Slow Drip from PVC Connection

Andy O · 03/04/2006, 11:16 PM

I have a slow drip from one of my threaded connections to my oceans motions (one of the outputs and teflon tape was wrapped around the threads). Tank has been up and running for about 3 weeks. It is just enough that it is not allowing itself to seal by salt creap -- you can see the little bubble of water forming and stays there for a while and then every so often it drips down.

I really don't want to have to pull it apart to twist the treaded connection in tighter (mainly b/c when it comes to plumbing I have no idea what I am doing and I am sure would only create a mess. I did not plumb the system).

Any suggestions on what I can do to stop/seal the drip without having to mess with the plumbing? Will this get worse or should it stay the same?

Thanks.

gill7784 · 03/04/2006, 11:21 PM

Well, I have been in your boat. I tried many stop gaps that eventually failed. The only thing that worked (should have been my first choice) was to take the piece apart and do it right. For my threaded connections, I prefer a bit of silicone on the threads, then snug the connection down. Depending on the piece, it is not necessary to get a wrench out and tighten the heck out of it.
Save yourself some hassle and avoid a potential disaster. Fix it properly the first time!

bj32482 · 03/04/2006, 11:34 PM

smother it in some epoxy glue

sshunter · 03/04/2006, 11:50 PM

i had the same problem when i set up my tank and i had to go to my local fish store and buy another one because the one that came with the tank was not sealing propley i hope that helps later and good luck

wrott · 03/05/2006, 12:02 AM

It should stay the same. You should retape it---it may take 45mins (to drain everything and all). I've had same situation, but salt creep eventually sealed it.

Andy O · 03/05/2006, 06:22 AM

I really have no idea what I am doing when it comes to plumbing so if someone could tell me step by step what exactly to do to disconnect the pvc from the oceans motions input so that I can tighten it I would greatly appreciate.

I have attached a photo.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/...34DSCN0430.JPG

Thanks.

LOTUS50GOD · 03/05/2006, 08:03 AM

You are in luck.... whoever plumbed your system put a union (big grey thing) between the tank and the oceansmotions....

1. turn off pump....
2. unscrew the union (place towel down to catch any remaining water)
3. unscrew the PVC connector between the oceans motion and the union....
4. remove teflon tape
5. apply new teflon tape (go around 3-4 times)
6 reverse process to reassemble.

DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the fittings.... Just get them snug.. use a wrench, but not like you are building an engine.... LOL

Hal · 03/05/2006, 09:18 AM

You could also smear silicone completely around the fitting. That should provide a watertight barrier. Not as good as unscrewing and doing it right, but it's not a bad second choice. Pretty much what bj32482 suggested, just a different material.

They sell a clay like substance at the hardware store that hardens into a permanent seal for just this purpose. I've used it on plumbing in my last house with success.

sean48183 · 03/05/2006, 09:41 AM

Ditto Hal. I have found siliconing the outside works. I've done it twice with 2 different connections and they have both held up over 2 years. Just take a rag and dry the leak and quickly apply silicone. keep applying a fine layer until leak stops. I use the stuff from the lfs because it says right on it aquarium safe. Adds a little peice of mind.

03/04/2006, 11:16 PM	#1
Andy O Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 201	Slow Drip from PVC Connection I have a slow drip from one of my threaded connections to my oceans motions (one of the outputs and teflon tape was wrapped around the threads). Tank has been up and running for about 3 weeks. It is just enough that it is not allowing itself to seal by salt creap -- you can see the little bubble of water forming and stays there for a while and then every so often it drips down. I really don't want to have to pull it apart to twist the treaded connection in tighter (mainly b/c when it comes to plumbing I have no idea what I am doing and I am sure would only create a mess. I did not plumb the system). Any suggestions on what I can do to stop/seal the drip without having to mess with the plumbing? Will this get worse or should it stay the same? Thanks.

03/05/2006, 12:02 AM	#5
wrott Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,912	It should stay the same. You should retape it---it may take 45mins (to drain everything and all). I've had same situation, but salt creep eventually sealed it. __________________ OK, but where does the meat go! ------------------------------------------------ 120g SPS, 125g mix, 56g FOWLR, 20g qt

03/05/2006, 08:03 AM	#7
LOTUS50GOD Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 3,210	You are in luck.... whoever plumbed your system put a union (big grey thing) between the tank and the oceansmotions.... 1. turn off pump.... 2. unscrew the union (place towel down to catch any remaining water) 3. unscrew the PVC connector between the oceans motion and the union.... 4. remove teflon tape 5. apply new teflon tape (go around 3-4 times) 6 reverse process to reassemble. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN the fittings.... Just get them snug.. use a wrench, but not like you are building an engine.... LOL __________________ Vertex Alpha 300 Skimmer, AI SOL Blue, Neptune Apex Controlled 360 gallon Reef Current Tank Info: born 6/26/2008- 340 reef + 100 fuge, 300lbs of figi LR

03/05/2006, 09:18 AM	#8
Hal Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 1,889	You could also smear silicone completely around the fitting. That should provide a watertight barrier. Not as good as unscrewing and doing it right, but it's not a bad second choice. Pretty much what bj32482 suggested, just a different material. They sell a clay like substance at the hardware store that hardens into a permanent seal for just this purpose. I've used it on plumbing in my last house with success. __________________ Some days it's not even worth chewing through the restraints. Current Tank Info: 250g starphire: 72x28x30, BeanAnimal drain with an oversized non-durso emergency drain, 4 inch DSB, 3x Reefbreeders Value LED fixtures, SWC/MSX 300A skimmer, Geo kalk reactor, 3 Vortechs w/bb, carbon reactor, and a RKL

03/04/2006, 11:21 PM	#2
gill7784 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 77	Well, I have been in your boat. I tried many stop gaps that eventually failed. The only thing that worked (should have been my first choice) was to take the piece apart and do it right. For my threaded connections, I prefer a bit of silicone on the threads, then snug the connection down. Depending on the piece, it is not necessary to get a wrench out and tighten the heck out of it. Save yourself some hassle and avoid a potential disaster. Fix it properly the first time!

03/04/2006, 11:34 PM	#3
bj32482 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: benton, ky Posts: 974	smother it in some epoxy glue

03/04/2006, 11:50 PM	#4
sshunter Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 67	i had the same problem when i set up my tank and i had to go to my local fish store and buy another one because the one that came with the tank was not sealing propley i hope that helps later and good luck

03/05/2006, 06:22 AM	#6
Andy O Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 201	I really have no idea what I am doing when it comes to plumbing so if someone could tell me step by step what exactly to do to disconnect the pvc from the oceans motions input so that I can tighten it I would greatly appreciate. I have attached a photo. http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/...34DSCN0430.JPG Thanks.

03/05/2006, 09:41 AM	#9
sean48183 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: michigan Posts: 1,577	Ditto Hal. I have found siliconing the outside works. I've done it twice with 2 different connections and they have both held up over 2 years. Just take a rag and dry the leak and quickly apply silicone. keep applying a fine layer until leak stops. I use the stuff from the lfs because it says right on it aquarium safe. Adds a little peice of mind.