What should you do if a mechanical seal is leaking after installation?

When a mechanical seal is leaking after installation, it is often indicative of a need for minor adjustments rather than an immediate failure of the seal itself. Monitoring the leak for adjustments allows you to assess the situation further, as sometimes leaks can occur due to temporary issues such as misalignment or initial settling of the seal components.

By giving it time, you can determine if the leak persists or if it stabilizes. This monitoring phase is crucial because it helps to avoid unnecessary replacement or operational downtime that may not be warranted if the leak stops on its own after a short period. In many cases, mechanical seals take a short period to properly "wear in," and slight leakage can be expected.

If, after monitoring, the leak does not diminish, then further actions, such as retightening the bolts or replacing the seal, can be considered based on the degree of the leak and the manufacturer's recommendations.