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    Thread: Overflow Bulkhead Leaking

    1. #1
      TysTanks is offline Registered User
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      Overflow Bulkhead Leaking

      Hey guys,

      I accidentally hit the drain pipe and now my tank is leaking from the bulkhead for my overflow. Is there any way I can fix it without draining the tank and taking apart the overflow box?
      I’d really appreciate any advice. Here are a few photos:




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    2. #2
      fijisrfr is offline Registered User
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      Have you tried re tightening it with a 1/4 turn?


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    3. #3
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      Quote Originally Posted by fijisrfr View Post
      Have you tried re tightening it with a 1/4 turn?


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      What he said 👆

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    4. #4
      TysTanks is offline Registered User
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      Overflow Bulkhead Leaking

      Quote Originally Posted by fijisrfr View Post
      Have you tried re tightening it with a 1/4 turn?


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      Yes, I tried that first and it made it worse. I’m wondering if it was overtightened prior?


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    5. #5
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      You shouldn't have to drain the tank. Let the water run back into the sump to heighth of the overflow baffle, remove the water in the overflow and you can work on the bulkhead from there.


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    6. #6
      Kris is offline Registered User
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      I can't tell from your picture, but some bulkhead fittings have "backwards" threads, ie "leftie-tighty, righty loosey."

    7. #7
      MadMax is offline Registered User
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      I can tell from your picture that the gasket is shot, either from over tightening, misalignment of plumbing, or improper gasket to start with.
      You don't have to drain the entire tank, only enough water to clear the upper teeth of your overflow, then drain the box (only) and replace the bulkheads. I say bulkhead(s) as in plural because it makes sense to replace both while you are at it for preventative reasons. A) bulkheads are cheap, B) you've got the overflow drained, and C) provides you the opportunity to improve your plumbing. For instance, I would replace everything AFTER the bulkhead with FlexPVC instead of rigid pipe for this very reason. Flexible pipe allows for movement in the lower structure without transferring undo stress upon the bulkhead fitting. You were lucky this time.....the next time you may very well crack the bottom of your aquarium which mean full aquarium replacement, do not stop at go, do not collect $200.
      Do not simply fix; improve

    8. #8
      TysTanks is offline Registered User
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      Quote Originally Posted by MadMax View Post
      I can tell from your picture that the gasket is shot, either from over tightening, misalignment of plumbing, or improper gasket to start with.
      You don't have to drain the entire tank, only enough water to clear the upper teeth of your overflow, then drain the box (only) and replace the bulkheads. I say bulkhead(s) as in plural because it makes sense to replace both while you are at it for preventative reasons. A) bulkheads are cheap, B) you've got the overflow drained, and C) provides you the opportunity to improve your plumbing. For instance, I would replace everything AFTER the bulkhead with FlexPVC instead of rigid pipe for this very reason. Flexible pipe allows for movement in the lower structure without transferring undo stress upon the bulkhead fitting. You were lucky this time.....the next time you may very well crack the bottom of your aquarium which mean full aquarium replacement, do not stop at go, do not collect $200.
      Do not simply fix; improve
      Yeah, the gasket seems like it’s shot. I bought the tank used so none of this is my design. I am working on replacing with the flexible vinyl. It’ll make maintenance a lot simpler for my setup.

      The reason I asked if I had to move the whole tank is because I’m having difficulty getting the nut off of the bulkhead. It’s a tight fit around it and I can’t get any leverage.




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    9. #9
      newellio is offline Registered User
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      Get a big set of channel locks and BE CAREFUL. that nut will come off.

    10. #10
      MadMax is offline Registered User
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      I'm guessing you could make good use of my home-made Bulk Head Wrench???

      (sigh) yes, I do some weird schit in my spare time.



      and yes, I've made versions for both 1" AND 1-1/2" bulkheads (I need therapy)
      Last edited by MadMax; 03-18-2018 at 09:36 PM.

    11. #11
      Kris is offline Registered User
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      Nice. It looks like a thing the pro's buy from Snap on!

    12. #12
      TysTanks is offline Registered User
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      Quote Originally Posted by MadMax View Post
      I'm guessing you could make good use of my home-made Bulk Head Wrench???

      (sigh) yes, I do some weird schit in my spare time.



      and yes, I've made versions for both 1" AND 1-1/2" bulkheads (I need therapy)
      Yes, this is exactly what I need. Would I be able to borrow it tomorrow?

      Thank you all for the advice.


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    13. #13
      MadMax is offline Registered User
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      Well, yes, except.....I live in Garden Grove 92844
      that's about a two hour drive each way

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