8 replies to this topic

[salvagemonger]

Hello,

My stainless tub dishwasher has a 3 inch crack and leaking. I'm planning on soldering it to fill and weld the crack. I'd like to hear suggenstions as to what type of solder to use for this type of repair (welding crack on stainless).

I also tried silver bearing rosin solder, but wouldn't stick and just ball up (the kind used on circuit boards). I thought my next effort would be to use a butane pen torch ($2 on ebay). However, I'm not quite sure what type of solder would be best for what I'm trying to accomplish.

Thanks,

[Scottthewolf]

What brand and model number of dishwasher is this? Many dishwasher manufacturers give a part warranty on the stainless steel tub if it cracks.

[salvagemonger]

My friend gave this to me after he got the replacement for it through warranty. The store didn't take it from him. It still work as normal except for the water leak. The crack is coming from the side, so it's manageable if you put a rug underneath. Ofcourse, I want to remediate the problem permanently. I could probably use silicone and be done with it. But I want to try to solder it for a stronger solution, maybe stop the crack from getting bigger.

[nickfixit]

I would use epoxy. Clean and lightly sand both sides, maybe use some brake cleaner on a clean cloth to make surface free of contaminates. I think JB Weld would work just fine.

[Vets Appliance]

I honestly think a saying my gf has could be appropriate here. She's an engineer and they say "Dinka-Wash".

DKAWASH:
"Don't Kill an Ant With A Sledge Hammer"

In the past I've used foil tape to help customers who had a DW that wasn't worth fixing but needed time to save up for a new one.

A roll of heavy foil air duct tape used for HVAC and Heating is about seven bucks and two six inch strips of it can seal a three inch crack like you wouldn't believe. But don't use the thin stuff that is really flexible. The heavier stuff is the way to go... and once you get the edges pressed all the way down I don't think you could get it off with a fire hose, let alone the light washing action of a dishwasher.

[Strathy]

I concur with Nick. Either epoxy or 5200 Marine Adhesive. I've 'glued' cracked water tubs below the water level with that stuff ... and it's still holding.

[DanInKansas]

@Scott: A quick Amazon search reveals 40 different tapes. Is there a specific brand or mil thickness you'd recommend?

[Tuco]

I fixed a galvanized DW tub using a 2 part "brown glue". Leak was below the water line (rust). I informed the ownwer that if it leaks again ..time to go shopping.

Its been working fine for over a year now.

[jb8103]

West System epoxy doesn't actually stick to stainless all that good in my experience, but I never tried the cleaning solution nickfixit recommends. Aside from HVAC grade foil tape that's the way I'd go.