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Leaking Bulkhead (1 Viewer)

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G

Guest

Got my new sump drilled and played with the plumbing all weekend. Everything's cool except for one thing, the bulkhead is leaking. What did I do wrong? How tight do you crank these things down? I noticed that there is a lip on the gasket, which way does the lip face? Forgive my newbie-ness, this is the first time I have installed a bulkhead. :oops: Every other time they came included and installed. Any suggestions?


Thanks.
 
P

pernelf

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Jim, usually what we do is put some silicon between the bulkheads and the glass, no problems yet.
 
OP
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G

Guest

Most people tend to overtighten bulkheads, which can cause them to leak by spreading the gasket too thin and in extreme cases can crack the glass. Hand tighten and then 1/4 to 1/2 extra turn with a wrench is all you need.

Also, if it's not leaking too bad and it would be a pain to remove the bulkhead and apply silicone, then you can just wait a day or two and it will seal itself due to salt creep. One of my overflow bulkheads had a slow drip and I couldn't get it to stop and that trick worked for me.
 
OP
OP
G

Guest

OK, this is embarrassing. Which side does the gasket go on? You either have threads in the tank or out. In my case the threads are in, the "nut" is holding the gasket against the glass inside the tank. Should the gasket be on the other side of the glass?
 
OP
OP
G

Guest

Yeah thats your problem there. Flip it around so that the threads are on the outside. Also, the gasket should be inside the tank.
 
OP
OP
G

Guest

The gasket can be outside the tank also, but it should always be on the opposite side from the threads.

So in your case, if you want to keep the threads inside the tank, then put the gasket outside.

And don't worry - I did the same thing first time I installed bulkheads "backwards" in my sump.
 
OP
OP
G

Guest

The gasket does go on the flange side of the bulk head, not on the nut side. You should be able to install it threads in or out in your sump doesn't matter. as long as the gasket is on the right side. One trick I learned from the guy that drilled my tank was to use a little vassiline on both sides of the gasket prior to installing. And on my tank I actually have them installed with the threads going in the overflow. I really did not feel like cutting away at any of the stand in the corners for them to fit with the threads facing out. So far no leaks

And Mikester is right don't over tighten them and crush the gasket, that is what I was told usually causes most of bulkhead leaks!!
 
OP
OP
G

Guest

Thanks

Thanks for your help.

I guess the good thing is, none of the other plumbing leaked. :thumb:
 
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