“It’s Leaking Again” — Those Dreaded Words

Whether you’re in the water treatment, chlorine, or bottled gases industry, few words cause the same dismay as those three. The natural inclination is to blame the sealant, but in many cases, the sealant is not to blame.

Fluoramics has done a fishbone analysis on the causes of leaks, and we will break down the elements in this eight-part series.

  1. Low-Cost, Low-Quality Fittings
  2. Fitting Material Selection
  3. Cracked Plastic Fittings
  4. Tape or No Tape, Type of Tape
  5. Cold Flow
  6. Repairs & Maintenance
  7. Gas Attack & Chemicals
  8. Type of Thread Sealant

Today we will be focusing on part six: Repairs & Maintenance

Over-Tightening or Under-Tightening Fittings

One of the most common issues in repairs is improper torque application. Over-tightening can lead to cracked fittings, while under-tightening may leave gaps for leaks to form. Always follow manufacturer torque specifications when installing new or replacement fittings.

Reusing Damaged or Worn Parts

Sometimes, in an effort to save time or money, technicians reuse fittings, gaskets, or O-rings that are worn, warped, or cracked. Even if they appear intact, microscopic damage can lead to leaks over time. Always inspect parts carefully and replace them when in doubt.

Failure to Properly Clean and Prepare Surfaces

Before applying a sealant or making a repair, surfaces must be clean and free from old sealant, debris, and corrosion. Any contamination can compromise the integrity of the seal. Use appropriate cleaning solutions and ensure surfaces are dry before assembly.

Ignoring System Compatibility

Different piping systems require specific types of sealants, lubricants, and repair methods. Using a sealant that isn’t rated for the temperature, pressure, or chemical exposure of the system leads to failure. Always verify that all materials used in repairs are compatible with the application.

Not Accounting for Thermal Expansion and Vibration

Piping systems experience stress due to temperature changes, pressure surges, and mechanical vibration. Over time, these factors can loosen fittings or degrade materials. Regular inspections and the use of appropriate anti-vibration measures help prevent leaks.

Skipping Routine Maintenance

Leaks often develop slowly due to gradual wear and tear. A well-planned maintenance schedule that includes checking for leaks, inspecting fittings, and reapplying sealants when necessary prevents unexpected failures.

LOX-8 Thread SealantFormula-8 Thread Sealant

Use Fluoramics Sealants

Assuming you’ve found the source of your leaks, Fluoramics’ sealants are an excellent option to ensure no further leaking.

  • LOX-8 Thread Sealant is highly recommended where oxygen or harsh chemicals such as chlorine or powerful oxidizers are present. It is the product of choice in applications where critical safety and resistance to aggressive chemicals are primary requirements. Providing superior performance as a sealant and anti-galling agent, LOX-8 withstands both high extreme temperatures and high pressure, plus it is NSF-approved for food processing services.
  • LOX-8 Full Density Thread Seal Tape is a multipurpose pipe sealing tape for sealing threads and preventing leaks. It is suitable for sealing threaded connections in multiple environments, is oxygen-approved, and is colored green to designate suitability for use on oxygen connections. It may be used alone or with Fluoramics’ pipe thread sealants.
  • Formula-8 seals threads in gas, liquid, and vacuum service. Oxygen-safe and NSF-approved for food processing services, Formula-8 is a water-based thread-sealing compound compatible with hydraulic oils and systems, PVC piping, cryogenics, and high temperatures. This sealant works by wetting into and sealing threaded joints when torqued, and is engineered to seal over the entire thread length for the life of the joint in liquid, gas, and vacuum service.

If you haven’t found the source of your leaks, stay tuned for the next edition of Don’t Blame the Sealant where we will discuss Gas Attack & Chemicals

Shop LOX-8 Thread Sealant Now> LOX-8 Thread Sealant

Shop LOX-8 Full Density Thread Seal Tape Now> LOX-8 Full Density Thread Seal Tape

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