Overflow to tank bulkhead leak - how long to watch?

[NancyFish]

So one of the two bulkheads that connect through the glass is having a dripping leak - they both feel tight, everything is new. I’m kind of fearful of over tightening.

It’s like a drop every few mins. If I press on my overflow to tighten I get a few more quick drops until I release then it stops. I’m slowly tightening then checking but I don’t even know which bulkhead and I don’t want to crack anything.

How long to keep look once the drips seem clear and any other advice?

 

[GSPClown94]

Are there gaskets installed on the wet side of the bulkheads?

 

[Sumbub]

It's possible that it's already over tightened. Releasing it and reseating it could probably fix it.

 

[NancyFish]

Are there gaskets installed on the wet side of the bulkheads?

They are on the inside.

It's possible that it's already over tightened. Releasing it and reseating it could probably fix it.

So maybe instead of trying to keep tightening it, just totally take it off wipe everything down and try again?

 

[Sumbub]

They are on the inside.

So maybe instead of trying to keep tightening it, just totally take it off wipe everything down and try again?

Yeah. Usually, if you push on it and it leaks more, that means you're past the point and the rubber is deformed enough to allow the leak. releasing it will let the rubber go back to its original shape.

 

[NancyFish]

Yeah. Usually, if you push on it and it leaks more, that means you're past the point and the rubber is deformed enough to allow the leak. releasing it will let the rubber go back to its original shape.

Whatever the leak was was all trapped behind my box and has my paint bubbled everywhere. I’d like to cut it off but then the inside of my tank will have another random black square.

If I clean up around the holes is that enough or does the whole back box need a clean flat spot to sit?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Are there gaskets installed on the wet side of the bulkheads?

NO! Wet side doesn't matter. What matters with the gasket location is the flange. THE GASKET ALWAYS GOES ON THE FLANGE SIDE, regards if it's on the inside or outside of the tank. The flange with gasket is what makes the waterproof seal.

 

[JayM]

NO! Wet side doesn't matter. What matters with the gasket location is the flange. THE GASKET ALWAYS GOES ON THE FLANGE SIDE, regards if it's on the inside or outside of the tank. The flange with gasket is what makes the waterproof seal.

It appears as if the op is working with an overflow and will need two gaskets per bulkhead. I know the flange will typically be inside the tank and will have a gasket. Would the second gasket go between the overflow and the tank, or between the overflow and the bulkhead nut?

 

[GSPClown94]

NO! Wet side doesn't matter. What matters with the gasket location is the flange. THE GASKET ALWAYS GOES ON THE FLANGE SIDE, regards if it's on the inside or outside of the tank. The flange with gasket is what makes the waterproof seal.

ok

 

[redfishbluefish]

It appears as if the op is working with an overflow and he'll need two gaskets per bulkhead. I know the flange will typically be inside the tank and will have a gasket. Would the second gasket go between the overflow and the tank, or between the overflow and the bulkhead nut?

That is correct. If you're installing an overflow box, a second gasket goes between the box and the tank. Never need a gasket on the nut side....it does nothing...the water "leaks" down the treads.

 

[JayM]

That is correct. If you're installing an overflow box, a second gasket goes between the box and the tank. Never need a gasket on the nut side....it does nothing...the water "leaks" down the treads.

That's what I figured. I wonder if gaskets behind the nut was the op's issue?

 

[NancyFish]

It appears as if the op is working with an overflow and will need two gaskets per bulkhead. I know the flange will typically be inside the tank and will have a gasket. Would the second gasket go between the overflow and the tank, or between the overflow and the bulkhead nut?

That is correct. If you're installing an overflow box, a second gasket goes between the box and the tank. Never need a gasket on the nut side....it does nothing...the water "leaks" down the treads.

Okay so when I took it off I do have two gaskets - I had it where it was bulkhead flange, then gasket, then tank wall, then overflow box flush against the glass, then gasket and nut on the inside of the overflow box.

Your saying put the second gasket between the glass and the overflow box? This way both gaskets are against the glass?

Sounds like maybe that was my issue for the slow leak all behind the overflow box?