Leaking water heater flex fitting, 2 DIY questions

[ufgatorpolo]

This is the line leading from a water heater to the thermal overflow tank. We have a leak at this point, somewhere inside the connection. I'm wondering if the best plan is to loosen this connection, replace the gasket/ rubber washer that I'm assuming is inside there, teflon tape, and tighten.

Otherwise (and also) I'm trying to figure out the black- band connections used here, which are not compression fittings (turn a screw) and resemble a zip ties but with no obvious ratchet or anything else. It's just a band around the fitting.

Thanks in advance, and I'm now at the mercy of the internet.

 

[Reach4]

Otherwise (and also) I'm trying to figure out the black- band connections used here, which are not compression fittings (turn a screw) and resemble a zip ties but with no obvious ratchet or anything else. It's just a band around the fitting.

Those are PEX crimp connections.

It looks to me as if the leak is on the bottom nut on the copper connector. If so, I would try giving that leaking brass nut another 1/8 turn. If that doesn't do it, maybe apply a little pipe dope and tighten again. There should be no tape.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[ufgatorpolo]

Those are PEX crimp connections.

It looks to me as if the leak is on the bottom nut on the copper connector. If so, I would try giving that leaking brass nut another 1/8 turn. If that doesn't do it, maybe apply a little pipe dope and tighten again. There should be no tape.

Pipe dope and tightened last night. Looks good this morning. Appreciate the time, and I learned something with "PEX crimp".

 

[hj]

That is a gasketed compression joint, and pipe dope or tape does NOTHING to seal it. It stopped leaking because you took it apart and retightened it.