Plumbing leak!!!

[kjr_trig]

I have got my new 240 set up, but it has a slight leak. I am certain it is not from the bulkhead, so it must be either from tube to hosebarb or hosebarb to bulkhead...I hand tightened the bulkhead, used light pressure with a wrench on the hosebarb and the picture will show what I used on the tube. Both are leaking just slightly, over flow and return....What did I do wrong??

 

[saltman1968]

Two thoughts: 1: You may want to try adding a "bead" of silicone to where the tubing meets the "barb."
2: Alternatively: and I think a better idea - a barb fitting has threads and therefore is not connecting a "smooth" inner diameter of the clear tubing to another "smooth" outer diameter fitting (make sense?). You might want to try a female adapter screwed directly onto the bulkhead and then attach the hose directly over the female connector for a direct contact fitting...? I think this can be referenced as a 'female x threaded slip' adapter.
maybe I am totally wrong?

 

[kjr_trig]

Originally Posted by SALTman1968
http:///forum/post/2485299
Two thoughts: 1: You may want to try adding a "bead" of silicone to where the tubing meets the "barb."
2: Alternatively: and I think a better idea - a barb fitting has threads and therefore is not connecting a "smooth" inner diameter of the clear tubing to another "smooth" outer diameter fitting (make sense?). You might want to try a female adapter screwed directly onto the bulkhead and then attach the hose directly over the female connector for a direct contact fitting...? I think this can be referenced as a 'female x threaded slip' adapter.
maybe I am totally wrong?

Both probably good ideas....What about Teflon tape, does that work the same as silicone?

 

[saltman1968]

I think teflon tape is used to secure when threading together, not to "stop" potential leaks on existing fittings. I would go silicone if you are going to try suggestion 1.
good luck!

 

[wattsupdoc]

Disconnect the barbs from the bulkheads and use teflon. Double up you clamps on the barb to hose connection.

 

[joncat24]

Unscrew the fittings, put two - three wraps of teflon tape on it and you will be good to go. Tighten it hand tight , then use a wrench for another 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Dont go too tight or you cna crack the pvc fittings.
I use teflon tape on all threaded fittings, but also, I use pvc and glue wherever possible.

 

[acrylic51]

Agree with the above recommendations except for the silicone job.....your not actually fixing the problem it's just a patch IMO......Teflon tape like suggested or better yet teflon paste which you can get at Lowes or HD....I prefer the paste over the tape....Since I switched haven't had the nuisance drips.........Another thing don't over tighten the worm clamps as well......It's been done many times that these get "cranked" down and it actually cuts into the tubing causing a leak as well.....

 

[kjr_trig]

Thanks much guys, I am off to the hardware store when I finish work