pvc size to fit in bulkhead?

[crimzy]

OK, let me determine how to phrase this question correctly. I just had a tank drilled with an overflow with 1 1/2" drains. However a 1 1/2" PVC does not quite fit into the bulkhead. Is the actual pipe that goes through the bulkhead supposed to be slightly smaller than the 1/5" drain? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mkzimms]

yes. most bulkheads are a slip-joint so the inner diameter of the bulkhead its smaller than the hole the bulkhead goes into... for instance. a 2" bulkhead will usually take a 1 1/2" pipe.
if i were you, i would take the bulkhead with you to the hardware store and start shoving pipe into the end until you find the one that fits. but i believe a 1 1/2" bulk head will accept either 1 1/4" or 1" pipe.

 

[crimzy]

Originally Posted by mkzimms
http:///forum/post/2659571
yes. most bulkheads are a slip-joint so the inner diameter of the bulkhead its smaller than the hole the bulkhead goes into... for instance. a 2" bulkhead will usually take a 1 1/2" pipe.
if i were you, i would take the bulkhead with you to the hardware store and start shoving pipe into the end until you find the one that fits. but i believe a 1 1/2" bulk head will accept either 1 1/4" or 1" pipe.
Cool... thanks... I do not want to remove the bulkhead because it's on there pretty tight. I may just go buy a 1.25" and 1" piece of PVC.

 

[veni vidi vici]

1.5" bulkhead takes 1.5" pipe,the hole in the glass will be 2.25".

 

[crimzy]

The 1.5" pvc would not fit into the bulkhead. I got a 1.25" pvc that fits slightly loosely in the bulkhead. If I cement it in can I seal the gaps with silicone?

 

[scsinet]

Originally Posted by crimzy
http:///forum/post/2660297
The 1.5" pvc would not fit into the bulkhead. I got a 1.25" pvc that fits slightly loosely in the bulkhead. If I cement it in can I seal the gaps with silicone?
No you don't want to do this.
A slip style bulkhead will fit snugly onto the pipe just like any other fitting would like an elbow, T, etc. If the pipe won't fit into the bulkhead, then either the bulkhead or the pipe probably has a manufacturing flaw that makes it too large, small, etc. Have you tried it with more than one piece of pipe, or do you have multiple bulkheads you can try? Something's not right.
The bulkhead isn't threaded, is it? Threaded bulkheads will be too small to slip a pipe into...

 

[xdfireguy]

Originally Posted by SCSInet
http:///forum/post/2660476
No you don't want to do this.
A slip style bulkhead will fit snugly onto the pipe just like any other fitting would like an elbow, T, etc. If the pipe won't fit into the bulkhead, then either the bulkhead or the pipe probably has a manufacturing flaw that makes it too large, small, etc. Have you tried it with more than one piece of pipe, or do you have multiple bulkheads you can try? Something's not right.
The bulkhead isn't threaded, is it? Threaded bulkheads will be too small to slip a pipe into...

I concur, the size of the bulkhead should indicate the size of the pipe it serves, whether threaded or slip. Now the actual size of the hole in the glass will be much larger than the pipe size.
If it is a slip connection, it should be fairly tight fit (without solvent). If it is threaded inside you should use a threaded fitting.
Stay away from putting silicone on it. You would only be putting on a temporary band-aid. If the bulkhead is faulty, remove and replace it. They are cheap enough if you look around.
Good luck and keep us posted on how you make out!

 

[veni vidi vici]

Crimzy, try some emery cloth or sandpaper to clean up the end of 1.5" pipe .Wrap sandpaper around and twist until it fits snug.