Why won’t the split nut’s on my spa hot tub quit leaking?!?! Should I use a rubber coupler w/hose clamps?

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I've replaced the split nuts, I've replaced the gaskets (should I be using O-rings instead?), I've replaced the female end (yes the threads match), I've wrapped the threads with teflon tape 3 times, to no avail!!! I even tried putting teflon tape between the split nuts before screwing them together. What am I doing wrong?! If over tighten the split nuts, they crack and break! (happened twice)


Should I use one of those big, thick, heavy duty rubber couplers w/hose clamps? If so, what do I do about the lip on the heater tube? Try to slip the coupler over it (yeah right)? Or grind it off maybe? Will my heater tube get too hot and melt the rubber coupler?

Comments

  1. Dr. Hot Tub Wilmington NC says:
    July 12, 2009 at 11:32 pm

    Hi, A common problem we see 4-5 times a day. Get Balboa heater gaskets. They are white and are two sided. A square side to fit into your pvc pipe and a ridged side to fit inside the stainless steel heater assembly. They are the best on the market. Should only cost a couple of bucks. DO NOT overtighten. NO sealents, nor lubes. Almost wondering if your pvc is flush or warped from heat over time. (does happen) to keep you from getting a good tight seal. The heater will melt the rubber in time. I have seen people do it (gulp!). Feel free to email us anytime.

  2. queen of de-nyle.. says:
    July 12, 2009 at 11:32 pm

    I would say give o-rings a try. They’re inexpensive, and if they work, fantastic!

  3. Wired says:
    July 12, 2009 at 11:32 pm

    Go to a hot tub sales place that sells parts. Show them your problem or explain it by looking at a new hot tub. They will tell you what you need. I repaired ours a couple of times that way. It does sound like you need new gaskets any maybe you were using the wrong ones.

  4. eagle says:
    July 12, 2009 at 11:32 pm

    My spa leaked at the split-nuts also. I tried to tighten them, but it didn’t help. I finally completely removed the split-nuts and the pipe they held together. I found just a little bit of trash and slime build-up on the lip of the pipes. After cleaning and replacing the nuts, the leak was gone. I also bought a large set of channel-lock pliers to tighten the nuts as hand tightening wasn’t enough. Grease the nut threads too. Maybe a good cleaning at the joints will help you. Good luck.

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