What do I do if a VAV hot-water coil fitting gets twisted and starts leaking?

Stop and shut down/isolate the water side as needed. Thin coil connections need backup wrench support; a twisted or cracked internal coil/header needs proper mechanical repair or replacement.

Stop if

• The VAV reheat coil fitting at [tag/location] twisted and is leaking. I stopped tightening and checked whether the loop is active. Do you want the water isolated and the coil opened/repaired or replaced?

Watch out

• Do not keep cranking on a coil fitting after the coil/header starts moving.

Check

• Stop tightening when the coil fitting moves or the casing starts twisting.
• Check whether water is active and whether the loop needs isolation/shutdown.
• Find leak location: external fitting, coil connection, internal header, or casing.
• Document the damage and notify foreman/mechanical piping lead.
• Use backup wrench/support method on any remaining connections.

Steps

• Stop tightening when the coil fitting moves or the casing starts twisting.
• Check whether water is active and whether the loop needs isolation/shutdown.
• Find leak location: external fitting, coil connection, internal header, or casing.
• Document the damage and notify foreman/mechanical piping lead.
• Use backup wrench/support method on any remaining connections.

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