Leaking connection to calorifier

[TwinRudders]

Hi -I've got my new Isotherm Calorifier installed and working, but I'm getting this annoying tiny dribble/leak from the joint between the hot water output (1/2" male) to the BSP 1/2" connector. I've tried a few times using PTFE tape but it's still leaking...

Anyone have any tips - is it better to use something like the Locktite 757 pipe sealant.

The cold water inlet with exactly same fitting is fine - although the main thread onto which you thread the BSP connector is a few threads longer.

Thanks, Jonny

 

[jonic]

Had the same problem with mine in spain. Went to a back street plumber who wrapped the thread in what looked like horse hair and applied some sort of dark red clay, worked a treat. Perhaps a plumbing shop could tell you what the stuff is called in English.

 

[Rivers & creeks]

If it's the same make as mine the problem is the hot water pipe gets hot (doh) and softens the flexible connecting pipe and allows water to escape. Two solutions I've found - the first is to tigten up the jubilee clip when the thing is at it's hotest. This solved the problem for me in the short term but i have just found a permanent solution - in my local hardware store they sell a 1m armoured length of hose with snap-on fittings (female to female) you then buy a connector for your flexible plastic pipe. The advantage is that as the armoured hose with the snap on fittings is 1m long, the end furthest from the calorifier is appreciably less hot than the bare end of the copper pipe that leaves the calorifier because it has had the 25% cold water mixed in (making it 65 degrees); and your flexible pipe isn't directly connected to the calorifier copper pipe which heats up to 85 degrees by conduction. These means the flexible pipe is much less affected by the (lower) heat and stays sealed.

I hope that makes sense; it was the solution I was recommended by the plumber!

 

[TwinRudders]

It's not leaking at that point - it's from the metal BSP connector to the metal male thread pipe on the calorifier.

But thanks - I thought it was the plastic hose to start with but clearly is coming out of the BSP connector.

Thanks, J

 

[jonic]

[ QUOTE ]
It's not leaking at that point - it's from the metal BSP connector to the metal male thread pipe on the calorifier.

But thanks - I thought it was the plastic hose to start with but clearly is coming out of the BSP connector.

Thanks, J

[/ QUOTE ]

That's where mine was, get the horse hair stuff (it's probably fine hemp)

 

[ms1]

that spanish stuff is plumbers hemp (similar to old fashioned oakum) still avail but difficult to get, I use Loctite 557 for this sort of prob (clean with acetate first)

 

[stephenh]

"'emp and paste"
The best threaded connection goo going...get a hank of hemp and a tin of Boswhite from a plumbers merchant - putting the hemp on the threads is a bit of a skill - if you go down this route I can help.

On the other hand I would be concerned that PTFE tape isn't working...
There are 2 different BSP threads - one is tapered the other parallel - they do not mix comfortably .
I would check the threads....

 

[Cliveshep]

Wind the hemp around the threads in the direction the female fitting turns on to the spigot so it tightens down not unwinds the hemp. Smear liberally with Boss White or other pipe jointing compound and off you go. However, this only works with tapered threads, yours is more likely a parallel thread in which case you need a cap and lining to go on with a fibre washer, or wind up a hemp washer with Boss White. Fitting for parallel threads is similar to a tap connector swivel, which might also work for you but don't forget the fibre washer.