well i tested my system and i sprung a leak from the ebb and flow fitting on a bucket. i managed not too make too big a mess but im worried because my bucketgs were only half full. anyway i was wondering if i could use a rubber o-ring seal between the plastic washer and bucket since there is only a rubber seal on the inside as of right now (obviously not doing a good enough job). id rather do this than caulk all of them.
leaking!!!
- Thread starter khakiman
- Start date
ak.fortyseven
Well-Known Member
Did you drill your own holes? is the mating surface smooth and burr free? just some questions.
BeaverHuntr
Well-Known Member
I would say the fittings would work fine, another thing you can try is some sort of sealant like silicon thats NSF certified
BendBrewer
Well-Known Member
The oring goes on the inside. Have you tried that?
I'd take an old bicycle tube, and cut squares out of it. Then cut crosses in the center of the squares, then stretch a few of them on either side of the nipple, then put it together. A sort of "mat" on either side of the buckets hole will conform to the hole better than an O-ring.
legallyflying
Well-Known Member
You want pure silicone caulk.. NO latex. latex doesn't stick as well and it also hates being submerssed in water. If you REALLY want to do it correctly, and why wound't you?, then get your self some silicone sealant for aquarium tanks. More $ but will last fo-ever.
In the future, if you want the stickiest, burliest, most waterproof silicone, then stay away from anything that has "paintable" on the label. paint will just bead up on 100% silicone caulk. You'll never get it to cover the caulk.
In the future, if you want the stickiest, burliest, most waterproof silicone, then stay away from anything that has "paintable" on the label. paint will just bead up on 100% silicone caulk. You'll never get it to cover the caulk.
boodadood
Active Member
1-1/4" hole saw for the hole...deburr and smooth the edges...use a 1/2" or 3/4" bulkhead fitting...they come with a gasket for the wet side...use plumbers tape around the threads on the outside...make sure the fitting sits into the wall all the way to its last thread so it snaps into place....ive done this same thing countless times and no leaks
BD
BD
tommyo3000
Well-Known Member
You probably drilled the hole TOO CLOSE to the bottom of the bucket. If you put it too close to the bottom, the oring on the inside never seals, or sometimes seals... but step on it or overtighten and it starts leaking. ... I did this to a room full of buckets once and drove myself NUTS replacing them one by one.. I think i drilled one correctly.......
if this is not your problem, then maybe some one else with bulkheads in buckets will take note to keep them like an inch above the bottom of the bucket to keep from deforming the oring. If you drill the hole up a bit, you are set for years.