Help with a leaky overflow

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jeosbo01

Candiru
MFK Member
Jul 8, 2010
163
1
48
Cox's Creek, KY
So, I've been keeping fish for more years than I want to think about but just withing the last couple of years got to the point where I was comfortable plumbing a tank...apparently I still have some learning to do.

My issue is this:
I have a large, multi level acrylic unit (retail display) and the overflow pipe started dripping yesterday. Overflow is a piece of 1.5" PVC with a 90 elbow at the top tank and another one where it goes into the sump. There is a sweep "T" fitting on the two middle levels. The fittings have a short piece of 1.5" pipe then a 1.5" inch slip to 1.25" male thread adapter that goes into the bulkhead fittings. The bulkheads fittings are 1.25" and female threaded so I figured a little teflon tape on the male and away we go...leaked. Second with same results and my temper started to set in. I used a tube af silicone on the male threads and screwed them in while it was still wet...success, until now!

The spot where the PVC fitting (with silicone) goes into the bulkhead fitting has developed a very slow (2-3 drops per hour) leak and I don't want to over react on it...any ideas on how to stop the leak w/o tearing the thing apart???


Pics to try to explain...and for some to laugh at (I ain't no artist)!

Overall set-up...
acrylic+overall.jpg


Problem child...


acrylic+detail.jpg
 
if its a small leak and you're in a hard water area the calcium will often plug small (very slow drip) leaks. Never used silicone on threads. Is the thread tapered? if not you're probably fighting a losing battle. Have you tried ptfe tape? get the thickest stuff you can buy and wrap it clockwise onto the male thread when looking from the end. Also dont turn it backwards as this messes up the seal. Hope this helps
 
felixxx;4714134; said:
if its a small leak and you're in a hard water area the calcium will often plug small (very slow drip) leaks. Never used silicone on threads. Is the thread tapered? if not you're probably fighting a losing battle. Have you tried ptfe tape? get the thickest stuff you can buy and wrap it clockwise onto the male thread when looking from the end. Also dont turn it backwards as this messes up the seal. Hope this helps
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It is tapered but not like most fittings I have messed with, it is a gradual taper and it doesn't get really tight until it is almost flush. I am in a hard water area and the unit is full of salt water.

I am currently in the "I hope it will seal itself" mode...just looking for a contingency plan.
 
jeosbo01;4714113; said:
I've never even heard of it...do you know if it is available at any of the big box hardware stores?
Click to expand...

I am not sure if depot or lowes carry it. I buy it at the local plumbing supply nearby me. Cleans up very easily and doesn't harden.
 
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