Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per photo

[LeighB]

Hi

When I screw the water connection back on to the float valve thread under the cistern, there is a leak when I turn the water back on. There are 3 fibre washers filling the gap.

Does anyone know what I could do to stop the leak?

Thanks you

 

[MickBrown]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

Is it a new inlet valve? I had a valve that kept leaking no matter what I did, fitted a new valve and job sorted. You should not need 3 washers.

 

[galaxy_plumbing]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

try to use rubber o-ring, will get drip when not perfectly square. where is the leak coming from?

 

[LeighB]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

No, it is an old valve. Was ok this morning but only started leaking when i screwed it back together. It did only have one washer, i thought a further 2 would stop the leak.. The leak is not as bad but it's still a trickle all the same.

 

[MickBrown]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

Have you cross threaded it? It is easy to do with plastic threads. Looking at the photo the pipe is not square to the inlet valve so it would be easy to screw it on crooked. When it is on look at it to see if connector is perfectly square to the valve. If you have cross threaded then it can be difficult to get it on square and a new inlet valve is required.

 

[MickBrown]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

In addition did you put PTFE tape on the thread? It looks like there is some on there but that could be old and needs renewing.

 

[JCplumb]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

Only use one washer, take the PTFE off the white plastic thread, then as above make sure it's not cross threading. If all else fails get a brass tailed valve instead of the plastic one.

 

[petercj]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

Adding washers increases the risk of leaking because you have added more surfaces to seal - check the surfaces of the joint and the washer for any signs that might cause a problem. A softer washer might be better. As mentioned, make sure the joint is pulling up square when tightening.

 

[SimonG]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

Or you could call a plumber, tbh looks like you've done the thread on it.

 

[Terry_the_piper]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

Use a half inch to 15mm female iron (Brass, or chrome if you want looks) with a rubber washer in the bottom and screw the connector onto that

 

[Subby]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

Cut off the end of the thread with a hacksaw (the bit that has been cross threaded), and start again.

 

[Destroyer2813]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

Could be a split in the plastic i changed one today valve was leaking went to tighten it up and a spray of water appeared from the thread seems that whoever put it in put paste on the fibre washer onto the plastic and it may have damaged it

 

[AWheating]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

Best to change the valve for peace of mind. If possible get a brass threaded one. You could always cut back and fit a 150mm flexiable tap connector, it will have a nice rubber washer and work if its not square. Flexi's are not as good as copper but are a good idea if your not experienced and want to do it yourself.

good luck.

 

[Subby]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

Another thing i find helps with fitting these is to take the ballofix off(if the water is off lol), screw this onto the plastic thread first, then attatch the pipe back into the ballofix, makes life easier.

 

[Terry_the_piper]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

I agree but it kinda defeats the idea of the isolator.

 

[aqualogic7]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

the problem is you are trying to fit a flat surface fitting on to a ballafix ment for an pipe and olive

 

[Destroyer2813]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

the problem is you are trying to fit a flat surface fitting on to a ballafix ment for an pipe and olive

That aint a ballofix pal thats a straight service valve

 

[rpm]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

Being a Saniflo guy I often have to remove the toilet to get to the pump then find the same problem when putting the toilet back so now I carry 1/2 inch brass extensions which are female / male fitting each end.

 

[Mike Jackson]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

Being a Saniflo guy I often have to remove the toilet to get to the pump then find the same problem when putting the toilet back so now I carry 1/2 inch brass extensions which are female / male fitting each end.

generally known as tap extension pieces.

Supreme Plumbing & Electrical Supplies >> Order from Supremeplumb.com - Brass Tap Extension Piece 1/2" - EPS-BF705

Cut the damaged thread back, seal this to the plastic with PTFE tape and then connect the tap connector as normal. Great time saver when faced with a damaged thread.

 

[wiggers]

Re: Leak under cistern - connecting float valve to the water supply pipe, as per phot

All I would do is remove all three fibre washers put one new one on bit ptfe wrapped and tighten if cross threaded remove and fit a brass shank fluid master pro 45b with no ptfe sorted!