I have a leaking bulkhead

[Parker7]

Hello every one I have a really big issue I just set up a 120 gallon tank and I hard plumbed my return line from the pump and once it was finally up and running what do you know my leak starts.
So now I need to replace my bulk head the major issue I have with that though is everything is glued together with PVC cement.
I cracked my last tank trying to cut a bulk head with PVC cutters but the bulk head was going through the back of the tank (non tempered glass)
And I need to cut this one but it's installed on tempered glass a reef ready ready tank with a real over flow, but if I try to cut it will I ruin the tank?
Plz any advice is much appresheated and needed thank you in advance to any one who helps

[Flippers4pups]

Consider using threaded unions after the bulkhead next time, that way you won't need to cut the pipe to service the bulkhead gasket. Cut the pvc pipe with a hacksaw blade, holding the bulkhead to support it.

[Parker7]

Well technically the threaded cuppler I put on the bulk head is leaking but it's on the bulk head side.
So the only way I saw to fix that leak Is to cut the bulk head and replace it because I don't think any of the pvc will fit through the hole in the glass

[Av8bluewater]

I don't have anything supporting my plumbing so the weight of the plumbing over time causes stress on the cheap ABS bulkheads and a hairline crack forms. Maybe check to make sure there is support and be super careful when loosening/tightening unions or anything down the line so the plumbing doesn't move. A schedule 80 won't fit on my holes so I may downsize the plumbing so it will fit later on.
Also always have a couple extra bulkheads on hand just in case.
Not sure about cutting it out. I've always used threaded for that purpose.
I have invented a bulkhead with union elbow in my head to fix this problem. Now if someone else would just bring it to market.

[Johnseye]

Did you hand tighten or wrench tighten your bulkheads? You shouldn't need to tighten with a wrench. Hand should be enough.

Did you use silicone grease on the bulkhead washers? If so that would cause the washers to slip out of the hole.

+1 on unions. Never cement your way into a trap. Able to take any pictures?

[ca1ore]

Originally Posted by Parker7

Well technically the threaded cuppler I put on the bulk head is leaking but it's on the bulk head side.
So the only way I saw to fix that leak Is to cut the bulk head and replace it because I don't think any of the pvc will fit through the hole in the glass

Not getting a clear picture of what you mean. If you installed the bulkhead with the flange and gasket inside the overflow, just unscrew the threaded coupler, make sure nothing is cracked, plop on a bit more thread sealant and scre it back in again.