pvc leak

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by blackreef13, Jul 19, 2011.

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  1. blackreef13

    blackreef13 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    i have a leak in my pvc pipe i have no idea why i used primer and cement so can i use aquarium safe silicone to seal it ?
     
    blackreef13, Jul 19, 2011
    blackreef13, Jul 19, 2011
    #1

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  2. nc208082

    nc208082 Zoanthid

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    sure, as long as it stays dry for 48 hours afterwards to cure.
     
    nc208082, Jul 19, 2011
    nc208082, Jul 19, 2011
    #2
  3. Foreverfishy

    Foreverfishy Purple Spiny Lobster

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    Silicone will only be the temporary solution but not permanently fix your problem.

    I have problem just like yours. The issue is that we missed a spot when we used the cement and will probably have to buy new pipes. I rather spend a couple of bucks now only to find out that I will be spending $$$ down the road.
     
    Foreverfishy, Jul 19, 2011
    Foreverfishy, Jul 19, 2011
    #3
  4. blackreef13

    blackreef13 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    it only produces a small drop where the overflow bulk head meets the pvc so i shut down the overflow and dry the outside then silicone?
     
    blackreef13, Jul 19, 2011
    blackreef13, Jul 19, 2011
    #4
  5. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

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    It will only get worse with time. Bite the bullet and do it right.

    When cutting and assembling PVC, make sure to cut so the ends are square then scrape or sand the edge so it slips in smoothly with no sharp edges to scrape the glue out.
    Prime and glue then insert the fitting all the way in the socket until it bottoms out then give it a 1/4 turn twist to distribute the glue evenly. It should never leak if done correctly.
     
    AZDesertRat, Jul 19, 2011
    AZDesertRat, Jul 19, 2011
    #5
  6. vankirk

    vankirk Sea Dragon

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    +1 :thumb_up:
     
    vankirk, Jul 19, 2011
    vankirk, Jul 19, 2011
    #6

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  7. rocketmandb

    rocketmandb Ocellaris Clown

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    Is this the drain or feed line?

    Double check that it's not the bulkhead (which may just need tightening).

    If it does turn out to be the PVC/bulkhead joint, I would just replace it. Bulkheads are cheap. PVC is cheap. I would:

    - Clue a piece of PVC into the new bulkhead (use primer and ample glue)
    - Cut the existing pipe near the bulkhead
    - Remove the existing bulkhead
    - Install new
    - Connect the existing PVC to the new PVC with a PVC coupler (glued, of course)

    The entire replacement/repair shouldn't take more than 20-30 minutes.
     
    rocketmandb, Jul 19, 2011
    rocketmandb, Jul 19, 2011
    #7
  8. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

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    AZDesertRat, Jul 19, 2011
    AZDesertRat, Jul 19, 2011
    #8
  9. scadsobees

    scadsobees Fire Shrimp

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    2 part epoxy, then kind that is clear and in two tubes that you mix. That might do the trick too if you can't cut new pieces. As long as it stays on the outside it should be fine. It is possible to use the reef-safe putty epoxy too if it is exposed to the water, you'll just end up with an uglier fix.

    Silicone don't bond well to pvc.
     
    scadsobees, Jul 19, 2011
    scadsobees, Jul 19, 2011
    #9
  10. blackreef13

    blackreef13 Coral Banded Shrimp

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    yea i i just siliconed it with reef safe silicone so now im waiting 48 hrs for it to cure ill see if it holds hopefully for a month so i can buy a new bulkhead good thing i set up the tank yesterday so theirs no fish
     
    blackreef13, Jul 19, 2011
    blackreef13, Jul 19, 2011
    #10
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