I have a leakage at the basement of the riser tube. The gasket is in copper. How could I fix this leakage ? Thank you Yannick
You could try annealing the copper gasket; and also using copper grease. But I expect a lead washer would be a better fix, and require less torque. Tony
@Tony Press but where to find a lead washer of the correct size ? Or how can I make a lead washer by myself ?
Sheet lead is quite easy to work with. Getting it can be the hard bit because it is expensive and generally in long rolls! Over here it comes in different thicknesses too - referred to as Code 4 or 6 or whatever - the thickness increases as the number rises and was originally related to its weight in pounds (lbs) weight. Do you know a roofer who might use it for making flashings between walls and roofs. They will always have offcuts and for individual washers, you only need small pieces. The more you work it, the thinner it gets. If you need to flatten it, a smooth piece of wood will leave less indentations than a hammer! You can mark a circle slightly bigger than you need and cut it with tin snips or strong scissors or garden bypass secateurs. Mark the centre hole and drill it easily with a metal cutting bit. Adjust the size of the hole using a rat tail (narrow round) file evenly around it. Adjust the outer diameter edge with a flat metalworking file. You could use punches but I don't have any, so this is how I would work it. Remember that it is always possible to trim a bit more off, but not so easy to add a bit.
@Yannick Michel I think I would try to use the copper gasket as a template for making a lead washer. As stated above lead is usually pretty soft. For the inner diameter I'd drill a small hole that you could pass a junior hacksaw blade through and use the blade to cut it to size. Then the outer diameter could be cut with strong scissors or tin snips. That way you have enough metal on the outside to hold onto while you cut the hole in the middle. Regards John
For the central hole I find a stepped taper drill is invaluable. That type of drill bit is designed for cutting holes in sheet material. For that reason it is better to drill the holes in the sheet lead first, before cutting out and working the outer edges. Just cut down step by step until you reach the correct diameter step for the hole you want. Not at all expensive and you'll never regret having invested in one. @Yannick Michel
It looks like it would end up a very thin lead washer, I'm wondering if this is one of those odd cases where a heat resistant fibre washer would have been used? Apologies if I'm blethering, I don't know Portugese stuff
Hi @Yannick Michel . Hi. Maybe I'll add my two cents. Lead can be purchased at fishing stores. They sell strips of various thicknesses and weights that can be easily flattened. The ideal tool for flattening is a set that allows you to flatten two diameters at the same time. I also use it for NRV and heat-resistant washers.
