Leaking Overflow Bulkhead

[gregzz4]

I wish you luck getting it out.

You say the nut is in the overflow ..... I hope this means the bulkhead goes into the overflow from the tank. If it exits the overflow to air, then it was installed backwards and this may be why it leaked.
The gasket goes on the wet side and the nut goes on the dry side. The reason for this is how it seats to the gasket.
Anyway ....
Once you get it out, I'd recommend you buy a new replacement and install it dry. Just past hand tight is a starting point. The gaskets do not like to seal more than once, so make sure you are finished playing with the plumbing before you tighten it.
I learned this when I tried to turn one last month. It would not re-seal.

Silicone may work for some, but it's not recommended as it can cause the gasket to squish out.

[fishytime]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

I wish you luck getting it out.

You say the nut is in the overflow ..... I hope this means the bulkhead goes into the overflow from the tank. If it exits the overflow to air, then it was installed backwards and this may be why it leaked.
The gasket goes on the wet side and the nut goes on the dry side. The reason for this is how it seats to the gasket.
Anyway ....
Once you get it out, I'd recommend you buy a new replacement and install it dry. Just past hand tight is a starting point. The gaskets do not like to seal more than once, so make sure you are finished playing with the plumbing before you tighten it.
I learned this when I tried to turn one last month. It would not re-seal.

Silicone may work for some, but it's not recommended as it can cause the gasket to squish out.

+1....previous owner installed the bulkhead wrong....... a good general rule is to replace any bulkheads when buying a used system.....or at least the gaskets...I would also add that when you instal the bulkhead dry, make sure the glass on both side of the hole are squeaky clean

[gregzz4]

Ack, I didn't look at the pictures.

Yup, your bulkheads are backwards. Better replace both as you're probably going to trash them during removal.

[Aquattro]

Hard to tell from the pic, but try putting a 2x4 between the 2 nuts. If it's close to the right size, it will jam them from turning and you can then twist the other end. It's going to be a 2 person job. You might have to remove the overflow to access them properly though...

You could also buy a longer threaded pvc pipe and thread it from the bottom up. Have your wife hold it in place. Then use a clamp or lock vise on the nut and remove it. The longer your clamp on the nut, the more leverage you will have to twist it off easier.

Spraying it with some vinegar will also help to remove the salt creep sealing it together.

Good luck

[Cubeman]

If you're prepared to buy new fittings then use a dremel tool with a cutting wheel and slice down one side.

[Seriak]

Just don't let any electric drilling tool get away from you or you may have a bigger problem on your hand. You could always glue a piece into the existing bulkhead from below to get something more to hold onto while the other person is twisting from above if you were just going to discard the bulkhead afterwards anyways.