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Launched on an exceptionally cold morning, Challenger was brought down by eroded O-ring seals in the right booster.

“What you’re not doing here is fixing the O-ring and the leak that’s causing the problem in the first place. You’re combatting a symptom or part of the problem without actually fixing the underlying design issue.”

You can use copper press fittings that seal the joint with a rubber O-ring.

Boeing advised airlines in November about the issue, which has been traced to an O-ring seal and described as a slow leak — about 8 ounces of water per hour.

Usually caused by a corroded valve, loose washer, or bad O-ring, it’s a simple repair.