need help!!-radiant manifold leaks at flow meter

[andis65]

Ok gents, I have a Rifeng brand 5 branch header on my floor heat system. Im ready to fill it with liquid and decided to check my joints first with an air regulator set at 15psi.. In this header there are 5 regulating flow control meters on the supply side. They screw into the header and then screw in and out of themselves to regulate flow from all the way in (closed) to all the way out (open). after snooping the joints im getting bubbles on all 5!!. Im not getting bubbles where the flow meters screw into the header but rather the plastic threads where the unit screws in and out of itself to control flow.. and its not designed to be doped or taped. Anyone run into this? dumb question but would the thicker liquid and heat possibly seal these up? If you need a visual google Rifeng SSM404. thanks in advance!!!

 

[anthony666]

rifeng, chinese clone of the watts style manifold .. once you get some heat running through it it should heal ok .. however, you get what you pay for, they can't make it that cheap without sacrificing some quality .. be prepared to buy another manifold

 

[ADSR]

Same problem. did a search and ended up here. did the hot water fix the problem? I'm just pressure testing my system before the concrete and the only leaks i have are from the flow valves.

 

[ADSR]

did a soap spray test. it's blowing bubbles like mad. waiting to hear from pex superstore.

 

[mygarageone]

Some thing to think about , any time you are installing a hydronic system of any sort , purchase brand name products designed for your application.

You will always be money ahead , always.

 

[anthony666]

did a soap spray test. it's blowing bubbles like mad. waiting to hear from pex superstore.

http://s933.photobucket.com/user/lorddiesel/media/work/20140117_102541_zps9818e812.jpg.html

in a pinch .. take it apart and put some pipe dope on the threads .. or just cap that flow meter, they're about as accurate as blind man in a snow ball fight anyway .. it'll be pipe thread

Some thing to think about , any time you are installing a hydronic system of any sort , purchase brand name products designed for your application.

You will always be money ahead , always.

^ good advice

 

[mygarageone]

did a soap spray test. it's blowing bubbles like mad. waiting to hear from pex superstore.

This is one very good reason not to buy from faceless people and suppliers over the net, yet there have been times when I have had to , couldn't get the part from my regular local sorce.

 

[jlckmj]

Why not pull them apart and wrap a little teflon tape on there? Be careful and do not use too much though, it tends to break plastic threaded parts, don't ask me how I know that.

Now is the time to do it, before the water is put in.

Jim

 

[Champ49]

I had the same manifold and same leaks, but after filling no water leaks, and has been runnning for a month.

 

[mygarageone]

We'll water molecules are bigger , we run into that many times with water valve's. They will leak air but not. Water.