Fluid systems require functional, durable components to ensure the efficient and safe control of liquid and gas flow. However, even the best quality components wear out over time. If you’ve noticed a leak from your fluid or control system, this could be a sign of a faulty JIC fitting.
A leak near your JIC fitting is more than an inconvenience—it’s also a safety hazard. Maintain your facility’s and workers’ security by identifying leaks before they become a bigger problem. Here are a few reasons why your JIC fitting could be acting up, how to spot the problem, and how to prevent future leaks with high-quality JIC fittings from Hy-Lok Canada.
Why Is My JIC Fitting Leaking?
There are a number of reasons why a JIC fitting can fail. If you’re new to working with these types of fittings hands-on, here are a few common causes of a JIC fitting leak:
Improper installation: If your JIC was installed with the wrong tools or misaligned with other components, this can result in the seal not being adequately supported.
Material incompatibility: The wrong metal and gas/liquid combination can cause several issues, like rust and corrosion, which can degrade your JIC fitting and cause it to leak.
Overtightened or loose fittings: If your JIC fitting was overtightened during installation, issues like stripped threads, deformed sealants, and cracks can occur. These can impact your JIC’s durability and pressure tolerance during operation, causing it to spring a leak.
Incorrect fitting size or type: JIC fittings are not one-size-fits-all. If your fitting is too small, the pressure from your hydraulic equipment may cause it to burst and leak. If it’s too big, the sealant may not be able to prevent gas or liquid from slipping through.
Wear and tear: Even with proper maintenance, material compatibility, and installation, high-quality fittings still have a lifespan. This leak may be the result of general wear and tear from continuous use.
How to Prevent JIC Fitting Leaks
You can stop a leak before it becomes a more serious problem, or prevent one altogether, by taking the following steps with your equipment:
Proper assembly: Always ensure your JIC fittings and other hydraulic components are installed correctly and by an experienced professional. Conduct a quality inspection once the installation is complete to ensure each step has been properly followed.
Schedule regular maintenance: Leaks can spring at any time, which is why regular maintenance of your hydraulic system is crucial. These scheduled visits will allow you to catch inevitable issues like worn components, and also prevent inadequate or improperly installed fittings from causing further problems.
Choose the correct JIC fittings with help from Hy-Lok Canada: Make sure you select a fitting with compatible pressure and temperature ratings for your hydraulic system. To prevent chemical hazards, your JIC’s material must be a safe pairing with the gas or liquid you’re processing.
Our JIC fittings feature a pressure rating up to 8,700psig and a temperature tolerance from -425°F to 1200°F. These fittings are in compliance with SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards to ensure they can be interchanged with other manufacturer components.
Upgrade Worn Components with Hy-Lok’s JIC Fittings
If your JIC fittings are worn or incompatible with your equipment, partner with Hy-Lok Canada to select the right component. Visit our Products page to learn more about our fittings, valves, and other items in our catalogue.
If you want to ensure you never run out of essential parts like JIC fittings, contact us to learn about Hy-Lok’s direct-to-site supply services.