Fixing my immersion chiller

[pwndabear]

So i made a copper coil immersion chiller a few weeks ago. It seemed to work fine when i first tried it out, however a couple weeks ago on a brew day, it decided to start leaking (luckily i was on a test run instead of directly in the wort).

I am using simple vinyl tubing attached with 2 hose screw-clamps on both the in and out for the water which should be enough. But it still leaks.

Any ideas as to how I can stop the thing from leaking?

 

[user 19629]

When mine leaks like that I tighten the hose clamp.

 

[pwndabear]

lol thanks. theyre as tight as they can go. i have no idea why its still leaking through...

 

[user 19629]

Try tightening them up after you put it the kettle when it's hot.
Or maybe smaller ID tubing.

 

[Brewham]

Where is it leaking? Mine leaked at the faucett/hose coupling and I found that the flange on the coupling was not properly seated. The washer had gotten in between the brass pieces. It looked fine and tightened up but leaked badly. I straightened it all out and now it works fine. I need to check every time I hook it up.

 

[Sanspareil]

Is it leaking at the cold side or the hot side, or both? Take the hose clamp and tubing off, inspect them for cracks and pinch marks. You might want to slide the hose on further and use two clamps per side.
I switched to soldered fittings, easy and cheap insurance. I will never have to worry about fixing a leak while my wort is at boil.

 

[pwndabear]

leaking where the hose connects to the copper, leaking at both in and out points.

 

[Xakk]

Try using smaller diameter tubing. Heat it up with boiling water and it should slide right on. You can also try slightly flairing your copper tubing. It doesn't have to be a huge flair, just enough to snug things up.

 

[pwndabear]

i'll try that. what is flairing?

 

[Xakk]

Use a flaring tool to expand the end. Something like this.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00951255000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3