On Tue, 28 Feb 2006 22:19:19 -0500, Jeff Wisnia
wrote:

Joey wrote:
Hi,

I recently tackled my own project of replacing a hot water heater with a
new one (electric). The heater used 3/4" copper pipe. I had no
problems except with a new water gate valve on the inlet side. I
replaced the old with an exact new one but now I have a leak that drips
one drop of water about every two minutes.

Question:

1. Should these gate valves be dissembled prior to soldering so the
heat won't affect the o-rings inside ? Mine is leaking at the solder
connection, not from the top or the valve stem, but I wouldn't want to
chance damaging the o-rings.

2. Should I try heating the fitting up again and apply more solder to
stop this very tiny leak or just cut it out and install another new one ?

3. I used the proper soldering techniques (cleaning, flux, dry pipes,
etc.) but any pointers will be appreciated. This fitting was the only
problem I had.

Thanks very much in advance.

Joey

This is definitely a hack, but before you go tearing the valve out, if
you can spot where the leaking water is exiting, try peening the exposed
solder there with something like the end of a screwdriver blade tapped
with a hammer, as though you were trying to push the solder into the joint.

It won't take much to seal off a leak that slow, it will probably plug
itself with chemical sediment in a few weeks anyway.

If a few seconds of peening doesn't work, it won't leave you any worse
off than you are now.

Yeah, and not only that, but if the leak is that small, a little JB
Weld should take care of it. But the water must be drained and that
pipe very dry and clean. They sell a 5 minute dry JB Weld. Use that,
but leave the water pressure off overnight. BE SURE to shut off the
electric to the water heater when you drain it. This is not an ideal
solution, but your leak sounds very minor.

Mark