PVC leak

saltybastard · 03/20/2010, 04:27 PM

So I just finished the plumbing in my new 180g and thought I'd give it a trial run before doing the tank switchover. It's a good thing I did because there is a small leak where the bulkhead meets the pvc. Maybe not enough glue in one spot. What can i do now? Can I just pvc glue the spot to seal it? I have some aquarium silicone (made for glass though).

I'll wait to hear from you guys before I continue so any asap help would be appreciated.

Thanks

CyCLoBoT · 03/20/2010, 08:08 PM

When I had leaks from my external overflow bulkhead and the flex tubing, I applied the PVC cement liberally in the leakage area and it worked very well. I must not have put enough to begin with and water was dripping without me realizing it. So reply the glue over that area and I think it should stop it for good. I would rather use glue than silicone.

bsharding1982 · 03/20/2010, 09:11 PM

I use aquarium silicone, just give it plenty of time to harden as it displaces easily when wet. You can put it on real thick, I have had better luck with than than the PVC glue for leaks. When gluing PVC I have learned to just use way more sealant than is needed to be sure.

Number2 · 03/20/2010, 09:55 PM

Drain it and replace the leaking parts. Be sure to do it right the next time. Silicone or more glue may not cure corectly if there is water in the area. Even if it does I would not want to think about the possibility of failure in the nght while I sleep. New parts are cheap.

keto · 03/20/2010, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Number2

Drain it and replace the leaking parts. Be sure to do it right the next time. Silicone or more glue may not cure corectly if there is water in the area. Even if it does I would not want to think about the possibility of failure in the nght while I sleep. New parts are cheap.

+1 why start messed up, fix it now !!

irieef · 03/21/2010, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keto

+1 why start messed up, fix it now !!

+2..u don't wanna be the guy who said "damn, the $5 glue i used to seal up a $10 bulkhead worked for a week and then re-opened, sending gallons of water down into my stand where it started an electrical fire and burned down my $300,000 house.."don't take any chances..don't be that guy..just trying to help..rip it out and replace the whole thing, you're better safe than sorry..

CyCLoBoT · 03/21/2010, 03:15 AM

I'm not sure if you PVC glue and PVC cement are the same thing but if not then I can assure you that PVC cement will not cause the leak to appear again. It is nearly impossible to take it appart once its bonded with PVC cement (dark grey stuff).

jpruitt · 03/21/2010, 07:08 AM

+1 on buying new pieces.

floydie83 · 03/21/2010, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irieef

+2..u don't wanna be the guy who said "damn, the $5 glue i used to seal up a $10 bulkhead worked for a week and then re-opened, sending gallons of water down into my stand where it started an electrical fire and burned down my $300,000 house.."don't take any chances..don't be that guy..just trying to help..rip it out and replace the whole thing, you're better safe than sorry..

+3 PVC is cheap replace.

lordofthereef · 03/21/2010, 09:11 AM

Replacing it seems like the OP will have to junk the entire bulkhead (if I am visualizing the setup right). Even so, it may be your best option. This is why I like threaded bulkheads being that they are one of the most expensive parts of our plumbing and allow for tweaking after the fact.

saltybastard · 03/21/2010, 07:18 PM

Its a shame I have just had time to read your replies today. I applied the aquarium silicon and it worked...for now. Hopefully it will last. I am really hoping the salt will seal it eventually. It's only a small leak so I have my fingers crossed.

03/20/2010, 04:27 PM	#1
saltybastard Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 179	PVC leak So I just finished the plumbing in my new 180g and thought I'd give it a trial run before doing the tank switchover. It's a good thing I did because there is a small leak where the bulkhead meets the pvc. Maybe not enough glue in one spot. What can i do now? Can I just pvc glue the spot to seal it? I have some aquarium silicone (made for glass though). I'll wait to hear from you guys before I continue so any asap help would be appreciated. Thanks

03/21/2010, 09:11 AM	#10
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Replacing it seems like the OP will have to junk the entire bulkhead (if I am visualizing the setup right). Even so, it may be your best option. This is why I like threaded bulkheads being that they are one of the most expensive parts of our plumbing and allow for tweaking after the fact. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

03/20/2010, 08:08 PM	#2
CyCLoBoT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 50	When I had leaks from my external overflow bulkhead and the flex tubing, I applied the PVC cement liberally in the leakage area and it worked very well. I must not have put enough to begin with and water was dripping without me realizing it. So reply the glue over that area and I think it should stop it for good. I would rather use glue than silicone.

03/20/2010, 09:11 PM	#3
bsharding1982 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 120	I use aquarium silicone, just give it plenty of time to harden as it displaces easily when wet. You can put it on real thick, I have had better luck with than than the PVC glue for leaks. When gluing PVC I have learned to just use way more sealant than is needed to be sure.

03/20/2010, 09:55 PM	#4
Number2 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: highland, Ca Posts: 104	Drain it and replace the leaking parts. Be sure to do it right the next time. Silicone or more glue may not cure corectly if there is water in the area. Even if it does I would not want to think about the possibility of failure in the nght while I sleep. New parts are cheap.

03/21/2010, 03:15 AM	#7
CyCLoBoT Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 50	I'm not sure if you PVC glue and PVC cement are the same thing but if not then I can assure you that PVC cement will not cause the leak to appear again. It is nearly impossible to take it appart once its bonded with PVC cement (dark grey stuff).

03/21/2010, 07:08 AM	#8
jpruitt Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sherman TX Posts: 139	+1 on buying new pieces.

03/21/2010, 07:18 PM	#11
saltybastard Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 179	Its a shame I have just had time to read your replies today. I applied the aquarium silicon and it worked...for now. Hopefully it will last. I am really hoping the salt will seal it eventually. It's only a small leak so I have my fingers crossed.