Age old question - "I've got a leak..."

[fidelity]

Got a leak at my drain bulkhead, the bulkhead appears to have ridges where the plastic was formed together. (And in my theory, is the reason the gasket is not making a proper seal) I applied vacuum grease and tried my best to get an air/water tight seal, but to no avail. Still leaking at the bulkhead/glass.

Any plumpin' tricks out there that I'm not aware of?

Thanks,

Chris

[gregt]

Ok, stupid question. Did you put the gasket on the correct side? The gasket should always go on the opposite side as the nut no matter which side of the tank the nut is on.

[fidelity]

Yep gasket on wet side, nut on dry side.

[Geoff]

this may sound funny, but did you over tighten it? sometime they will leak if you overtighten the nut. you want it snug, but not gorilla tight.

G~

[fidelity]

tried both, first snug, then gorilla tight... both leaked.

[aquadude]

I had a problem with the bulkhead leaking in a 100 gallon livestock watering tub I use as a sump. I tried everything from tightning the bulkhead to sanding down the plastic to make sure I had a good seal - Nothing worked still had a very small leak. Finally took a large candle and melted wax around the outside of bulkhead (alot of wax), worked great - 6 mos now and leaking has not returned. Don't know if it will work for you, good luck.

[fidelity]

Uncle had a great idea... mouse pad. squishy gasket, let me tell ya.. double stacked em

[Geoff]

mousepads are made out of neoprene. i have one of those older thicker mousepads that i cut up for all kinds of uses. vibration dampeners for pumps is the big one. i was hesitant to suggest that only because i was unsure of the cloth backing. not that it would harm the tank in any way, but would capillary water around the fibers. uber small chance, but a risk that came to mind.

G~

[fidelity]

well it didnt work anyway, I think the nut/bulkhead are slightly off or something...

[fidelity]

When I tighten it, you can still see a small gap... gonna try another bulkhead and then go from there.

Anyone know where I can pick up a 1" threaded bulkhead tomorrow? (Monday)

[gregt]

I used petroleum jelly when I had this problem just a tiny bit on the side of the gasket that touches the bulkhead. There's better things to use, but it works.

[fidelity]

Tried vacuum greese

[fidelity]

Welp went and got a new bulkhead... what'd ya know, problem solved. Now if only I could get it to be quieter. Already have a durso.. still seems like a lot of noise to me. Gurggling a little and then flow from the overflow. Any ideas?

[mnreefgeek]

earplugs I've got the same problem!

[Geoff]

is the sound coming from the overflow end or the end at the sump. you may need to add a dursa type cotraption at that end also.

G~