!! Bulkhead leaking - need help

[nickyblase]

I've got a slow leak at the connection between the threaded part of my bulkhead, and the nut thingy that tightens it. I've put the rubber washer on the outside side
of the tank (before the nut thingy of course).

Should there be 2 rubber washers with the bulkhead? One for the inside of the tank and one for the outside?

I'm nervous that if I tighten it much more, that it will crack the tank.

Should I also use some of the white tape on the threads in hopes that it will tighten the connection? What else can I do?

 

[Richard]

The rubber washer needs to go inside the tank or the wet side of the tank.

 

[JohnK]

To say it another way the rubber washer needs to be on the otherside of the bulkhead, not the side with the nut. If you put it on the side with the nut water will seep through the threads easily, put it on the otherside, between the glass and the flange and it will seal properly.

 

[nickyblase]

I had a feeling this would be the case.

Thanks - hopefully it will solve everything!

 

[NateHanson]

Just to clarify - it doesn't matter whether the gasket is inside or outside the tank. It works either way. The only thing that matters is that the gasket MUST be on the same side as the flange (not with the nut).

 

[Greg Hiller]

And don't over tighten as it will not help, and may cause MORE leaking.

 

[steevareno]

HOLY CRAP!!! I just checked mine and they are on the nut side! This explains the leaking trouble i've been having. Should i redo them?

 

[nitrofish]

HOLY CRAP!!! I just checked mine and they are on the nut side! This explains the leaking trouble i've been having. Should i redo them?

I would

 

[Scuba_Dave]

After a year or longer I noticed one of my bulkheads was leaking. I tightened it up a little. I then checked the other one -seemed OK. Then 6-8 months later the other one started - slight tighten up & it was fine
I'm thinking maybe vibration may have loosened them a little

 

[Cheetos]

Nut thingy? Is that a technical term?

 

[nickyblase]

yes, nut-thingy is a technical term - and copyrighted by me!

Moved the washer & it made a huge difference. Didn't overtighten, and it seems like everything is golden!

thanks all...