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Topic: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks? (Read 3250 times) previous topic - next topic

Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

I removed my tanks to do a "lite bulkhead" repair (only the black/gray bay, and a little in fresh bay).

While I had the waste pipe plumbing out, I serviced the bladex valves by replacing the cores. Much smoother operation!

I am ready to reinstall the waste pipes into the black and gray tanks. I note they have some gray colored putty (plumbers putty?) around where the interface with the tank was previously. There was also a large hose clamp around each tank/pipe interface. I have no idea if this is factory or not. It appears this assembly has been previously removed, but I can't be sure.

There is an o-ring recessed in the end of each ABS pipe too.

I have some ABS glue on hand, but wanted to check before deploying it. Something doesn't seem right with that approach.

Thanks all!

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #1 –
The plumbers putty would not be on my approved list. It is usually contained and is just for the seal. Could it of been silicone seal? RTV. A picture would clear up a lot of questions. Will it be subject to movement or removal in the future?
Scott

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #3 –
I replaced the black tank on our 300. I bought new connecting seals because I had to destroy the originals to get the tanks out. When I reinstalled, I did not use any sealer. The seals fit nice and tight.
jor

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #4 –
Thanks all - see the picture below.

The gray stuff is kind of gummy like butyl rubber now that you mention it Doug.

Jor - my top vents and inlets went back in without damage. Did you reattach the waste pipes at the base without sealer as well?

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Chip7 –

There is an o-ring recessed in the end of each ABS pipe too.

I have some ABS glue on hand, but wanted to check before deploying it. Something doesn't seem right with that approach.

Thanks all!

Anything permanent is a bad idea, and I deal with the "soft stuff" by not thinking about it and cleaning it off the pipes.  You should be able to clean it all up, install new o-rings, slip it in place with a push and a shove, and tighten the clamps to hold everything tight.  Test with clean water before you button it all up.  I don't see any sense adding sealant to something that shouldn't leak with good o-rings.

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #6 –
On our U-240 when we had it apart  I used RectorSeal No. 5 - RectorSeal even though it is pipe dope it worked just fine.

Mike

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #7 –
Quote
Jor - my top vents and inlets went back in without damage. Did you reattach the waste pipes at the base without sealer as well?
That's what I get for not reading  your post carefully. For the bottom pipes I just used the stuff that was already on them. I think it is butyl. Gummy buy not real sticky. I also used a hose clamp.
jor

For everyone's viewing pleasure, check out photo #3.
jor

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Old Toolmaker –
Anything permanent is a bad idea, and I deal with the "soft stuff" by not thinking about it and cleaning it off the pipes.  You should be able to clean it all up, install new o-rings, slip it in place with a push and a shove, and tighten the clamps to hold everything tight.  Test with clean water before you button it all up.  I don't see any sense adding sealant to something that shouldn't leak with good o-rings.

Most likely came from the factory with sealant added, too much flex to rely on solely on a small o-ring, use it and forget about it...

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #9 –
jor
What the heck is that?

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #10 –
Quote
What the heck is that?

Glad you asked! It's the flush valve on the toilet. I had the black tank out and felt compelled to take that photo.
jor

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #11 –
We can tell your mind is in the toilet. :))  >:D
 

Re: Sealant to reattach waste ABS pipes to tanks?

Reply #12 –
Thanks everyone!

I cleaned everything up and put a thin bead of butyl rubber between the faces of the waste pipe and the face of the tank. I think it was likely superfluous though. The combo of the o-ring and hose clamp seemed to really give a good mechanical seal.

I told my son tonight that we are now referring to it as a "dry bay" so we don't have any repeat water damage 😂

I leak checked with 1/3 full black and gray tanks (fresh water of course!), and all is well. Now to put the rest of the wet, err, dry bay together with the new seelevel system.