Help! Ball Valve Leaking

[bowend3c]

Hello,

After reading several posts on HBT about people having positive experiences with weldless ball valves, I decided to bite the bullet and install one on my 10-gallon aluminum brew kettle.

I went with this one from Bargain Fittings because it came so highly recommended: http://www.bargainfittings.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=46&product_id=91

I also ordered a couple of extra O rings just in case. The whole process was relatively simple. I drilled out the hole using a step bit. It appears to be exactly to size - I was able to install the threaded portion by lightly turning it. Then the other pieces were screwed on without any hassle.

However I have had a small leak that I am unable to resolve. It is not a gigantic leak - probably a normal sized drop every 30 seconds or so. However I am not willing to risk brewing something in the kettle and having it fail.

Has anyone else run across this issue? If so, what did you do to resolve it?

PICS:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0OjccXZGmuhNURRNHBqN0NVR0E&authuser=0

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0OjccXZGmuhNTZXQWFQN1d5Wmc/view?usp=sharing

Thanks!

 

[marckw]

Similar issue last year--took it apart and rebuilt using a good deal of silicon tape around the threads as well as new silicon o-rings. Not a problem since.

 

[b-boy]

I'm blocked from seeing your photos. Stupid work computer. It ruins all my fun.

Make sure you don't over-tighten. If you compress the washers too much you can create leaks. I have several of their kits as well as cooler kits. I've never had any leak problems once I got everything drip-free.

 

[Pscdouglas]

the secret is to not over tighten to o rings. Some of the nuts for these kits have a slight recess on one side to aid with this, check yours to see. It's counterintuitive but just don't crank it down. I can spin the whole assembly on my kettle with firm hand pressure and it has never leaked.

 

[bowend3c]

All - thanks for the help. I disassembled everything, loaded the nipple up with a fresh set of Teflon tape, and replaced the O rings with some new ones. I tightened it a little less (as suggested), and it seems to be working like a charm now. I'm going to let the water sit in there for an hour or so just to make sure!

 

[BargainFittings]

All good suggestions. One other is to flex the o-ring under a bright light to be sure it has no cuts on its inner face.
I like the yellow gas teflon tape as it is much easier to work with.

Double check the edges of the hole to be sure you don't have any burrs or nicks.