Leaking new stopcock tap

[Randompunk]

Hi

I have just replaced a 15mm stopcock tap in my airing cupboard. Fitted it fine with PTFE tap to create a better seal.

Once open it leaks from the top of the nut, only a slow one. Any ideas what it can be...? I added PTFE tape to the olive as well as the thread on the unit.

Maybe not enough PTFE or something else? Possibly leave it off so it seals itself?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Lee

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Did you change the nuts and olives also as they could be a different design

 

[Randompunk]

Did you change the nuts and olives also as they could be a different design

Yes got the old nuts and olives off and put new on for everything.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yes got the old nuts and olives off and put new on for everything.

I would say then how tight have you done the nuts up might need an extra pinch

 

[Randompunk]

I would say then how tight have you done the nuts up might need an extra pinch

Also done that, tighten any further I think something is going to give.

 

[Harvest Fields]

Can you take some pictures for us as that would probably help.

 

[Randompunk]

Can you take some pictures for us as that would probably help.

I will have to take them tomorrow now but yeah I can see how it'll help. Thanks.

 

[SavageW]

Did you make sure the pipe work either side of the stopcock was fully inserted to the valve as you tightened the nut & olive,the pipe work might not be clipped an could of dropped when you have taken the existing stopcock out. Also When you say the top nut,you don’t mean the gland nut on the spindle?(the head you would turn to turn the valve on/off) like harvest fields said a picture would help a lot

 

[Randompunk]

Did you make sure the pipe work either side of the stopcock was fully inserted to the valve as you tightened the nut & olive,the pipe work might not be clipped an could of dropped when you have taken the existing stopcock out. Also When you say the top nut,you don’t mean the gland nut on the spindle?(the head you would turn to turn the valve on/off) like harvest fields said a picture would help a lot

Definitely not the glad nut, you can see the water very slowly coming out the top of the nut. I couldn't insert the pipework anymore into the stopcock tap.

Ok will get photos tomorrow. Thank you

 

[SavageW]

Maybe try another Olive with paste? Remove the ptfe from the thread.definately not cross threaded? Sorry to question just trying to find a resolve for you

 

[Ric2013]

Don't tape threads.

If you're going to use PTFE (not a bad idea if putting new joint on old pipe) then best bet is tighten joint lightly and then the olive will be in the right place. Dismantle, wrap several turns of PTFE over olive and reassemble. Usually works even if pipe is a bit mashed.

 

[Randompunk]

Don't tape threads.

If you're going to use PTFE (not a bad idea if putting new joint on old pipe) then best bet is tighten joint lightly and then the olive will be in the right place. Dismantle, wrap several turns of PTFE over olive and reassemble. Usually works even if pipe is a bit mashed.

Thanks for the advice... I will check tomorrow and will dismantle and re do with it tape on threads and just tape on olives.

 

[Randompunk]

Hi again.

Couple of photos of the annoying leak. Tried again today and the leak is so slow.

Thanks

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Turn the stop tap off and strip the top joint and inspect it

 

[Harvest Fields]

The copper looks a little battered in the top of the tap.

 

[Randompunk]

Turn the stop tap off and strip the top joint and inspect it

Ok i shall do that, maybe I didn't put enough PTFE tape on the olive?

 

[Harvest Fields]

Ok i shall do that, maybe I didn't put enough PTFE tape on the olive?

You should not have to put PTFE on an olive at all mate really. I would put a new piece of copper in and a new olive. The PTFE may be stopping the olive Sitton correctly

 

[rpm]

You should not have to put PTFE on an olive at all mate really. I would put a new piece of copper in and a new olive. The PTFE may be stopping the olive Sitting correctly

I`m ok with a couple of wraps of PTFE however some people go overboard with it but
NEVER PUT IT ON THE THREADS !
Bet the olive falls off.

 

[Harvest Fields]

I`m ok with a couple of wraps of PTFE however some people go overboard with it but
NEVER PUT IT ON THE THREADS !
Bet the olive falls off.

It's just not my preference mate. Nothing against it. Just not for me.

 

[rpm]

It's just not my preference mate. Nothing against it. Just not for me.

I know mate, we`ve had a long debate in the past re tape or paste so each to their own.

 

[Randompunk]

The copper looks a little battered in the top of the tap.

I`m ok with a couple of wraps of PTFE however some people go overboard with it but
NEVER PUT IT ON THE THREADS !
Bet the olive falls off.

My mistake for putting it on the threads. Seen it done in the past and just followed that.

Already taken the tap off once and the olive is solidly attached to the pipe.

 

[Randompunk]

You should not have to put PTFE on an olive at all mate really. I would put a new piece of copper in and a new olive. The PTFE may be stopping the olive Sitton correctly

I've tried with and without tape on the olive. I will strip down and re do it all.

 

[rpm]

My mistake for putting it on the threads. Seen it done in the past and just followed that.

Already taken the tap off once and the olive is solidly attached to the pipe.

Fair enough, if you have doubts about the condition of the pipe under the olive then as said above replace that section.

 

[Randompunk]

Fair enough, if you have doubts about the condition of the pipe under the olive then as said above replace that section.

Is replacing the copper pipe easy enough to do for just someone sort of good at diy jobs?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yes easy enough with a compression coupling and a pipe slice or hacksaw and file

 

[rpm]

Yes easy enough with a compression coupling and a pipe slice or hacksaw and file

On a straight section of pipe of course, not on a bend.

 

[Randompunk]

Yes easy enough with a compression coupling and a pipe slice or hacksaw and file

Shall look in to that if the strip down doesn't work.

Thanks all for advice and tips.

 

[Randompunk]

On a straight section of pipe of course, not on a bend.

Yeah it's all straight. No, I wouldn't attempt it on a bend.

 

[rpm]

Yeah it's all straight. No, I wouldn't attempt it on a bend.

Nice, I`ve seen people try all sorts so just wanted to be perfectly clear.

 

[Randompunk]

Nice, I`ve seen people try all sorts so just wanted to be perfectly clear.

I can quite believe that.

 

[rpm]

I`ve also seen those valves installed upside down, no insult meant just saying.

 

[Randompunk]

I`ve also seen those valves installed upside down, no insult meant just saying.

I made sure I didn't make that mistake... certainly didn't want that to be my problem.

 

[SavageW]

That last bit of copper pipe does look chewed up,definately try cutting it back the smoother part an reseal the joint.Hope this works for you mate

 

[Randompunk]

That last bit of copper pipe does look chewed up,definately try cutting it back the smoother part an reseal the joint.Hope this works for you mate

Thanks very much I will give that a go.

 

[Ric2013]

To me it looks like the previous olive was quite a long way further up the pipe. Yet you say the pipe is fully home in the fitting? You definitely have 1/2" of pipe under the olive then? Don't try to solder wet pipe or if water is dripping down it - it won't work (although I did it with success today) but not a problem if using compression (or pushfit copper).