Things You Are Unconsciously Doing That Help Ruin Your Hydraulic Fittings
Hydraulic systems are complicated and sensitive pipe-related works. Not many people know what they exactly need to do when dealing with leaks or other problems. One of these complicated things is hydraulic fittings. These fittings function as connectors for hoses, pipes, and tubes to create a great hydraulic system.
They have to be installed correctly and maintained for a direct flow of the hydraulic fluid. This will also prevent leaks and uphold the necessary pressure for a smooth flow. If you already have these connectors present in your hydraulic system, you might be doing the things mentioned below that could lead to ruining it.
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Tightening the Connectors
You’ve seen movies and advertisements where the plumber usually tightens the fittings whenever something is leaking. However, in reality, no one should do this. Experts know that tightening it or torqueing it could cause severe damages.
You can tighten it as fluid leaks are usually due to a loose nut. However, the act that could cause the problem is over-tightening the nut. Even if the leaks stopped because you over-tightened the fitting, it does not mean you solved the problem. Over-tightening ruins the integrity of the fitting, so over time, it would cause a bigger problem.
If you do not want this to happen, contact an expert to fix that leak.
Leaving It Pressurised
Whenever you are inspecting your hydraulic system and its fittings, you should never leave it pressurised. Even if the leak causes a slow fluid drip on the ground, you should still depressurise before inspecting or touching any of these connections.
Depressurisation ensures that the hydraulic fluid will not erupt and break the connections during the inspection. However, you should wait for a few minutes before making the inspection or touching any of the fittings after you depressurise the system. The reason is that most of the time, pressure and fluid remain to be present even after turning off the system. If you do not wait, it could cause severe damage.
Using a Different Fitting
Sometimes, you want to save money that you use different hydraulic fittings other than the recommended. This is a wrong move because even if you save cash upon purchase, you will lose more once the fitting and the entire hydraulic system gets ruined. Never settle for a different fitting even if it will take a long time to get it because if you do, it is a recipe for disaster.
Re-using an O-Ring
Another common mistake that people make is re-using the O-ring. This ring is used to block a path where liquid or gas may escape. As you can see in its primary function, it is essential. That is why it makes a lot of sense why you should never re-use it. Whenever you change your fittings, you should also change your O-ring. This is a whole system, so everything is connected. Re-using your O-ring could also pose serious risks to your fittings.
Not Cleaning Before Installing
Cleaning the connecting ends before placing the fitting is necessary. However, many people neglect this because it takes a lot of time. They do not know that such a simple method will help stop different types of dirt and even the pipes’ metallic shedding from penetrating the hydraulic system. It can also help make the fittings’ lives longer than when the connecting ends do not get cleaned.
These are the everyday things people do, and it contributes to ruining their fittings. If you want the fittings to last longer and be more durable, keep these tips in mind. They may be simple acts, but they could lead to more significant damages in the future. Damages are the least of the things you could worry about once you follow these useful tips.