DIY low pressure bulk head

[reefkprz]

well I was in the hardware store today and got kicking around the plumbing aisle. I decided since at no hardware store around here can I find a bulkhead, I would make my own.
I bought an 1 1/2 inch clean out with the plug and a 1 1/2 inch straight PVC to pipe thread adapter, then I picked up some gasket material. so total cost 4 bucks. the pictures tell the rest of the story.

 

[reefkprz]

I have not tested this design against lots pressure but hey its a bulkhead, (actually I havent tested it at all yet, once I get muy hands on a hole saw I will.)

 

[reefkprz]

10 minutes a 4$ later I have a bulkhead. cant beat it IMO

 

[reefkprz]

now lets take bets who thinks it will hold water and who thinks it wont? feel free to openly say nay I am definatly not going to get offended, (it wouldnt be my first hairbrained scheme to ever fail)

 

[coraljunky]

$$$ It will not leak. I've used electrical fittings before, but I do like the gasket sheet.

 

[natclanwy]

My overflow box has been running with a bulkhead built from pvc condiut fittings and sealed with silcone for 4 years.

 

[chris17]

Thats great! I love the plumbing section lol I always try and figure out what I need and would like to have when I get there, not when I'm at home and can write it down.

 

[reefkprz]

I just wander around untill an epiphany strikes, then snatch up a bunch of parts and wing it. I figure if I do that often enough the "leftovers" will come in handy some day. I sneak in a part or two when I think the future wife wont notice just on the off hand I might need them someday.

 

[wattsupdoc]

Reef, I've done this before with the exact gasket etc.

They did hold water but needed a little help with some silicone to stop minute(sp) dripping.

The reason being that they don't have enough surface area around the fitting to press the rubber gasket to the glass. A bulkhead of course has a wide lip that has a much greater surface area. This helps to seal the hole as well as prevent breakage of the glass. However they do hold water and I am pretty sure the 55 is still around today.

 

[reefkprz]

that was my thought when I looked at commercial bulkheads VS my design, if I can find a good solid plastic washer for about $0.50-0.99 it will be worthwhile for higher pressure.