Need Help - Bulkhead plug leaking

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Keep in mind that using the acrylic sheet to cover the hole is a permanent solution. Before trying that, is the bulkhead long enough to try a plug on both the inside and outside? I've always used Rector Seal No. 5 with good results.

The bulkhead's threads might be damaged resulting in a leak. I know large bulkhead fittings are expensive, but you could also try using a new one?
 
aldiaz33 said:
Keep in mind that using the acrylic sheet to cover the hole is a permanent solution. Before trying that, is the bulkhead long enough to try a plug on both the inside and outside? I've always used Rector Seal No. 5 with good results.

The bulkhead's threads might be damaged resulting in a leak. I know large bulkhead fittings are expensive, but you could also try using a new one?
Click to expand...

I was just looking at the pic thinking the same. I bet plugging both sides would work if you have the thread depth.
 
aldiaz33 said:
Keep in mind that using the acrylic sheet to cover the hole is a permanent solution. Before trying that, is the bulkhead long enough to try a plug on both the inside and outside? I've always used Rector Seal No. 5 with good results.

The bulkhead's threads might be damaged resulting in a leak. I know large bulkhead fittings are expensive, but you could also try using a new one?
Click to expand...

I could definitely put a second plug in there, but if the one on the inside leaks I see no reason to keep it. I was considering moving the plug from the inside to the outside, but I'm not sure if any other type of sealer, like the one you suggested would work better. If I glue it in and it holds, fine, but I don't want to glue it in only to have it leak.
 
Btw, are the plugs supposed to thread in completely? Or are they tapered to only thread until sealed?

I'm just speculating, but if I'm using a thread sealer, an the plug is tapered, could it be that the pressure of the water is pushing the sealant from the tighter fitting part of the plug to the tapered part, allowing the leak? Whereas if I put the plug in from the outside, the pressure would push the thread sealant into the tightest part of the plug. Could it be that simple?
 
You typically will not be able to screw in until it bottoms out and in most cases, if you do you risk cracking the bulkhead. I usually only hand tighten. If you are using a tool, I would only go about a 1/4 turn with it beyond what you are able to do with your hands. Disclaimer...use tool to tighten at your own risk =)

Another plug should cost just a few bucks, so I would say try it out and see what happens. If it were me, I would leave both on there...having two provides a little insurance. If by some freak accident someone (I'm thinking Dennis the Manace) accidentally unscrews the external plug, a 4" bulkhead fitting will drain crazy amounts of water onto your floor within seconds.

What you are saying about the thread direction might be true, but I have succesfully sealed bulkheads from both the flange side and the other side without any leaks.
 
Thank you for the insight, you bring up some good points. Maybe the plug was overtightened and the bulk head is already cracked. Someone asked earlier if it was the bulkhead leaking but I didn't think of it in that way - that it could be a crack that lets the water past the threads. I'll have to carefully inspect it tomorrow. maybe I can seal it up with some teflon tape around the plug and go in from the other side of the bulk head. I'd like not to have to order another plug at $35 a piece, but a new bulkhead appears to be about $80-85.
 
I've cracked a few bulkheads by using a wrench myself. Pretty easy to do. Teflon tape or rector seal should seal it up if it's not the actual bulkhead. PVC primer and glue can bond the plastics together permanently, but you'll really screw yourself good if the bulkhead itself is leaking and you need to replace it.

Teflon tape and rectorseal are not so permanent.
 
I plugged the bulkheads on my 140 with rubber stoppers from Worms Way... they push in with enough resistance that that is all you have to do. (no sealant needed).

So if you have a canning/beer/wine making store in your area they should carry rubber stoppers of various sizes too.
 
Y not just use pvc primer and glue for the plug? I hate teflon tape and just permenatly glue all my hard line fittings.

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