Quick-Temp Fix Leaky Threaded PVC

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NotoriousSway

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Mar 12, 2007
917
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Muncie, IN
So I have been building a 9 acrylic 15g aquarium with a central sump while moving so I could have it built and just move all my fish from the glass tanks at the old house to the acrylics at the new house so I only have to move them once. I am already way behind schedule on getting this done and moving,

PROBLEM: Its almost 4am and I finialy got it all setup and started to fill it with water and realized that all my threaded PVC Ball Valves are just leaking a little bit when I turned the pump on. I need something to hold it for a day or two until I get moved and have time to deal with it properly, is there any thing better than duct tape or I've heard of outdoor duct tape to stop the drip? I know have have to eventually take them apart and use teflon tape (I originally thought it was just for metal only). I have to finish moving first and I need to start moving fish into it tomorrow, they are on tight and dont have time to take all nine apart, tape, and put back together.
 
Electric insulation tape will do the job, Just switch off the pumps, wipe up the drips and tape away, it will give you a few days.

It stretches a lot unlike duct tape so you can shape it over profiles.
 
Today is a new day and I tried taking one off and to my amazement I was able to get it off by hand, it took a 10lbs wrench to get it on there, I thought theres would be impossible to get off. I tried others and they came off by hand too, so I got about half of them off and are planning to try the rest. Although there was one I couldnt get off, I might have to use elec. tape or duct tape on it.

Thanks
 
Did you use thread tape the first time?
 
nope, I thought thread tape or teflon tape was only for metal pipe and that threaded PVC would be fine without tape or glue. :irked: I guess I learned a valuable lesson there, research research research!

I got them all off now just have to shower and head to the hardware store and get some teflon tape. Should I get any particular type?
 
Nope, just the regular stuff (blue roll) will do.
 
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