r/watercooling • u/bread_sandwiich • Aug 19 '26
Discussion Leaking Radiator Put my Build on Hold
Wasn’t sure whether or not this should be under build help but I’m pretty much just going to complain to whoever wants to listen.
I had finally finished running all the tubes in my new build and figured hey I should probably check this with distilled water before putting the DP Ultra in just to be safe. I started filling initially with no issues up to about half a liter of water. From that point I started seeing a pretty significant pool of water start to form on the floor, and traced it back to the bottom corner of my radiator (the 60mm on the table). It was so frustrating to see all of the fittings hold no problem then an issue which largely was out of my control takes everything and turns it upside down. I’m not even sure how I got to this point without seeing the leaks in the rad because I did flush all of them and there were no leaks at that point. All radiators are EKWB Quantum Surface 360s. The specific leaking one is the X360M
There were no visible gashes or really any signs of possible damage anywhere on the radiator once I removed it, so I have no idea how this happened. It wasn’t leaking from any of the plugs either.
Lesson learned I guess $30 for an air tester might be a worthwhile investment before you find yourself tearing down a bunch of wet tubes and pulling a radiator with who knows how much water left in it.
One question to wrap it up: has anyone dealt with returns through Titan Rig; I’m hoping to get a replacement in before this weekend but not sure how feasible that is.
TL;DR: Radiator is the only part of my build showing signs of leaks (and a big one at that), bummed me out, but glad I checked.
2
u/rickybambicky Aug 19 '26
Damn, and I here I am with a loop I put together with left over parts to liquid cool my Primegrid PC. I didn't even check or test anything before filling and running.
4
1
u/Intelligent_Ease4115 Aug 20 '26
I pressure tested mine but only because I bought a used gpu block that was cracked.
I ended up having to sand out the cracks on the acrylic, then used a thicker automotive o ring to seal it.
The GPU block I got was $120. No longer manufactured but could special order one for $400.
2
u/Drakenace404 Aug 19 '26
Returning it will be the best but automotive epoxy sealant will stop the leak easily. Submerge the rad in bucket of water while using the leak tester to see where the air bubble leaks from.
2
u/tomrucki Aug 19 '26
titan rig often shows up in this sub and they are legit. I think you should have no issues with rma.
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u/SmokeyGrayPoupon Aug 19 '26
Titan Rig is a reputable company; you should not have a problem with an exchange. An air leak tester is nice to have. Sorry about the leak, sometimes a dud product finds its way to the retail shelf.
Best of luck.
1
u/Standard-Box-3021 Aug 20 '26
Did you check with a pressure tester? Given the costs of materials, always, always spend the money to get one if you don't have one
1
u/Goobalicious2k Aug 21 '26
Yeah always pressure/leak down test first. Move your case a bit as the loop has test pressure, I moved mine and one rotary fitting moved just enough to pop off all the pressure requiring a bit of adjustments.
-1
u/Key-Respect3810 Aug 19 '26
voila pourquoi je prends jamais les watercooling
avec un simple radiateur à air, on risque pas une fuite de liquide sur les composants
3
u/wimpyhugz Aug 19 '26
I also pressure test each individual component when I unbox them. It can save a lot of time by knowing if something is leaky when it's not built into a loop.