Poly holding tank pipe thread seal

surftom · #1 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008

Hi Gurus

I'm replacing the holding tank (old one was a "bag" type) with a new Todd Enterprises Poly tank from West Marine.
The 1.5" pump-out and inlet hose fittings do not "tighten" - the pipe fittings have no flange on them and I could probably screw the fitting right through into the tank if I wanted to - albeit with a pair of gas pliers. They are "tight" but I don't think they are "sealed" - I May fill the tank with water and food colouring to check for leaks, but then I may not be able to return the tank if I have to

One idea is to try and install the tank so that all the hose fittings are at the top of the tank (with a pick up extension hose for the pumpout) but I'm still worried about leaks when the boat is heeling and gas/odor escaping

Should I Teflon tape them, Glue/epoxy (won't stick my guess) - any other suggestions?

Is this typical for Poly tanks or do I just have a bad one?

Regards and thanks to all who take the time to respond

Tom

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008

Teflon tape is probably your best bet. Three or four wraps of it.

SVCarolena · #3 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by surftom

I'm replacing the holding tank (old one was a "bag" type) with a new Todd Enterprises Poly tank from West Marine.

I'm contemplating the same upgrade. What type of boat do you have?

fcsob · #4 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008

I put a Todd tank in my boat & used teflon tape that came with the fitting kit. I put it on fairly heavy only threading the fitting in about a third of the way. They did snug up & don't leak.

surftom · #5 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVCarolena

I'm contemplating the same upgrade. What type of boat do you have?

Nash 26
1980 Vintage
Manual Head

Maine Sail · #6 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008

Use the yellow "gas" grade teflon tape as it is MUCH thicker and will yield a better seal! It is available at any Home Depot! After using this stuff you won't use the white stuff any more...

brak · #7 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008

Two things worked for me in similar circumstances. Teflon tape, of course, but also the pipe sealing compound that is sold in tubes. It is a grey colored paste that does not really fully dry. It does a great job sealing where teflon fails (such as on large diameter plastic connections or even thru-hulls). I can't remember what it is called specifically but they carry it at Home Depot etc.

sailingdog · #8 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008

Pipe dope... or plumbers putty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brak

Two things worked for me in similar circumstances. Teflon tape, of course, but also the pipe sealing compound that is sold in tubes. It is a grey colored paste that does not really fully dry. It does a great job sealing where teflon fails (such as on large diameter plastic connections or even thru-hulls). I can't remember what it is called specifically but they carry it at Home Depot etc.

Freesail99 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008

Quote:

It is a grey colored paste that does not really fully dry.

I am a plumbers son and I think you are referring to pipe dope.

surftom · #10 (**permalink**) 06-23-2008

Thanks everyone - I'll try and find the straight dope!

Tom