Bulkhead Leak

Mondaine · 02/14/2008, 12:23 PM

I recently drilled my sump to use an external return pump and I cant get the bulkhead to not leak. Does anyone have any tips? I tried using a little bit of silicone to seal it but that didn't help.

gws76 · 02/14/2008, 12:33 PM

Did you use the rubber gasket?

Mondaine · 02/14/2008, 01:16 PM

Yes I used the gasket

AZDesertRat · 02/14/2008, 01:16 PM

OK
1. Always put the gasket/washer on the flange side of the bulkhead, never on the nut side. This is always true regardless if the flange is inside or outside, wet or dry, always on the flange side.
2. Always install the bulkhead dry. Do not use any sealants or lubricants around the gasket, they cause the gaskets to squish out and move. Keep everything clean and dry.
3. Hand tighten only with maybe an additional 1/2 turn or so. Overtightening is a common way to cause leaks.
4. If you are using a threaded bulkhead (threads on the internal surface) make sure and clean the threads out well before screwing anything in to them. Flashing, burrs and excess plastic from the molding process can cut teflon tapes or scrape pastes and putties out of the threads causing a bad seal. It is OK to use teflon tape or I use the Thread Sealant sticks myself, on the internal threads. Also clean the threads on the male adapter or nipple that you are screwing into the bulkhead. I use a small jewelers file, pocket knife or nail file.emery board to file the peaks and valleys.
5. If you are using a slip bulkhead(internal slip not threaded) a few wraps of teflon around the pipe you stick into it may aid in sealing as well as make it easier to remove in the future. I am not a fan of gluing pipe into a bulkhead as it makes it miserable to repair or remove it in the future. I only use threaded bulkheads so they are easy to remove if needed.
6. Always support and pipe or pumps connected to bulkheads so you do not put any unequal stresses on the gasket and sealing surface. never hang things on an unsupported bulkhead.
7. When connecting a pump to a bulkhead allow room for a short section of flexible tubing or spaflex to break up any vibrations from the pump. Solid piping transmits sound and vibrations and the flex helps stop it.
8. Always use plenty of isolation valves and unions on PVC plumbing.

Hope that helps!

02/14/2008, 12:23 PM	#1
Mondaine Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3	Bulkhead Leak I recently drilled my sump to use an external return pump and I cant get the bulkhead to not leak. Does anyone have any tips? I tried using a little bit of silicone to seal it but that didn't help.

02/14/2008, 12:33 PM	#2
gws76 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: El Reno, OK Posts: 1,691 Blog Entries: 2	Did you use the rubber gasket? __________________ "Let there be Rock!" ~ Bon Scott 2010-2011 COMAS POTM Chairman Current Tank Info: 150 gal. Starphire Mixed Reef

02/14/2008, 01:16 PM	#3
Mondaine Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3	Yes I used the gasket

02/14/2008, 01:16 PM	#4
AZDesertRat Moved On Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: NW Phoenix Posts: 16,621	OK 1. Always put the gasket/washer on the flange side of the bulkhead, never on the nut side. This is always true regardless if the flange is inside or outside, wet or dry, always on the flange side. 2. Always install the bulkhead dry. Do not use any sealants or lubricants around the gasket, they cause the gaskets to squish out and move. Keep everything clean and dry. 3. Hand tighten only with maybe an additional 1/2 turn or so. Overtightening is a common way to cause leaks. 4. If you are using a threaded bulkhead (threads on the internal surface) make sure and clean the threads out well before screwing anything in to them. Flashing, burrs and excess plastic from the molding process can cut teflon tapes or scrape pastes and putties out of the threads causing a bad seal. It is OK to use teflon tape or I use the Thread Sealant sticks myself, on the internal threads. Also clean the threads on the male adapter or nipple that you are screwing into the bulkhead. I use a small jewelers file, pocket knife or nail file.emery board to file the peaks and valleys. 5. If you are using a slip bulkhead(internal slip not threaded) a few wraps of teflon around the pipe you stick into it may aid in sealing as well as make it easier to remove in the future. I am not a fan of gluing pipe into a bulkhead as it makes it miserable to repair or remove it in the future. I only use threaded bulkheads so they are easy to remove if needed. 6. Always support and pipe or pumps connected to bulkheads so you do not put any unequal stresses on the gasket and sealing surface. never hang things on an unsupported bulkhead. 7. When connecting a pump to a bulkhead allow room for a short section of flexible tubing or spaflex to break up any vibrations from the pump. Solid piping transmits sound and vibrations and the flex helps stop it. 8. Always use plenty of isolation valves and unions on PVC plumbing. Hope that helps!