04-21-2005, 04:53 AM
Hi and welcome to the BFT message boards. A special howdy do from the float tubing board as well.
Most leaks will generally be from a seam on the bladder. A lower percentage will be from the stem itself. Certain stems are prone to leaks and some of them can be changed out. Please follow these simple intructions to the "Letter". It should help you and others that may have a similar problem.
1. First thing to do is remove the bladder completely from the tube.
2. Prepare a soapy water solution in a spray bottle by mixing at least 2ounces of dish soap with water and fill the bottle.
3. Inflate the tube to a moderately firm pressure. Be sure not to over inflate.
4. Spray the seams carefully from end to end watching even for the smallest of bubbles. Also spray some of the solution directly on the valve.
5. Spray some of the solutions over 1 entire side of the tube, inspect for bubbles, turn the bladder over and repeat for that side.
The amount of soap and water makes a difference on very small pin hole leaks. A moderate leak will not require as much soap.
Please let us know how you do. From there, we can guide you on intructions for patching, steer you in the right directions to find a replacement bladder or find out if the type of valve you have may have replacement parts available.
What is the make and model of your tube?? What kind of valve does it have?
[signature]
Most leaks will generally be from a seam on the bladder. A lower percentage will be from the stem itself. Certain stems are prone to leaks and some of them can be changed out. Please follow these simple intructions to the "Letter". It should help you and others that may have a similar problem.
1. First thing to do is remove the bladder completely from the tube.
2. Prepare a soapy water solution in a spray bottle by mixing at least 2ounces of dish soap with water and fill the bottle.
3. Inflate the tube to a moderately firm pressure. Be sure not to over inflate.
4. Spray the seams carefully from end to end watching even for the smallest of bubbles. Also spray some of the solution directly on the valve.
5. Spray some of the solutions over 1 entire side of the tube, inspect for bubbles, turn the bladder over and repeat for that side.
The amount of soap and water makes a difference on very small pin hole leaks. A moderate leak will not require as much soap.
Please let us know how you do. From there, we can guide you on intructions for patching, steer you in the right directions to find a replacement bladder or find out if the type of valve you have may have replacement parts available.
What is the make and model of your tube?? What kind of valve does it have?
[signature]