Bulkhead-PVC Attachment

tim514

tim514

Member
I came home from work tonight and noticed that one of the shims leveling my stand is damp. I investigated the issue and noticed that I had a small drip leak coming from the return line bulkhead. So my question to all is...."How do you attach your plumbing from your return line to the bulkhead fittings?"
I have PVC pipe inside the bulkhead with hose clamps holding them in place, and I am afraid that one day I will have a huge leak. I did not silicone the pvc to the bulkhead fittings so I can remove them if necessary, but I might end up doing that to prevent a disaster.
Please, any suggestions/tips will help.
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
are you sure you have the bulk head installed correctly. if so glue the pvc to the bulk head and install a coupling and valve
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
It really should be permanently attached to the bulkhead with solvent. The coupling and valve Joe mentioned are also a must do in my opinion although I usually have the coupling close to the pump.
 
tim514

tim514

Member
Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/3214422
are you sure you have the bulk head installed correctly. if so glue the pvc to the bulk head and install a coupling and valve
Thanks Joe, No i'm not sure if i have it installed correctly. Actually i'm pretty sure I don't have it installed correctly. I did not glue it to the bulkhead yet because i wanted it to be easily removable. But tomorrow (my day off) i'm going to cement it to the bulkhead and put in a Union so I can remove the pvc pipes for maintenance.
 
jimmyr1rider

jimmyr1rider

Member
If you said you have the pvc inside the bulkhead is probably installed I would say more along the lines of incompletely rather than incorrectly- Like stated above you need to use solvent- I also use primer before the cement. The solvent kinda melts the pvc and when its dry its sealed- probably why you have a leak. If you notice every joint you dont have cemented will get salt deposits over time from teeny bit of water getting between the pipes. Can try draining your overflow, drying it and cementing it. May work just fine
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
just a note on bulkhead installation. the gasket must be placed between the fixed bulkhead lip and the inside wall of the aquarium
 
reefkprz

reefkprz

Active Member
Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/3221864
just a note on bulkhead installation. the gasket must be placed between the fixed bulkhead lip and the inside wall of the aquarium
like this, HEHEHEHE hope my mousepaint diagram helps. if not at least print it frame it and call it art.
 
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