seeking for leaks??

[mutley racers]

I am looking for a leak in a heating system and can't seem to find it. But from my experience, when you find a fitting that has a dry white powder around it, it has been a fitting that leaks. So, does this white powder mean that there is a leak there? or if not, what is this white powder?

 

[PlumbBobBob]

most likely limescale imho

 

[mutley racers]

limescale exactly. And where does limescale come from? water. So, there must be a leak for it to get there in a big lump around the fitting hey? Well that's what i'm thinking any way

 

[Guest123]

Limescale or Calcium. Inject some Fernox Leak Sealer in the system to seal any small leaks and some descaler.

 

[mutley racers]

but system, Am i correct in thinking that if i see this around a fitting, it has been leaking?

 

[Guest123]

Most likely it has been leaking. Check that the radiator isn't corroded too and has a small pin hole or crack allowing water to leak onto the fitting.

 

[andyplumber2009]

calcium is the main culpit making water hard. The water carries a small amount through the leak and then the water evaporates away leaving the white residue. It is also IMO why some fittings that weep seem to seal after a period of time unitl messed with and break the calcium build up.

 

[mutley racers]

cheers fellers. i shall wack the pressure up and have another butchers

 

[jase158]

cant it also be the wrong flux causes a white powder around the fitting a few weeks/months later (seem to remember going to a place and this looked more likely then a leak

 

[lame plumber]

dry powder equals leak has sealed and look elsewhere, give sealer a go as advised.