in a friendly flame-free environment. |
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07-17-2006, 12:05 AM
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#1
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Cabana Boy
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Miami, Fl
Posts: 2,070
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best way to seal a leaking pvc pipe?
I set up a closed loop system and its working great, except for one thing. ..... it has a drip coming from the pvc thats attached to the bulkhead from underneath the tank. I cant take it of since that would dump all ther water on the floor. Ive tried to use that silicone tape, but it still leaks through the tape. I was thinking of using some of that clay-looking epoxy to basically cover that whole area. I was wondering if there was any other remedies out there.
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07-17-2006, 12:10 AM
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#2
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The Ninja MOD
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Planet P.....Why Me?
Posts: 13,624
Reviews: 23
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Is it the PVC or is the bulkhead cracked? They are easy to crack.
Robert
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07-17-2006, 12:10 AM
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#3
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.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: NW
Posts: 11,333
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is th epipe leaking or the bulkhead seal??
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I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other
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07-17-2006, 12:11 AM
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#4
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.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: NW
Posts: 11,333
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if its the bulkhead you really need to empty it...if its the pipe...the best thing to do would be to access it from the top and install a plug...use silicone if its a slip fitting and just screw in a plug if its threaded...
then fix the pipe
OR before you go to any of that effort...try getting some weldon #16 and simply running a bead around the seam between the bulhead and the pipe where it is leaking....ive never done this before.....but i think it would work......it would be a band aid similar to silicane but if you could get it dry enough ti should seal the deal..........especially if the entire thing is over your sump....thats about the safest place to have a slow leak
__________________
I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other
Last edited by Fly Guy; 07-17-2006 at 02:14 AM.
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07-17-2006, 12:14 AM
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#5
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I've got the REEF rash!
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 34,178
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I'd plug the inside of tank and make a new pipe up and slip it in!
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07-17-2006, 12:24 AM
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#6
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Cabana Boy
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Miami, Fl
Posts: 2,070
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well it seems to be leaking from the pipe that is inserted into the bulkhead. I really dont want to drain it since its just a slow drip, but I would like to get it sealed. What do you guys mean by using a plug? like a pvc cap? how would that be water tight? I didnt think they were unless we are talking about something else. Either way if I do plug it from up top, how would I be able to remove the pvc that is attached to the bulkhead to redo it?
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07-17-2006, 12:34 AM
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#7
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.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: NW
Posts: 11,333
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call me...it will be easier to explain than type..ill pm you
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I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other
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07-17-2006, 10:01 AM
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#8
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Reefless Reefer
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 20,561
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the cap would be water tight enough for this purpose.
G~
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Think Tanker
Friends Don't Let Friends Use Refugiums!
Reef Knowledge Impaired
"J" crowd member.
My Build Thread
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07-17-2006, 10:11 AM
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#9
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BIG SMELLY MOD
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Denham Springs, LA
Posts: 18,745
Reviews: 21
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I will say That I had one that leaks just a few drops very minute or so and I never did get anything to work for me , then it just stopped by itself . thesalt creep stopped it.
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 Vince aka VINNIE 
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07-17-2006, 10:41 AM
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#10
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Cabana Boy
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Miami, Fl
Posts: 2,070
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I dont know if I need to cap it though. The pipe that is leaking is the one going back into the tank. So if I disconnect the pump it shouldnt leak I just have to make sure the lockline connected to the manifold on the top of the tank is pointed up. Im wondering though if theres any way I can remove the pvc that is glued to the bulkhead to redo it again?
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07-17-2006, 10:49 AM
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#11
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BIG SMELLY MOD
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Denham Springs, LA
Posts: 18,745
Reviews: 21
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I don't think You will be able to get it out. I have never been able to remove it once glued.
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Vince aka VINNIE
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07-17-2006, 10:52 AM
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#12
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Cabana Boy
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Miami, Fl
Posts: 2,070
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So then I guess the best thing to do is just pack some epoxy all the way around it? Or maybe some of that plumbers goop? Since its a pressurized line I dont know how well it would seal.
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07-17-2006, 10:57 AM
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#13
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BIG SMELLY MOD
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Denham Springs, LA
Posts: 18,745
Reviews: 21
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I don't think it will work. Only if You are willing to let it dry out and sit for awhile. I have never had any luck doing it, You may have better luck.
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Vince aka VINNIE
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07-17-2006, 11:18 AM
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#14
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Cabana Boy
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Miami, Fl
Posts: 2,070
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well since its just a closed loop system that the leaking bulkhead goes up to a manifold sitting on top of the tank, I could let it sit for a while and let it dry out. I just was wondering what would be the best thing to use that could handle a little bit of pressure. Im going to probably swing by the home depot and look to see what options would be best. The best thing I figured what just to get some epoxy, and completely cover that whole area with it and be done with it.
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07-17-2006, 12:06 PM
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#15
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BIG SMELLY MOD
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Denham Springs, LA
Posts: 18,745
Reviews: 21
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Worth a try. Good Luck,
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Vince aka VINNIE
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