Plumbing Issue

[memphisflyer]

I replaced my water heater in our 2016 Grand Design Solitude. No trouble getting old one out and new one in except for a leak where the elbow connects the cold line to bottom of the heater. I’ve tried with tape and without. I’ve tried less tape and more tape. I’ve replaced the actual fitting as well. Does anyone have any good plumbing tips for this. I’ve done minor plumbing before with no trouble. The last time I tried this one it was fine for about 24 hours and then developed a super slow drip. TIA.

[SafariBen]

Since you mention tape, I'll assume it's a threaded plastic elbow into the water heater threaded port that is leaking? are you sure it's the threads leaking? not any possibility it's the fitting or the weld on the port?


I'd find a schedule 80 pvc nipple and screw that into the water heater, then adapt to your tube off the nipple. IF the threads don't look perfect, get a steel 6" nipple and rub clay or rust dust on the threads, then spin it in and out by hand to polish the threads until they're smooth right up until tight, then rinse and try the plastic nipple.

[Brunnie]

Check the cone gasket in the fitting where it screws into the tank. If it is not aligned correctly or damaged it will leak.

[GPCPL]

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f50/new-...ng-652329.html
Check this recent thread for some suggestions. If you're replacing a Suburban water heater, I believe it is suggested to replace the fittings on the back of the water heater to avoid potential leaks. Not sure why Suburban wouldn't include those fittings if they were prone to leaking, but they don't. Good luck on the replacement and leak resolution.

[bigb56]

It would help to know which type of connection you are working with. Tape only belongs on tapered pipe threads, if you are working with a compression type fitting you don't use tape, it does nothing to prevent leaks and it interferes with proper tightening and sealing, making a leak more likely.

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by Brunnie

Check the cone gasket in the fitting where it screws into the tank. If it is not aligned correctly or damaged it will leak.

The cone gasket should be replaced any time you have those connections apart .
The cone develops a grove after it's tightened and won't reseal.