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3. Leaks

Leaks are usually stopped by tightening or replacing a fitting. Be aware, however, that overtightened metal compression fittings can leak and plastic fingertights can wear out. If a fitting leak does not stop when the fitting is tightened a little, take the fitting apart and inspect for damage (e.g., distorted ferrule or particles on the sealing surface); damaged fittings should be discarded and replaced.

A. Leaky Fittings

Possible Cause	Solution

1. Loose fitting	1. Tighten
2. Stripped fitting	2. Replace
3. Overtightened fitting	3. a. Loosen and retighten
	b. Replace
4. Dirty fitting	4. a. Disassemble and clean
	b. Replace
5. Mismatched parts	5. Use all parts from same brand

B. Leaks at Pump

Possible Cause	Solution

1. Loose check valves	1. a. Tighten check valve (do not over-
	tighten)
	b. Replace check valve
2. Loose fittings	2. Tighten fittings (do not overtighten)
3. Mixer seal failure	3. a. Replace mixer seal
	b. Replace mixer
4. Pump seal failure	4. Repair or replace
5. Pressure transducer failure	5. Repair or replace
6. Pulse damper failure	6. Replace pulse damper
7. Proportioning valve failure	7. a. Check diaphragms, replace if leaky
	b. Check for fitting damage, replace
8. Purge valve	8. a. Tighten valve
	b. Replace purge valve

C. Injector Leaks

Possible Cause	Solution

1. Rotor seal failure	1. Rebuild or replace injector
2. Blocked loop	2. Replace loop
3. Loose injection-port seal	3. Adjust
4. Improper syringe-needle diameter	4. Use correct syringe
5. Waste-line siphoning	5. Keep waste line above surface waste
6. Waste-line blockage	6. Replace waste line

D. Column Leaks

Possible Cause	Solution

1. Loose endfitting	1. Tighten endfitting
2. Column packing in ferrule	2. Disassemble, rinse ferrule, reassemble
3. Improper frit thickness	3. Use proper frit (see Frit selection guide
	chart)

E. Detector Leaks

Possible Cause	Solution

1. Cell gasket failure	1. a. Prevent excessive backpressure
	b. Replace gasket
2. Cracked cell window(s)	2. Replace window(s)
3. Leaky fittings	3. Tighten or replace
4. Blocked waste line	4. Replace waste line
5. Blocked flow cell	5. Rebuild or replace

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