Patching an air mattress leak
February 10, 2006 6:29 AM Subscribe
I have a toddler-sized air mattress for my kiddo, and it's got a slow leak. How the heck do I find the leak?
I can pump the mattress up to fullness and overnight about 90% of the air has leaked out. I'd like to find and patch the leak instead of replacing it. After a look at the mattress, I'm not having much luck finding it - I'm thinking it is the exact size of the pointy end of my kitty's claw.
I can pump the mattress up to fullness and overnight about 90% of the air has leaked out. I'd like to find and patch the leak instead of replacing it. After a look at the mattress, I'm not having much luck finding it - I'm thinking it is the exact size of the pointy end of my kitty's claw.
Mix 1/2 water and 1/2 dishwashing liquid, and "paint" the mattress with the mixture. The leak will blow bubbles.
posted by grateful at 6:31 AM on February 10, 2006
posted by grateful at 6:31 AM on February 10, 2006
Or fill the bathtub up and systematically dip sections of the mattress into the water. When it farts, you've found your leak.
posted by bondcliff at 6:35 AM on February 10, 2006
posted by bondcliff at 6:35 AM on February 10, 2006
I always use foaming glass cleaner (not W*ndex)... works like a charm.
posted by sablazo at 6:57 AM on February 10, 2006
posted by sablazo at 6:57 AM on February 10, 2006
air matresses are notorious for leaking after a few months. Mine just sprung a leak and now I'm on the couch untill I get around to getting a new one. I'd just buy a new one if I were you.
posted by delmoi at 7:00 AM on February 10, 2006
posted by delmoi at 7:00 AM on February 10, 2006
A quick and dirty way is to overinflate it in a silent room and 'listen' for the air escaping.
That's hit and miss - the water tricks always work.
posted by unixrat at 8:56 AM on February 10, 2006
That's hit and miss - the water tricks always work.
posted by unixrat at 8:56 AM on February 10, 2006
If the leak is on a seam, it will be difficult to patch.
Beware of jumping toddlers and pets with claws. If those are the conditions, spend the extra money on a high quality mattress. Also, you'll get a lot more mileage by underinflating. An overinflated mattress is much more susceptible to punctures.
posted by 55TaskForce at 9:47 AM on February 10, 2006
Beware of jumping toddlers and pets with claws. If those are the conditions, spend the extra money on a high quality mattress. Also, you'll get a lot more mileage by underinflating. An overinflated mattress is much more susceptible to punctures.
posted by 55TaskForce at 9:47 AM on February 10, 2006
Response by poster: Thanks for your answers everyone. We're going to try the soapy water trick and then the bathtub one if that doesn't work.
This bed is not a huge investment, and is used only on a sometimes basis. We can replace, but I'm frugal this way. :)
Interestingly, no complaints from the daughter when it's deflated. I'm not sure she even noticed.
posted by lucyleaf at 2:30 PM on February 10, 2006
This bed is not a huge investment, and is used only on a sometimes basis. We can replace, but I'm frugal this way. :)
Interestingly, no complaints from the daughter when it's deflated. I'm not sure she even noticed.
posted by lucyleaf at 2:30 PM on February 10, 2006
your lips are very sensitive to small streams of escaping air. So if you find the general location of the hole and then when you go to patch it you can't see the specific location, search with your mouth near the surface.
posted by MonkeySaltedNuts at 7:45 PM on February 10, 2006
posted by MonkeySaltedNuts at 7:45 PM on February 10, 2006
buy a new one
posted by baker dave at 11:13 AM on February 11, 2006
posted by baker dave at 11:13 AM on February 11, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Izzmeister at 6:31 AM on February 10, 2006