Analysis of acetal toilet fill valve supply line nut failure
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2017
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of product liability cases involving the failure of toilet water supply line acetal plastic nuts. These nuts can fail in service, causing water leaks that result in significant property and financial losses. This study examines three possible failure modes of acetal plastic toilet water supply nuts. The three failure modes tested were all due to over load failure of the acetal nut and are as follows: (1) Overtightening of the supply line acetal nut, (2) Supply line lateral pull and, (3) Embrittled supply line lateral pull. Additionally, a “hand-tight” torque survey was conducted. The fracture surfaces and characteristics of these failure tests were examined with Stereo Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The failure modes were compared and contrasted to provide guidance in determination of cause in these investigations.
Publication Title
Case Studies in Engineering Failure Analysis
Volume
9
First Page
129
Last Page
137
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1016/j.csefa.2017.11.002
ISSN
22132902
Citation Information
Timpanaro, Scherzer, R., Keifer, O. P., & Eason, P. D. (2017). Analysis of acetal toilet fill valve supply line nut failure. Case Studies in Engineering Failure Analysis, 9, 129–137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csefa.2017.11.002