Uniseal problem?

[crisscross]

I have a rDWC system that has been treating me nicely. I got done with a run, went to clean everything out 100% perfect. However when I went to refill the system I found a leak. Apparently above two of the 3" uniseals the plastic bucket 'split' and now has a crack. I don't know if the pressure from the water before minimized or eliminated any leak but as of right now I have a leak. I have over 12 buckets and therefore many more uniseals and I'm only having problems with 2 adjacent buckets.

Here are links to the buckets I am using and the uniseals.
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23471&catid=818
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=89951&catid=477&clickid=searchresults

What I am looking for is input from others that have worked with uniseals and can tell me what I'm doing wrong. Is it because the buckets are square? Is it because the uniseal is too big for the bucket that the structural integrity is compromised? Is it because the bucket is not thick enough to withstand the pressure? Is it because the buckets in question were manhandled while installing therefore causing the split to occur in the first place? I'm hoping it's the last option but if anyone has any input as to what the heck I did or am doing wrong I would love to hear about it.

Thank you

 

[MandalaDevi]

use duct tape to patch it up

 

[Dr. Buddington]

The fact that the buckets are square is good. The problem is probably related to an uneven hole for the uniseal. You might need to swap the leaking buckets out. If you are the one cutting the hole in the bucket you should use a new hole-saw and have the drill in REVERSE. I found that this way the holes are perfect every time and there are no leaks. I have 86 3" uniseals (4" hole) and there are no leaks whatsoever.

 

[crisscross]

Dr: I ran the hole saw in reverse---you're 100% right about that. The hole saw has only been used for these 3" uniseals (which required a 4" hole saw). So in your experience the bucket probably cracked due to poor hole cutting--not the thin walls of the bucket/pressure from water? Side note: I did sort of have to put some good pressure on the buckets when installing them...maybe that's the reason? Any idea as to why it would take so long to split?

 

[Dr. Buddington]

I had cracked a couple of buckets while wrestling the pipe into the uniseal before. Lol, had to go and buy a big jar of Vaseline, helped to glide it in a bit better.
If the hole is flawed and has a small cut or crack I'd think that it would keep getting bigger over time simply on the account that the uniseal and the pipe inside of the hole apply continuous pressure to the edges, so it would slowly increase in size. If you have excessive vibrations from pumps, water stones, etc. it would probably speed the deterioration up even more so.

 

[TheArchitect]

uniseals work by expansion creating stress on the container walls.

most buckets are hdpe which has a tendency to tear or crack as it has poor tensile strength particularly when cold.

i had the same problem and had to rebuild the entire system in my signature.

look to diy bulkheads for your solution, they work by compression, or fork over the change and buy the bulkheads.

 

[MandalaDevi]

use more duct tape

 

[Granger2]

You could try silicone caulk on completely dry surfaces. Let dry about 72 hours. I'm betting you'll need to replace them though. For a small fee US Plastics will probably install the uniseals. Good luck. -granger