Sealing Leaks?

frozebyte · Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:39 am

Hi all,
i apologise if there are already topics on this question, but i couldn't find any in the search results.

My current problem is the sealing of the joints for copper threaded fittings, as they are causing severe leaking problems.

Will solder, hot glue or super glue work for sealing of the joints, and whats the best way to do so?

The spudgun uses compressed air with a piston valve.

I've tried sealing tape but it won't work as well as it gets old easily.

Any recommendations on the seals would be appreciated, thanks!

JEK3 · Thu Jul 02, 2009 8:48 am

Any pictures/specifics on the joint in question? Some fittings may have enough room that you could drop in an o-ring.

Hubb · Thu Jul 02, 2009 8:53 am

Any time you need to seal a thread, you should use thread sealer. This can be done with this stuff but more often than not, it is done with this stuff.

If you are simply trying to seal the fitting onto the pipe, it requires a good soldering job. If it leaks, it ain't done right.

POLAND_SPUD · Thu Jul 02, 2009 9:22 am

as JEK3 has mentioned you can use orings to get good seal..

here are some examples of fittings with orings ->
http://www.zorin.pl/okno_produkt.php?pr ... =&d3=&SA=1

and some fittings that can be used with orings... you need to have the two surfaces that can be brought together to squeeze an oring so they need to have a sort of a lip

http://www.zorin.pl/okno_zalacznik.php?nr=4740

http://www.zorin.pl/okno_zalacznik.php?nr=4778

http://www.zorin.pl/okno_zalacznik.php?nr=4784

SEAKING9006 · Thu Jul 02, 2009 10:41 am

Three words; Epoxy, epoxy, epoxy. Get a good layer around your joint and it should seal up nice.

UKSGC · Thu Jul 02, 2009 11:29 am

Three words; Never use epoxy.

At least not on something that you want to undo in the future. If you dont want to undo it why use a thread just use a soldered fitting.

If we had pictures I am sure you would get more detailed advice.

c11man · Thu Jul 02, 2009 12:42 pm

unless i am missing something a few rounds of teflon tape should fix the problem

frozebyte · Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:35 am

Thanks for the replies! i would use o-rings and teflon for most of the joints, and teflon for those that dont fit o-rings.
i tested my spud before sealing all the leaks, and i realised that my piston doesn't seal well, is it because there isn't pressure to hold it close due to the leaks? If i fixed the leaks will the piston seal properly? I ran out of teflon tape so i'll have to wait a while.

Thanks,
Frozebyte