HVAC copper tube fitting/weld correction prevention


  #1  
Old 09-09-16, 07:15 PM
E
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 3
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
Question HVAC copper tube fitting/weld correction prevention

Hi, i noticed the outgoing copper refrigerant line has few welds (appears to be combined with aluminum) that are showing bluish/black residue, getting worse year after year sitting in the humid attic. Is there any way to prevent this from getting worse? Like add a bearing grease, lithium grease, wax, heat shrink, etc? Is it necessary/any harm adding a moisture barrier? What's safe?

My fear is that these points will leak... there appears to be a tiny/really slow leak in our 10 yr old unit.

Thanks in advance,
Ed
 

Last edited by Edward Law; 09-09-16 at 07:42 PM.
  #2  
Old 09-09-16, 09:51 PM
PJmax's Avatar
Group Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Jersey
Posts: 64,928
Received 3,947 Upvotes on 3,540 Posts
The "welded" fittings are actually brazed using Sil-Fos. A silver phosphate product. Pretty much impervious to the weather. The fittings may blacken but they won't corrode.

You can wire brush them clean.

Tiny leaks are usually the fault of test valves/ports that aren't sealing fully.
Followed by a leaky evaporator coil.
 
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description:
Your question will be posted in: