Undersink plumbing washing machine etc

[Branchy]

We've been having issues with our washing machine recently where it is filling up in the drum overnight with clean water.
I just went to look underthe sink to check (actually don't know what I was checking for!) anyway I knocked a small blue lever about 1/4 turn and all this water came gushing out.
I have now switched this tap back to off position
Should there be something at the bottom of this pipe??
Also washing machine is all plumbed in correctly further along the pipework close to back of machine, so does anyone know why my machine drum is filling up?

 

[Burger]

Hello Branchy,
That appears to be a cold fill for either your washing machine or maybe a dishwasher. What tap is your washing machine plumbed into? Take a photo futher back so we can see a bit more to help us with what maybe the issue. Also anything changed/renewed recently, eg a new tap or shower etc?

 

[Branchy]

Hello Branchy,
That appears to be a cold fill for either your washing machine or maybe a dishwasher. What tap is your washing machine plumbed into? Take a photo futher back so we can see a bit more to help us with what maybe the issue. Also anything changed/renewed recently, eg a new tap or shower etc?

The copper pipework that heads out the left side behind has more taps on where the washer and dishwasher both plumb in to.
Have checked and there's no loose pipework that could go on to this lever under the sink, first time I've properly looked so unsure if there's ever been anything on there.
Yes we've had a new shower fitted about 3 weeks ago..

 

[Burger]

The copper pipework that heads out the left side behind has more taps on where the washer and dishwasher both plumb in to.
Have checked and there's no loose pipework that could go on to this lever under the sink, first time I've properly looked so unsure if there's ever been anything on there.
Yes we've had a new shower fitted about 3 weeks ago..

Ok, so it must be an old feed then. Easily changed to an elbow given the use of speed fit fittings. Do you have a combi boiler? Did this problem start about 3 weeks ago? Could be cold forcing hot out of the way on the shower if it’s a mixer. Are you able to isolate the shower?

 

[Branchy]

Ok, so it must be an old feed then. Easily changed to an elbow given the use of speed fit fittings. Do you have a combi boiler? Did this problem start about 3 weeks ago? Could be cold forcing hot out of the way on the shower if it’s a mixer. Are you able to isolate the shower?

Are you able to tell me what sort of fitting I am looking for?
No this problem with the machine only started about 4 or 5 days ago

 

[Burger]

Are you able to tell me what sort of fitting I am looking for?

For which part?

 

[Branchy]

For which part?

For that undersink bit with blue lever above. What's the part called that I need to get?

 

[Burger]

For that undersink bit with blue lever above. What's the part called that I need to get?

If you mean when I said it’s easily changed, then you need JG Speedfit Elbow

 

[Branchy]

If you mean when I said it’s easily changed, then you need JG Speedfit Elbow

Thank you 🙂 will sort out fitting that on
Do you think the problem with the machine is the machine or plumbing related

 

[Burger]

Thank you 🙂 will sort out fitting that on
Do you think the problem with the machine is the machine or plumbing related

It could be either, that’s why I was asking if anything has changed or been renewed,like your shower. What type of shower is it? Can you isolate it?

 

[Branchy]

It could be either, that’s why I was asking if anything has changed or been renewed,like your shower. What type of shower is it? Can you isolate it?

It's a electric pressure shower. But it was a replacement for the already existing unit not a new installation. No idea how to isolate it haha

 

[Burger]

I presume it’s a power shower? This could be the issue,but would need to isolate to confirm. There should be isolation valves on the feeds to it.

 

[rpm]

If you mean when I said it’s easily changed, then you need JG Speedfit Elbow

Hold on, the part with the blue tap is an isolation valve turned off, are you saying replace it with an open elbow?

 

[Branchy]

I presume it’s a power shower? This could be the issue,but would need to isolate to confirm. There should be isolation valves on the feeds to it.

What would I be looking for after isolating to determine this was causing the washing machine issue

 

[Branchy]

Hold on, the part with the blue tap is an isolation valve turned off, are you saying replace it with an open elbow?

So if it doesnt need replacing then can I get a cap of some sort to place at the bottom? Didn't realise they were so easy to knock open

 

[Burger]

Hold on, the part with the blue tap is an isolation valve turned off, are you saying replace it with an open elbow?

Not at all,I was suggesting replace the tee with an elbow and remove altogether.

 

[JCplumb]

There will be a little blue lever on the valve that is connected to the washing machine feed pipe. Close this overnight.
If your machine still has water in tomorrow then it's getting there through the waste and your waste plumbing is at fault.
If no water then the washing machine is at fault and likely needs a new water inlet valve.

 

[Burger]

So if it doesnt need replacing then can I get a cap of some sort to place at the bottom? Didn't realise they were so easy to knock open

Yes,forgot you can get a 3/4” cap to go on the bottom,but because it’s not used I would suggest removing it.

 

[rpm]

Yes,forgot you can get a 3/4” cap to go on the bottom,but because it’s not used I would suggest removing it.

..... if you know where to isolate the water upstream or leave it turned off and cap it. You can even remove the blue handle if you like.

 

[Best]

Internal electric valve of washing machine could be faulty.
Seen that happening and machine filling up to top drawer and flooding out

 

[Branchy]

... if you know where to isolate the water upstream or leave it turned off and cap it. You can even remove the blue handle if you like.

If I remove the blue handle will I not just flood the kitchen as there was loads of water gushing out when I knocked it open?

 

[Branchy]

There will be a little blue lever on the valve that is connected to the washing machine feed pipe. Close this overnight.
If your machine still has water in tomorrow then it's getting there through the waste and your waste plumbing is at fault.
If no water then the washing machine is at fault and likely needs a new water inlet valve.

If closing this works and point to washing machine fault, are the water inlet valves cheap and simple to replace, or would a new machine be best

 

[Ben-gee]

Inlet valves are quite cheap, mine was £20 , it was pretty simple to replace - the whole job took less than an hour.
Depends on machine layout of course as I believe sometimes other parts have to be removed to gain access.
So to answer your question, it depends on age/general state of/value of your machine - but if all else is ok I would definitely repair.

 

[Burger]

If I remove the blue handle will I not just flood the kitchen as there was loads of water gushing out when I knocked it open?

If it’s in the off position, the handle is held in by a screw, unscrew this handle - less likely to turn on after that as it’s a metal spindle, usually only openable by spanner/grips etc.

Edit: Brass Cap 3/4"

 

[Branchy]

If it’s in the off position, the handle is held in by a screw, unscrew this handle - less likely to turn on after that as it’s a metal spindle, usually only openable by spanner/grips etc.

Thank you 🙂 will give it a go later

 

[Ben-gee]

Branch don’t get fixated on the pipework under the sink, do JC’s test to find the problem.

The pipework almost certainly has nothing to do with your issue; yes it all wants tidying up but that can be done later.

 

[Branchy]

Branch don’t get fixated on the pipework under the sink, do JC’s test to find the problem.

The pipework almost certainly has nothing to do with your issue; yes it all wants tidying up but that can be done later.

That's OK my main thing I need to sort is our washer, just worried now I might knock that other thing open haha. Have turned valve off to washer for today to see what goes on

 

[JCplumb]

As Ben-gee says, don't worry about your pipes under the sink, you knocked the blue handle and opened the 'tap' under the sink, don't knock it again, or do as above, i.e. remove it or take the handle off.
It is only there because the previous tenant/owner probably had a water dispensing fridge plumbed in, as long as it's not leaking it's irrelevant now.

 

[Manos]

Hi there
The problem you have is with your cold water inlet valve nothing to do with the pipe work.
The other with the isolation valve it looks to me that’s a 15mm 1/2 inch. Just get a BLANK NUT ½ X (51939) . This is a Screwfix part no.