Plumbing Leaks

[StevenSeas]

So over the weekend I got a new to me 150 gallon acrylic tank. The previous owner had a leak in the plumbing somewhere and was selling cheap. Apparently there was a lot of previous leaks in the poorly done plumbing job and there was silicone everywhere.... So I had to cut off the bulkhead for the return line and install a new one. Got that done all plumbed and filled up. No leaks what so ever. When I turn the return on then there is a slow drip that appears to be forming at the area where the barb and the bulkhead meet, but not 100% on that. However, when i turn the pump off there is no leak. It seems that the leak is coming from inside going out instead of going outside like a bad bulkhead seal. I have tried all the little tricks I know of, cleaning and replacing the bulkhead, new seal etc. Anybody have any experience with fixing this? Its a standard 3/4 inch bulkhead and a 3/4 in barb wrapped in teflon tape screwed into the bulkhead and 3/4 flex tubing with a clamp on it. Any help is appreciated.

[Triggerman]

sounds like water could be seeping thru the threads...you can re-wrap the teflon tape then use aq. silicone on the threads as well. the silicone will gum up all the threads and stop whatever leaks that might be there...

[FireWater]

sounds like water could be seeping thru the threads...you can re-wrap the teflon tape then use aq. silicone on the threads as well. the silicone will gum up all the threads and stop whatever leaks that might be there...

That would explain the leak while it is under pressure an not leaking with pump off. Good catch, I couldn't wrap my little brain around it until you posted that.

[Bill S]

Just remember that these are not high-pressure fittings. Most problems come from over-tightening, or debris allowing water to seep.

[Sherita]

You can also wrap with teflon tape and then use ptfe thread sealer on top of that. That will stop the leak, but still allow you to take things apart in the future.

[StevenSeas]

Thanks. I think I will use the thread sealer on top of the Teflon tape. I really don't want to add anything like silicone that was a huge pita to remove. Took so much longer than it should have ever taken