Inflatable- finding a leak

[Guest]

Whats the best way to find a leak on an inflatable?

 

[billskip]

water or air?

Bill
www.aegeansailing.co.uk

 

[lezgar]

brush the inflatable with liquid soap and you will see the bubbles

 

[longjohnsilver]

Yes Fairy liquid is good. Also try listening, quite often you can also feel the air escaping in your ear, if you see what I mean.

 

[ToMo]

No but I ear wot u say!!
<G>
TôMö

 

[BarryH]

"Paint" on a solution of washing up liquid and water, pump the thing up hard, when you've found the leak, mark it with a chinograph.

 

[PeterGibbs]

Soapy water sponged on to the inflated boat. Don't forget close attention to the valves where the leak most probably lies. New valves can be easily applied for most makes.


PWG

 

[LadyInBed]

When Found . . .

Try and put a patch on from the inside of the tube (remove inflation valve to try and get access to push the patch on) as well as an external patch.

 

[Guest]

Re: When Found . . .

If soapy water shows air leaking from under valve collar, tightening it might cure it.
Worked for me on ancient avon

 

[colvic]

Silicone grease round the threads and flap on the valve works wonders. One of the best sources for silicone grease is a plumbers merchants who stock it for use on lubricating underground drainage pipes prior to pushing together

 

[Viking]

Re: Inflatable- Older Valves

For what its worth!
I heard or read somewhere that 'brake fluid' was good on older inflatable valves, Something to do with its rubber/plastic preservering property?.