Can I use liquid boiler sealer or radiator sealer to seal a small leak in my solar collector?

Question

I have a small leak on the inside of my solar hot water collector. Is there something I could mix with the water to seal the leak, since you cannot open the collector? I was thinking of a liquid boiler sealer or radiator sealer. It uses copper pipes and reaches temps of about 200 degrees max.

Answer 1

You run the risk of clogging valves, damaging sensors and coating the inside of the pipes and reducing their efficiency. Even if a leak is sealed by an additive, no manufacturer will guarantee that such a seal will last. Repairing or replacing the leaky pipe or fitting is the best cure.  The collector may be sealed so it is not supposed to be opened, but there must be some way to get into it to make repairs and then reseal it.  You might need to have someone with a vacuum pump evacuate the panel after it is opened and the pipe repaired.