Guide to Stainless Steel Bulkhead Fitting

Bulkhead fittings are specially built fittings that allow liquids in a tank to flow freely and drum drainage and other plumbing connections. In a piping scheme, these fittings are often used as delivery outlets. Bulkhead fittings provide a continuous flow of water and are often used to connect flexible pipes using male adapters.

A bulkhead fitting is a connector that is intended to be placed on a flat surface after passing through a tank wall. The fitting is made up of a bulkhead with a pipe socket or a threaded attachment, a gasket, and a locking nut. Bulkhead fittings are available in a variety of sizes and materials.

These fittings usually have left-handed threads that aid in keeping the fitting intact and solid when installing the male adapter. Stainless steel bulkhead fitting, when combined with unions, makes it easier to remove pumps and accessories. Bulkhead fittings are also sold with nuts and gaskets as extras. Typically, gaskets are obtained separately.

Buying Tips

• The following considerations should be weighed when purchasing bulkhead fittings:
• The thread size of the fitting can be determined when ordering bulkhead fittings in bulk.
• Since bulkhead fittings serve as delivery outlets in piping systems, the diameter of the bulkhead fitting is critical.
• When purchasing bulkhead fittings, the scale of the fitting is also a significant factor to remember.
• The consistency and strength of the material used to make the fitting are also essential factors to remember.

Installing a Bulkhead Fitting

The steps for installing bulkhead fittings are as follows:

1. Hole Drilling: To install a bulkhead fitting, first cut or bore a hole at the bottom of the tank or reservoir to which the pipes can be attached. Be sure you weigh and decide the scale of the bulkhead’s exterior, so you know how big to drill the hole.
2. Bulkhead Fitting: After drilling the hole, install the bulkhead fitting with the threads inside or outside the tank or reservoir, depending on how you want the connections to work.
3. Gasket and Locknut Fittings: Finally, install the gasket.

Use one gasket on either side of the walls if you have two. Thread the locknut down by applying pressure to the gasket with your palm. The locknut would then have a solid-liquid seal with no leaks. But be careful not to over-tighten to avoid breaking or distorting the gasket and causing a leak.

The Advantages of Using Bulkhead Fittings

• The bulkhead fitting would provide a liquid-tight link.
• They are ideal for plumbing links in hydroponics or aquaponics.
• They facilitate the supply of water into the tanks or reservoirs.
• Water leakage is not an issue with bulkhead fittings.
• Bulkhead Pipe Fitting Applications
• They are commonly found in hot water pipe systems, especially brass bulkhead fittings.
• Bulkhead fittings are used in hydroponic and aquaponic systems to link pipes to allow for fast drainage and connect the water tank or reservoir.
• They are often used in ponds to link pipes that allow for fast drainage. Rather than scooping water from the bucket, this makes changing water faster.
• Several stainless steel bulkhead fitting is often used in the kitchen sink to allow for fast water flow.
• Typically used in the transportation of liquid tanks.
• They are often used in any mechanism that allows large drums or barrels to be filled with water.

With that said, you’ve learned a thing or two about what a bulkhead fitting is. It is therefore essential to follow this guide for a successful stainless steel bulkhead fitting job.