copper pipe leaks at fittings
#1
copper pipe leaks at fittings
My husband has installed a small hot water heater and has tried to get the copper pipe to quit leaking at the fittings several times without success. He has used thread seal, teflon tape and tighted the fittings until he had to repalace them. It is a very small leak but it will not stop.
#2
This is leaking at the threaded fittings? The flexible copper lines that are attached to the nipples at the top of the water heater? Those lines really don't need tape or joint compound to make them seal. They have a gasket or washer that seats on the end of the nipple to form the seal, like the rubber washer in a garden hose. If the end of the nipple is smooth, then the problem is in the copper line. Hubby probably overtightened it. Have him replace them (again), and I would suggest using the braided stainless ones instead of the copper ones. Again, be careful not to overtighten them. Might want to replace the nipples while you are at it, just to be sure they aren't the problem. DO use tape or thread compound where the nipple goes into the tank.