How to fix leaking copper line to fridge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting and repairing a leaking copper line connected to a refrigerator. Participants explore various aspects of the issue, including the identification of parts, methods for disassembly, and potential sources of the leak.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest visiting a plumbing supply store for assistance in identifying the part and understanding its function.
  • One participant identifies the component as a garden hose bib and proposes that a new rubber washer may be needed.
  • Another participant describes the process of undoing the nuts on the copper tube, indicating that it appears to be a compression fitting with an olive.
  • A participant notes that the fitting adapts a compression fitting to the hose bib.
  • Several participants express difficulty in unscrewing the two nuts on the copper tube, indicating that they have tried without success.
  • One participant provides the specific name and dimensions of the brass adapter fitting needed for the repair.
  • There is uncertainty about whether the proposed brass fitting will effectively stop the leak, with some suggesting that the source of the leak could be the plastic fitting or misalignment of the fittings.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of using a tubing cutter for a clean cut of the copper pipe to avoid future leaks.
  • One participant shares a perspective on compression fittings being consumable, suggesting that repeated tightening may lead to failure and that the leak could have originated from the hose bib instead.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the source of the leak and the effectiveness of the proposed solutions. There is no consensus on the best approach to resolve the issue, and multiple competing perspectives remain.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include uncertainty regarding the exact source of the leak, the condition of the fittings, and the effectiveness of the proposed brass adapter fitting. The discussion also reflects varying levels of experience and knowledge among participants.

tirelessphoenix
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TL;DR
does anyone know how to fix this? its the copper line that goes to the fridge and it leaks from the junction where the arrows point. I tried to unplug piece labeled as "A" but it just rotates, cannot be detached. I know how to cut the copper pipe, but what the piece 'A" is called?
any suggestions on how to fix the leak welcomed. Thank you.
d.
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Why not bring your photo to a plumbing supply store and see if they can explain the part and how it works?

Maybe even Home Depot or Lowes, although it's hard to find someone there who can actually help with more obscure things.
 
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It's a garden hose bib. The same kind that is on a washing machine. You likely need a new rubber washer.
 
First undo the two nuts on the copper tube. Hold the narrow one on the left while unscrewing the one on the right closest to the copper tube. That appears to be a compression fitting, with an olive on the copper tube.
Then you can turn the larger fitting to unscrew it from the body.
 
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It looks to me like the fitting adapts a compression fitting to the hose bib.
 
the two nuts on the copper tube cannot be unscrewed. I tried.
 
the two nuts cannot be unscrewed. I tried...
 
thank you. this 3/4 brass will fit the copper line and stop the leak? I just need to cut the copper pipe, right? thank you
 
  • #10
tirelessphoenix said:
thank you. this 3/4 brass will fit the copper line and stop the leak? I just need to cut the copper pipe, right? thank you
Your OP picture seems to show that the brass olive wrapping the copper pipe is damaged or missing.

Not sure what is the source of the leak.
It could be the plastic fitting as well.

It could also be a simple case of forced misalignment of the fittings due to some force or moment that is being accidentally transferred to them.

brass-everbilt-brass-fittings-801789-64_300.jpg
71PwCd1P1LL.jpg
 
  • #11
tirelessphoenix said:
I just need to cut the copper pipe, right? thank you
For a clean cut, be sure to use a Tubing Cutter. A hacksaw will leave a rough end and metal chips in the tubing - and potentially on the mating surfaces causing another leak.

Cheers,
Tom

p.s. Please let us know how the repair turns out.
 
  • #12
One of my pet peeves. Maybe I can improve the world:
Compression fittings (like the tube fitting in the picture) are consumable. Every time that they are tightened, the flared ferrule receiver 'stretches' a bit more - a little extra nut rotation is required to achieve the same 'seal' at the ferrule. The nut gets closer to the fitting on every re-make. The nut in the picture has been fully consumed - no travel remains. It's probable that the leak was at the hose bib (rubber washer), but someone kept tightening the compression fitting (anyway).
 
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