Seams splitting on sump?

[wgchristman]

I recently bought a used 180 gallon setup which was built by Clear Fabrications. I was told that it is approximately 5 years old.

After cleaning out the sump, I noticed that the seams seem to be splitting in one of the corners. But because of the rounded corners of the sump, I cannot tell if this is something that I should be worried about.

So I took some pictures and was hoping that the experts here can give me some advice on what to do. I am setting the tank up in our newly remodeled basement, and if there were to be an accident, my better half would not be happy.

Thanks,

Wayne

 

[wgchristman]

Pictures

Sorry, I didn't get the pictures to upload correctly the first time.

 

[Scooterman]

Does it hold water?
It might craze but possible it could get repaired maybe, can you take it to CF & see maybe?
BTW I'm no expert, sorry JMO!

 

[wgchristman]

Scooterman,

It holds water fine, I just wanted to know what people think about this holding up in the long term. The split is in the back corner of my sump, so if for instance it sprung a small leak, it might take some time before I figure out it's even there.

Since Clear Fabrications is about a 2 hour drive from me, I wanted to know if this is something that needs to be addressed, Is it something that I can accomplish myself or is it better left to the pros.

 

[DonW]

I cant tell in the pics if its actually comming apart. Try squirting weldon #3 along the seem and see if it pulls it into seem. If you dont have weldon #3 then use alcohol, if it pulls the alcohol in then you need to get some weld-on.

Don

 

[Scooterman]

Give it a Little time & I think your get more help other than my opinion. Last thing we ever want is a wet floor.

 

[JPG@CFI]

Wayne,

You will need to address that before you put that sump into service. Weldon 16, 40 or a patch piece with any flavor of water thin cement, ie weldon 3 or 4. Tap Plastics in Bellevue or Seattle has what you need.

Did the sump take an impact? Seams just don't do that sort of thing on their own. Failures are extremely uncommon.

I put customer service high on the priority list, and I will fix it for free, but this time of year and work load you will need to transport it to me. If you are not familar with working with acrylic or are not comfortable, I would just bite the bullet and make the drive. I would also prefer to do the repair over some one else les experienced. I take great pride in the pieces I build for people, and want them to feel I will be there for them now as well as 5-10-15+ years from now. Regardless if you are the original owner or not.

If anyone questions this uncommon level of service, please ask someone who I have done work for, and they will more than likely tell you the same thing.

You can call or PM if you have any questions, OK?

Jason Gregory

 

[wgchristman]

I tried squirting some alcohol on both the inside and outside of the seam just to be sure and it didn't take any of it in.

I don't know diddly about doing acrylic repair, but if it's possible, I would like to repair/reseal the seam. I was thinking of drilling a small hole into the seam and applying weld-on to that. Will that effectively close up the seam?

If repairing/resealing the seam is not possible then I would like to do something to keep the seam from splitting any further and prevent a leak in case the seam splits all the way through(applying weld-on to the inside of the sump).

I know that there are different types of weld-on for different applications, so can you also give me a clue about which one to use if weld-on 3 won't do the job?

I just want to be able to sleep soundly knowing that my sump is not going to flood out my basement.

Thanks

 

[Reeferdude]

Don's spot on here. You should probably get some weldon anyway and apply it around the entire sump just to make sure there isn't any seams starting to split...Easy to use...Just don't drip it on the acrylic other than where you want it. It'll damage the surface asthetically...

You don't need to drill it. Just lean the sump sideways/diagonal and let the weldon run down the crack. Back and forth, It will fill up. Apply a little at a time until the cracks are full...

 

[wgchristman]

Jason,

Thanks for answering my questions. I had to leave in the middle of replying to Don's post so I didn't know that you had already chimed in.

I think that I will take you up on your offer to repair the sump. Like I said earlier, I don't want to have to worry about it in the future.

 

[JPG@CFI]

Wayne,

Looking forward to it, and you will be able to sleep well at night for sure!

Jason

 

[Scooterman]

Wayne,

Looking forward to it, and you will be able to sleep well at night for sure!

Jason

I call that great service, go find that anywhere!!

I'd sleep better myself, let the pros do what they do best!

 

[SteelHead]

Thats how I roll.....rubber banded!