Super Seal Leak Stopper??

[rwbil]

I had someone call me with a question. They have a home warranty and there Heat Pump was not working (leaking refrigerant). The contractor sent by the home warranty company 1st added 2lb R-22. Then a month later the system was not working and the contractor came back out and added Super Seal and 2lb R-22, saying it was a small pin hole leak, but they could not isolate it.

They were asking me about this. I have never used this product. Is this an acceptable fix? Are there any issues with the EPA about using this product on a know leaking system?

I would think this is not a proper fix, but I would guess the home warranty is telling the company to fix it this way to save cost and maybe to get by until there warranty ends.

I hate home warranty companies. They do not work in there customer's interest, but in their own interest.

Any opinions appreciated.

[Kevin Weaver]

I have used it before with success. As far as the epa goes, unless this unit holds more than 50 lbs. than its ok to fill it as much as possible. No regulations on smaller equipment on leakage, unless someone proves me wrong.

[dlove]

I had someone call me with a question. They have a home warranty and there Heat Pump was not working (leaking refrigerant). The contractor sent by the home warranty company 1st added 2lb R-22. Then a month later the system was not working and the contractor came back out and added Super Seal and 2lb R-22, saying it was a small pin hole leak, but they could not isolate it.

They were asking me about this. I have never used this product. Is this an acceptable fix? Are there any issues with the EPA about using this product on a know leaking system?

I would think this is not a proper fix, but I would guess the home warranty is telling the company to fix it this way to save cost and maybe to get by until there warranty ends.

I hate home warranty companies. They do not work in there customer's interest, but in their own interest.

Any opinions appreciated.

I would ask to see that in writing from the vendor. Than i would call the manufacture and see if they approve this fix. If the unit is new and under warranty i find if interesting they would approve a NON OEM product to be used in place of a proper fix. Than i would ask the manufacturer to send me something on writing saying this is approved. so when they have issues they can point to that. I know many have said that they had good results with this stuff, but i heard many that did not.

[rwbil]

The unit was not under manufacture warranty. It was under a home warranty company like American Home Shield.

[prorefco]

I had someone call me with a question. They have a home warranty and there Heat Pump was not working (leaking refrigerant). The contractor sent by the home warranty company 1st added 2lb R-22. Then a month later the system was not working and the contractor came back out and added Super Seal and 2lb R-22, saying it was a small pin hole leak, but they could not isolate it.

They were asking me about this. I have never used this product. Is this an acceptable fix? Are there any issues with the EPA about using this product on a know leaking system?

I would think this is not a proper fix, but I would guess the home warranty is telling the company to fix it this way to save cost and maybe to get by until there warranty ends.

I hate home warranty companies. They do not work in there customer's interest, but in their own interest.

Any opinions appreciated.

Sheesh, if it leaked 2 lbs in a month, you should almost be able to hear it... Well, maybe not but a reasonably good leak detector ought to pick that one up...

[ar_hvac_man]

2 lbs in a month is a far cry from a pinhole.

Ive had success with stop leak but have only used it three times and on very small leaks on units that I was sure were dry. It was also just to get the HO through the summer as the units were old. Sort of backfired on me because out of the 3, one backed out since the unit was working so good, and still is 4 yrs later.

[hvaclover]

What's with this leak sealers popularity all of a sudden?

Time used to be they taught in hvac school no additives to a sealed system. and the wholesalers used to throw a sales rep out for even mentioning them.


SSSHHHESH.

[kfitman]

your epa class teaches you that you are allowed to loose 15 percent of your charge, per year.

[ironpit]

One of the best union shops around here uses leak seal. they got me started on it. It isn't so much not finding the leak as it is to how difficult it is to fix the leak, that leak seal comes in handy.

a leak near the coils' steel /alum rail isn't always easy to fix, especially on a thick coil with the leak in the middle row.

Should use the drier with it. Most guys don't.

[hvaclover]

Then either braze it or replace the coil.

I have repaired leaks on evaps more time than I can remember.

[dlove]

The unit was not under manufacture warranty. It was under a home warranty company like American Home Shield.

How old is the unit? This vendor has an agreement with the insurance co. He gets only so much to repair it. Looks like he didn't have enough time and did not want to pump down and nitro test, or he got good money and did the fast thing. well its to late now, tell your friend to budget a new system sometime in the near future.

[waterdawg]

I am about to add leak stop to a 20 year old system that numerous companies have tried to find. Now the customer would like this added to his system. I have done a bit of research on the product and the size of the leak is important. If over a certain percentage lossed in a set amount of time it is not recomended but will keep all posted with results.

[hvacvegas]

your epa class teaches you that you are allowed to loose 15 percent of your charge, per year.

On equitment greater than 50 pounds of refrigerant.


Otherwise, there is no restriction.
You could fill up every day if you wanted to.
Although highly unadvisable.