Leaking solder joint

wazzag · 26 Feb 2008

I recently fitted a rad and needed to solder the pipes due to limited space. I used pre-soldered (yorkshire?) fittings, a blow torch, flux and a heat mat (as advised). All of the joints seem bar one seem fine. The one that isn't good it a tiny leak - I only noticed it 4 days later after the system had been refilled.

How do I fix the (barely leaking) elbow joint? Do I have to drain the system?

tomy · 26 Feb 2008

ollski · 26 Feb 2008

If it's tiny then leak sealer may work.

LUNAT · 26 Feb 2008

HI

to make a good soldered joint pipes have to be dry
if water continue flowing then use compression fitting

wiggikins · 26 Feb 2008

Again, yes see FAQ No 25,don't even think about leak sealer!!

JohnD · 26 Feb 2008

You need to get it completely dry to solder it successfully.

Some people use an Aquavac or other dodges after draining.

If you play your torch over the pipe before fitting the new elbow, and you hear boiling and see steam, it isn't dry enough.

You might find it easier to use a a compresssion fitting if you can't get it dependably dry.

wazzag · 26 Feb 2008

thanks for the replies.
there's not enough room for a compression joint

it's just one end of the elbow, if it's pretty dry and fluxed, will the solder take do you think?

Bahco · 26 Feb 2008

Might take but I would redo the whole joint to be sure.

Flux type is important and I rarely have got a problem using Laco flux.

ollski · 26 Feb 2008

wiggikins said:
Again, yes see FAQ No 25,don't even think about leak sealer!!

Porqui?

wiggikins · 26 Feb 2008

ollski said:
wiggikins said:

Again, yes see FAQ No 25,don't even think about leak sealer!!

Click to expand...

Porqui?

Cos it's amateur, want a professional finish, employ a professional angle on the job.

ollski · 26 Feb 2008

wiggikins said:
Cos it's amateur, want a professional finish, employ a professional angle on the job.

But he didn't say he wanted a professional finish, he said he wanted a joint not to leak....exactly the situation leak sealer is intended for. Tools for the job and all that.

wazzag · 27 Feb 2008

thanks for the replies.
there's not enough room for a compression joint

it's just one end of the elbow, if it's pretty dry and fluxed, will the solder take do you think?

wiggikins · 27 Feb 2008

Try it and see ,what have you got to lose??

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Leaking solder joint

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