Leaking Bath

[Phillay]

Hi guys,

Looking for a solution to the following problem...

Called out to locate a leak from a bath with a mixer tap/shower installed. Only leaking when the shower is used, realised straight away that the mixer tap was loose (as in you could lift it a couple mm above the bath).

Explained that the tap nuts would just need tightening, then realised that the sealing washers had been placed between the backnut and the bath, as opposed to between the mixer and the bath...

So off I went, took the mixer off, cleaned the washers up (which were still in fine condition) and re-assembled with the washers in place directly under the tap.

Did the cold up nice and tight, but the hot has been a bit tricky... Basically, under the hot side, the base of the acrylic bath is not flat, more like a bridge, so the back nut is impossible to really tighten. I've got it done up nice and snug or as much as I feel I can without the potential of cracking the nut or stripping it's threads.

I'm guessing that could be the reason it came loose in the first place? that or the fact the washers got in the way of the backnuts? I've explained it to the customer, but if it comes loose or starts leaking again... what's the best way to get round it?

Cheers.

 

[tweakyboy]

Mastic under the tap would be the best option, I've had a few baths with a similar stupid design which won't allow you to tighten it fully. Mastic and brass back nuts and you shouldn't be called back.

 

[Simon F]

perhaps that's why the washer was put under in the first place?
could you not fit a washer under the bath, poly washer would tighten up.
or bung it with no nails or similar

 

[Phillay]

perhaps that's why the washer was put under in the first place?
could you not fit a washer under the bath, poly washer would tighten up.
or bung it with no nails or similar

I did wonder if that's why it had been done, but there was no attempt to make a seal between the mixer and the bath... as in no sign of sealant or putty. Supposedly done by a highly experienced Plumber, so I can't question it too much, but that just doesn't seem right to me?

 

[PlumbBobBob]

what about top hats?

 

[Phillay]

what about top hats?

Yeah, I did wonder as I see you can get a split klick top hat washer that you can obviously put in place without completely removing the backnut. You think that will take up the slack and allow the nut to fully tighten?

 

[mike-c]

I try never to put rubber washers on the underside of anything as the back nuts tend to grip against them before the tap is fully tightened

 

[PlumbBobBob]

Yeah, I did wonder as I see you can get a split klick top hat washer that you can obviously put in place without completely removing the backnut. You think that will take up the slack and allow the nut to fully tighten?

should do as they have a larger footprint then just a back nut and maybe could get over the unevenness