Gas leak from compression fitting.

[CaptainBob]

Just beneath my cooker are a few compression fittings on copper microbore pipe. One of them (one that is on the gas cylinder side of an in-line on/off valve) was leaking a very very teeny amount of gas so I nipped it up a bit - and the leak has now stopped.

I'm guessing I ought to replace that section of pipe and the compression ring and nut at both ends?

Is it even wise to have compression fittings in a gas line on a boat? I insisted on a corgi certificate when I bought the boat - and one was duly provided - so I assume it's all within recommended guidelines.

Just glad we noticed it pronto before we had any kind of buildup in the bilge!

TY!

 

[pete]

You can only have compression fittings or screwed fittings on a boat although I am not fond of them as if there is any movement at all in the pipe to fitting joint (tap) when it is operated it will eventually leak. If your cooker is fitted on gimbals and a flex can you move the tap slightly, cut back the pipe just under the olive and replace with a new olive. or use a compression socket and a bit of new pipe. Make sure everything is well supported.
pete

 

[aledlgriffith]

I use a Gaslow Regulator on the gas bottle which not only gives a visual indication of the amount of gas left in the bottle but enables you to do a gas leak check on the system. We do this everytime we visit the boat. You can buy these from any caravan dealers and they normally cost around £20.00.

 

[Topcat47]

If you do replace a fitting, ensure you obtain COPPER olives. Even the fittings supplied by Calor have brass olives inside. They only cost a few pence ( the olives that is) and are kinder to the pipework. They are increasingly difficult to get at Plumber's Merchants but Calor keep them in stock for gas pipes.

 

[Cliveshep]

Take it off, cut back pipe 10mm and change olive, use "Calortite" on joint. Fit a "bubble" tester in gas locker so you can check tightness of system as often as you like.

 

[NorthUp]

You nipped up the nut, the leak stopped, problem solved.
No need to do anything else but check again for leaks in a week or two.
A bubble tester would be a good idea though.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
change olive, use "Calortite" on joint

[/ QUOTE ] No do NOT use any form of jointing compound on a compression joint

See the section about this on the Calormarine website

 

[Sheff]

Totally agree with the post by VicS.

I work in the gas industry and regularly use compression fittings up to 60 bar/1000 psi .......... we don't use any lubricant/sealant as these fittings are designed to be a metal to metal seal.

CaptainBob, if all it required to seal the fitting was a "nip" with a spanner the joint will be fine. If it required what you regard as "excessive force" for the size of fitting then replace.

 

[Cliveshep]

Thanks Vic, I've always used a smear to ensure tightness, I'll not do so anymore. Old habits I'm afraid, relics of my "kerbside overhaul" days!