copper pipe leaks at fittings


  #1  
Old 11-02-02, 02:45 AM
greenkoala777
Visiting Guest
Posts: n/a
Unhappy 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  
Old 11-02-02, 04:26 AM
L
Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Arlington, WA
Posts: 8,670
Upvotes: 0
Received 1 Upvote on 1 Post
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.
 
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description:
Your question will be posted in: