bh leak

[ari5736]

Just replaced for slow leak. New uni same problem, when tightened it leaks and when I tighten hard it skips a thread?
Thinking silicone grease sealant and/or thread tape for grip.
Please advise.

 

[wallysworld]

Try teflon tape on the threads then tighten again. Remember the tape goes on the same direction you screw the nut on. In your case looking from the outside(back) of the bulkhead fitting clockwise. Good luck!
Wrap the teflon over itself many times if needed.

-Walter

 

[CIA]

Skip a thread? Are you using a wrench? I think bh should be hand tighten.

Make sure your glass is clean.

 

[NYreefNoob]

not being funny but is the seal facing the right way and put on correct ? and you did only hand tighten. all mine had small drips first few days then sealed themselves

 

[ari5736]

originally facing wrong way. Switched w/new unit and same problem.

hand tightened and when I turn hard or w/ wrench it skips and slips open.

 

[wallysworld]

Oh, I didn't even think. NEVER use a wrench on a tank bulkhead fitting. No pressure just the pressure from inside the tank which helps seal anyway.
Also make sure you are using the nut that came with the bulkhead fitting. Other nut threads may be different. Make sure the nut touches the glass at the same time. Meaning it is screwing on evenly. If you have cross threaded the fitting it maybe going on crooked which will surely cause a leak.

Let us know...

Walter

 

[ari5736]

I have the long side of the bulk head outside and the lip side in the water (acrylic sump). The gasket is on the inside of the tank, so I figured it was fine. Maybe the lip side in the tank will work better. Thoughts...

If this is a better arrangement how should I connect my male union with female bulkhead?

 

[House of Laughter]

Ari, something is very wrong if you're not able to get a rubber gasket on a BH to seal on acrlyic or glass sump - if you're using schedule 40, that's part of the problem as they tend to crack or strip when overtightened. Bottom line, you should not have to tighten too hard to get a "good seal"

This may seem stupid too, but works for me every time - take the BH off, wipe saliva on the gasket side that will touch the inside of the sump, wipe any debris from the sump and seal.

Good luck

House

 

[ari5736]

I have six more installed on the tank that are doing fine. I am thinking the silicone lubricant to seal. My only concern is that the sump is acrylic and I know silicone is a no-no. Maybe silicone grease is different? Also, I am not sure how long I should let the bulkhead sit dry with silicone seal prior to filling with water.

 

[wallysworld]

Wait the BH is not made to seal the way you are using it. The water is traveling across the threads and leaking around the flat side of the BH the side that is usually on the water side. I would say your best bet is to still use the washer between the flat (solid) side not against the nut. This should seal just fine, however if you over tighten it will leak as you will sqush the washer out of place.
If you do this and you still have a leak check the BH fitting it may be cracked.

-Walter

 

[ari5736]

Try teflon tape on the threads then tighten again. Remember the tape goes on the same direction you screw the nut on. In your case looking from the outside(back) of the bulkhead fitting clockwise. Good luck!
Wrap the teflon over itself many times if needed.

-Walter

Thanks Walter. The tape did the trick.

 

[wallysworld]

Glad to hear it.

-Walter