leaking bulkhead

[kamla]

Hi

i have reef ready tank, and i wanted to PLUG holes and use the tank with out a sump.

what i did was bought PVC plugs (see image) from lowes added some plumber tape

and screwed it into the bulkheads. My tank has 2 bulkheads
1 worked just fine, but the the 1.5 bulkhead has a slow leak.
it leaks from the plug and NOT the bulkhead.

is there any other way i can plug the hole, i would prefer to use a bulkhead in case i want to use the sump again.

Thax
Kamla

[mcgyvr]

"plumbers tape" is for metallic threads only and should not be used on PVC/plastic threaded connections..
It likely caused you to overtighten the connection..

You should have simply used non-hardening thread sealant specifically intended for PVC and properly tightened the plug (typically only lightly finger tight plus 1 to 2 turns max)

http://www.lascofittings.com/threads

[kamla]

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

"plumbers tape" is for metallic threads only and should not be used on PVC/plastic threaded connections..
It likely caused you to overtighten the connection..

You should have simply used non-hardening thread sealant specifically intended for PVC and properly tightened the plug (typically only lightly finger tight plus 1 to 2 turns max)

http://www.lascofittings.com/threads

humm never knew that

what type of thread sealant should i get?

would this work
https://www.lowes.com/pd/RectorSeal-...ealant/1087359

[mcgyvr]

yep that will work..
This is better/cheaper..
https://www.lowes.com/pd/RectorSeal-...ealant/3134515

[kamla]

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

yep that will work..
This is better/cheaper..
https://www.lowes.com/pd/RectorSeal-...ealant/3134515

Thax cheaper is Better

how much should i use?

THax

[mcgyvr]

Originally Posted by kamla

Thax cheaper is Better

how much should i use?

THax

It usually doesn't take much..
Amount depends on the size but I typically just use just enough to maybe fill in the first few threads if that..

[IPT]

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

It usually doesn't take much..
Amount depends on the size but I typically just use just enough to maybe fill in the first few threads if that..

Interesting. Is this something that should always be used with threaded PVC? Guess I got in the habit of cementing, but it would be nice to set it up and be able to reverse it without cutting stuff off.

[mcgyvr]

Originally Posted by IPT

Interesting. Is this something that should always be used with threaded PVC? Guess I got in the habit of cementing, but it would be nice to set it up and be able to reverse it without cutting stuff off.

yes... threaded PVC should always be done with non-hardening thread sealant like posted above.

Not sure why one would cement a threaded connection.. Defeats the whole purpose of the threaded fittings..

[mrsixstrings12]

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

"plumbers tape" is for metallic threads only and should not be used on PVC/plastic threaded connections..
It likely caused you to overtighten the connection..

You should have simply used non-hardening thread sealant specifically intended for PVC and properly tightened the plug (typically only lightly finger tight plus 1 to 2 turns max)

http://www.lascofittings.com/threads

+1. I've been watching quite a few plumbing videos lately and this was probably one of the biggest things I have learned. The non-hardening thread sealant he refers to is also referred to as "pipe dope".

[IPT]

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

yes... threaded PVC should always be done with non-hardening thread sealant like posted above.

Not sure why one would cement a threaded connection.. Defeats the whole purpose of the threaded fittings..

Thanks - yes I should have been more clear in that I always used slip joints and cement.

As I am sure you know the slip type bulkhead the thread and nut don't contact water, just compress the gasket on the inside (so I never used the "pipe dope") or really any threads that contact water.