Plumbing Question - Dishwasher Change Out

[deere5105]

I know this is not a plumbing website, but so far there has not been much I can think of that hasn't been discussed and usually resolved. I recently had a several year old dishwasher go out. I bought a new one and began to change it out. Attached are a couple of pictures to help explain the question. The copper water supply line had what appeared to be a fitting that was soldered on. This wouldn't work with making the water supply connection to the new unit. I have little to no plumbing background so I went to parts house to see what was available. The second picture is what was recommended. I put this fitting on after first cutting the old one out of the copper line. I got everything put back together and unit works great. I noticed that I now have a very small leak at the new fitting. You can see the water at the edge of the nut and copper line. This is not a bad leak, but is leaking some.

The question is, what are the options for correcting the leak? Do I need to replace the fitting and try again? Is there something I can put on the connection to seal it off? Pretty tight quarters working on it under the unit. My concern is if the new fitting leaks what are the chances a second would solve the problem. Any advice and suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[crbr]

One thing to consider is removing the tube from the connection and sanding the end of the tubing to make sure you have all of the burrs removed for proper seating. About any grit paper handy should do the trick, if that is the problem.

Also, Sharkbite or Gatorbite connectors are an option if that connection fails. Available at the typical Lowes / Home Depot type stores.

I just recently replumbed my entire house with Pex and Sharkbite connectors. After 18 years my copper began experiencing pinholes.

 

[Wacky]

Looks like the compression nut may not be tight enough, or overtightened?? Did the new ferrel in the fitting have any nicks scratches?

 

[ray66v]

Looks like the compression nut may not be tight enough, or overtightened?? Did the new ferrel in the fitting have any nicks scratches?

Yep. I'll bet it was not seated properly before tightening, and or not tightened enough. 1/2 a turn of the nut can make the difference.

You can also get a leak with a compression fitting, if you move the tubing around after you tighten the nut.

 

[SixHoeBob]

Dishwasher change out;

Make sure your divorce from the first one is completely finalized in writing before the first one finds out about the second one.:thumbsup:

 

[dcyrilc]

I hate using a copper line for a dishwasher. IMO you're just asking for it to leak if you have to pull it out to work on it. I replaced ours with a 6ft flexible line.

 

[k0ua]

I hate using a copper line for a dishwasher. IMO you're just asking for it to leak if you have to pull it out to work on it. I replaced ours with a 6ft flexible line.

Agreed, you need to get a stainless steel braided flexible line on that dishwasher, the vibration might cause leaks over time. Take the dishwasher out, cut the copper line back put a good flare fitting on that copper line and then get a compression 3/8 to 3/8 flare adaptr, put it all back together and screw on your new 3/8 braided compression pre-made hose and check for leaks. you should be good for years. The flexible line will insulate the copper from vibration. You might get away with using it like it is for a long time, or you might not.

James K0UA

 

[CurlyDave]

The first fitting shown is not a solder connector. It is compression. I suspect that what looks like solder is just discoloration from a slow leak.

I agree that a flexible, preferably stainless braided, line is better.

In most installations, there is no need to cut the existing copper line. Just follow it back to the shut off valve and replace the whole thing with a flex line labeled for compression to compression fittings. The flex line compression fitting is a whole different beast than the copper one and it uses either an o-ring or a rubber "cone" , depending on design and who makes it. But, it fits on tyhe existing male part of the fitting and is pretty good against leaking.

 

[kenmac]

As others have said. I use this

when I install dishwashers


Your leak could be from several issues. Not tight enough, rough ends on the tubing, tubing not round, compression fitting not installed correctly ( not slid far enough on tubing),just to name a few

 

[ray66v]

I love those flexible hoses, put them on everything. Yes, they will take vibration, and accidental movement, far better than copper. They still fail much sooner than a properly installed copper pipe does. And I make good money off of fixing leaks, and cleaning up the mess, when they do. :thumbsup: