Small leak in compression fitting?

Question

I have a small leak in a 1/4" copper line that is attached to my Aprilaire humidifier. It's leaking where the line comes into the fitting. It's not a very fast leak (maybe one drop every five minutes). It's a brass fitting. I could tighten it more, but I'm concerned about damaging the threaded portion on the water solenoid.

I'm wondering if I should try to pull the ferrule off the copper pipe and replace it with a new one? Should I replace the top nut? Can I sand, polish, or seal anything to stop the leak?

Answer 1

Try tightening it a little first.

Answer 2

well I would start with simple first. if you haven't tried tightening it yet, give it a little snug, just don't overdo it. these compression fittings need a little tighten once in a while. if no luck, i would use a dab of pipe dope on it, or even plumbers putty, see if that seals it up. while its off, take a look at the fitting and see if there are any pits or gunk or rough spots on the flange, and smooth it with a light file or remove debris. teflon tape could be an option if all else fails, but you shouldn't need it on a comp fitting, but sometimes its the only option. finally, last resort is to try to replace the fitting altogether.

Answer 3

You won't be able to pull the ferule off, but if you have enough slack in the pipe you can cut it and replace the both the nut and ferule with new. If not enough slack, get a compression coupling, a short piece of pipe and a new ferule & nut for the hook up.

Answer 4

in case you cant get at it to tighten or replace it try getting some automobile gas tank sealer at your vehicle grant save. Its style of like putty however the petroleum products won't ruin it down and it may artwork for you. i do no longer think of fiberglass resin might set if it grew to become into in touch with gas oil.

Answer 5

its generally not needed on a compression fitting but you could put a little pipe dope on it to help the seal

Answer 6

wrap it with teflon tape.