Why is my union leaking?

[Jakepen]

In my return, I have a union that is leaking badly. I’m testing the tank and plumbing for leaks currently, and this is really leaking. It’s against a wall, so I can’t get a great grip to tighten it, but I think it’s tight enough it shouldn’t leak like this. I know the angle was a bit off, the pipes didn’t line up exactly, I used a pipe strap to pull it in line.

 

[Ashish Patel]

The O-ring is probably not positioned correctly.

 

[Jakepen]

Like it’s off the track?

 

[Flexin]

Could be a mis thread, or check the o ring to ensure it's seated properly. Also check for debris on the ring or a gouge in the surface between the two (it should be smoth. The last thing is it may not be leaking from the union but the connection to the pipe. Last resort, replace the entire union.

 

[Steved350]

My bet is the o-ring

 

[Big G]

Pull the o-ring and coat with food grade silicone/plumbing lubricant and then reinstall.

 

[Chuk]

1) o ring cut/pinches/ missing
2) crossthreaded

 

[Crabs McJones]

As others have suggested, make sure the O ring is in there and lined up the way it should be, also make sure there isn't any cracks in the housings that is allowing water to bypass or cross threaded. Hope this helps

 

[Jakepen]

Thanks everyone for the responses, I was able to tighten it probably another full turn, that fixed the leak.

 

[Flexin]

Sometimes the simple solution is the answer, lol. Glad it worked out

 

[Jakepen]

Sometimes the simple solution is the answer, lol. Glad it worked out

Haha right. Like I said it’s right against a wall, so I can’t get a great grip. Pretty much grabbing at 12 and 6. If you can’t picture it, when grabbing a union with nothing behind it, my fingers land at about 8 and 10.

 

[Big G]