Solar Leak Repair

soundskin

This time of year with the good weather, it's very common for people to have issues with their solar systems given the high temps and possible stagnation.

Have any installers or repair guys attempted leak sealers like fernox or Guardian into solar systems to stop leaks? A sealant that won't affect the circ pump obviously.

I know the best thing is for the leak to be found and repaired but easier said than done in some installations with poor access.

quentingargan

I'm afraid it is unlikely that you will find something to do this. The product you use has the added complication that it must be non-toxic because there is always the risk of a leak between your coil and the domestic hot water in your cylinder.

A well designed and properly installed system will not leak and you have an issue with your installer. If they've ridden off into the sunset, you will just have to track down the problem. Common problems are

Badly made up joints - glycol sometimes reacts with teflon tape and seals should be made with hemp and high temperature paste.
Over-frequent stagnation - it really should only happen in the event of a power cut on a well designed system - this can put pressure on joints as well with high temperatures
Freeze damage - Degradation of antifreeze on systems that stagnate (glycol can't survive the high temperatures)

There are many more problems, but you might just be lucky and find that the joints to the panel are leaking under pressure.

Lastly, are you sure it is a leak? Do you have a collecting vessel under your pressure relief valve?