Repairing leaks in a maple tubing network

<(Video below) Part 2: Examples of leaks and their repair.

Alan Isabel, representative of LS Bilodeau and also an installer of tubing networks, walks through a sugar bush and shares some examples of leaks along with solutions for repairing them based on the cause.

Example 1: Wet bark around the spout

• Loose Spout: Moved back or improperly inserted during tapping. (Diagnosed in example 1)
  Solution: Reinsert it into the same tap, ensuring not to hammer too much (rely on sound) as it could crack the tap, damaging your maple tree and compromising the seal of the tap.
• Faulty Spout: Over time, spouts may deform and no longer provide a sufficient seal.
  Solution: Inspect your spout, if it is deformed, you will simply need to replace it with a new one.

Example 2: High flow, backflow, multiple small bubbles in the tubing, audible leaks

In this second example, which is quite common, we will observe signs of leaks and micro-leaks in the behavior of water in the tubing: if the bubbles move more than 1 foot / 3 seconds, you have a leak.

Sealing issue between a fitting and the tubing (Diagnosed in example 2). Here are the potential causes:
• Notch in the tubing;
• Improper insertion;
• Defective fitting (T-cap, spout, union, hook, T-saddle);
Solution: Verify that this is indeed the location of the leak by blocking the flow upstream (using (#Q71919 shut-off clamps)). If the flow returns to normal, you have found the leak! Replace the faulty fitting or connection using repair clamps and wait a few minutes to ensure that the flow is fully restored.

Improper tap, here are the potential causes:
• Oval or deformed tap;
• Tap cut at too steep an angle;
• Tap in dead or rotten wood;
• Excessive hammering during tapping, causing microcracks around the tap;
• Non-sealed tap: generally caused by a drill bit of the wrong diameter, poor quality, or poorly sharpened.
Solution: Verify that this is indeed the location of the leak by blocking the flow upstream (using (#Q71919 shut-off clamps)). If the flow returns to normal, you have found the leak! Replace the faulty fitting or connection using repair clamps and wait a few minutes to ensure that the flow is fully restored.

Tubing issue
Your tubing is punctured, chewed by wildlife, or damaged by the weather. Solution: Replace this section of tubing, whether it's a complete drop or a section of your line, and ask the squirrels to leave your tubing alone (we can always hope!).

Recovering a spout, T-connector, end-of-line, or any other connection: be cautious

When retrieving unions, tees, end-of-line fittings, and any other connections, it is crucial not to notch them with a blade, as this can cause a micro-leak, and even a leak in some cases. That's why we recommend using Pro #71206 wire strippers to avoid damaging the connection.
Please note: Be cautious of older connections that have molding lines, as with use, it has been discovered that these pose the same risk of a micro-leak as a blade cut. It is very important to inspect any "used" or recycled connection before installing it in your network.

How often should leaks be done?

The tighter your network, the better the quality and quantity of sap you will harvest. According to the Acer Center (2015), high-performing sugar bushes will inspect their tubing network every week during the sugaring season to maintain an optimal vacuum level. Due to weather conditions, freeze-thaw cycles, freezing rain, winds, etc., your spouts may move from their taps, your tubes may be subject to animal damage, fallen branches, a sudden repair or change in vacuum can significantly move components, etc. One way to keep an eye on your vacuum levels is to place gauges at the head of the line for small productions (check out our video "Gravity Tubing System on 5/16" to see an example) or to install the Magika monitoring and intelligence system.