Sump Pump Pipe LEAK!

[iOMIC]

I'm setting up my 1st sump ever and have heard from
many sources not to tighten TOO much on the bulk heads
turn rings at the bottom or pre-drilled hole section.

I have done so, but filled up my tank 1/4 and I see
a drop per minute leak going down to my stand.
My pre-drilled holes are at the bottom.
Rubber sealer is inside tank portion.

IS THIS NORMAL?
Not to worry about?
Or should I seal the inside of my stand with
silicone to make it 100% leak proof?
Or even empty out the water and seal the outer
portion of the bulk heads inside the tank as well?

ANY COMMENTS are more than welcome!

 

[liverock]

You could try to tighten a little more, but if too tight the plastic nut will crack and you'll have to get a new one. I would drain the tank take the bulkhead off, put a little plumbers puttys on both sides of the rubber washer then a little more around the underneath nut and retighten. you may have to retighten it again after a few minutes as the puty squeezes out. this has always worked for me.

 

[edd]

do you have flange and gasket on inside of tank?
hand tighten then give a 1/4 turn with a channel lock. you shouldn't need any sealant.

 

[strgazr27]

There is no reason to use plumbers putty on the rubber gasket. That's just a BAD idea. If it's dripping there is either something under it, it shifted while tightening it or it's not tight enough. Best bet is to remove it. Thoroughly clean the surface and reassemble. I usually hand tighten as far as I can and than go like 1/2 turn with a pair of pump pliers or bulkhead wrench.
You can find aquarium safe silicone lube for O-rings and gaskets in Lowes. You can spread a thin film of it on the gasket but please don't use plumbers putty.

 

[albano]

do you have flange and gasket on inside of tank?
Hand tighten then give a 1/4 turn with a channel lock. You shouldn't need any sealant.

+1

 

[SI REEF]

+1!

 

[iOMIC]

thanks guys.
Will give the silicone a shot.

 

[albano]

thanks guys.
Will give the silicone a shot.

???? I believe the 'majority' advice, was the use of no sealant!

 

[Mattl22]

If u have a leak I would take it apart clean the gasket make sure where the gasket is gonna be against sump is totally clean no sand etc.. And then like others said hand tighten then 1/4-1/2 turn with channel locks if u use anything at all on gasket I was told be a professional installer to use only saliva aka spit on it!
Good luck I had same issue when I fist installed my plumbing but it was fixed be cleaning the surface really well!

If that doesn't work try another bulkhead

 

[Sharkbait420]

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???? I believe the 'majority' advice, was the use of no sealant!

Its not often but you had a comment which made me laugh. I was going to say silicon the put it togeather.

 

[Carrillowilliam]

I have had leaky bulb heads especially when using ABS one for some reason. I have found that cleaning the gaskets and bulkheads/threads with alcohol and the area around the hole works. I wouldn't use silicone because once its glued its glued! theres no going back unless u have a few hours to kill.

good luck!

 

[pecan2phat]

I've always used schedule 80 bulkheads after seeing one of those cheaper black bulkhead rings crack from tightening. Only exception was on an Oceanic Tech tank where the predrilled holes were too small to switch out to sched 80.
But about everyone is correct in terms of making sure your gasket and surface is free of any debris and gasket always with flange side. Technically your flange side can be on the dry or wet side but most people will install it on the wet side.
As everyone also mentioned, tighten by hand till very snug and 1/4 turn with channel locks will finish it. Should be no need for any components between the gasket & glass unless you were trying to salvage an old, used, dried up or deformed gasket.