Leak tester
ekwb.com2 / IDENTIFY VACANT PORT
You’ll need a vacant port to attach the pressure tester, which comes
with a standard G1/4in connector. This port can be on a reservoir or a
spare port on a waterblock, but ideally somewhere that’s easy to
access without dismantling parts of your loop.MODDING / HOW TO GUIDES
Leak-test a
water-cooling
system
How to
3 / ATTACH DOUBLEENDED MALE FITTING
The EKWB pressure tester we’re using has a double-ended G1/4in
male fitting that connects to the tester, and then to your vacant port.
Install this fitting to the leak tester’s single G1/4in port first, using a
wrench with a small amount of pressure to make sure it’s tight.W
ater cooling can be a very rewarding way of reducing your PC’s
heat and cutting its noise, as well as making it look fantastic.
What’s more, it’s now easier than ever to set up, with loads of
off-the-shelf parts available. However, the dark side of water cooling is
that water and electricity don’t mix – even if you’re using deionised
coolant, it’s always best to be safe. Leaks, therefore, should be avoided at
all costs and remain one of the fears of anyone dipping their toes into the
reservoir for the first time.
Leaks occur for a number of reasons, such as a forgotten port plug on a
graphics card, a loose fitting, a missing O-ring, a damaged part or even a
defect. Thankfully, these issues can be discovered before you fill your
loop with liquid by using a pressure tester. These testers work like bicycle
pumps to pressurise your loop and, by adding a pressure gauge, they
enable you to see if any air escapes from the loop, identifying a potential
leak. Here, we’ll show you how to assemble a pressure tester and
connectit toyourloop,andoffersome advice if it doesn’t all go to plan.Antony Leather shows you how to
avoid leaks in your water-cooling
system by using a pressure tester
TOTAL PROJECT TIME / 1 HOURS
TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
1 / CREATE YOUR LOOP
Build your water-cooling loop into your case, making sure that you
connect and tighten every fitting and section of tube. You don’t want
to have to make alterations after you’ve leak-tested it, but it’s easy to
retest if you do need to make some changes.