Leaking toilet inlet - More ptfe or Joint compound?

[KennyA]

Ive fitted a new bottom entry fill valve to our en-suite toilet but i cant stop the dribble/leak from the inlet connection. Ive added a fair bit of ptfe but its still leaking, tightened it to its maximum etc and still im getting a dribble. Do you think i need more ptfe, add some joint compound (and which one?), a combination of both or something else?

Pic attached - any help is much appreciated. NB there is a lot more ptfe under the thread on the pic, not sure ive gone high enough up the thread though

 

[Chuck]

The seal on this sort of joint is not made by the thread. It's made by the fibre washer between the end of the spigott and a shoulder on the incoming fitting. You probably need to replace the fibre washer, and/or adjust the retaining nuts either side of the cistern base so that the end of the spigott is a millimeter or so lower.

 

[KennyA]

Thanks for the advice Chuck, much appreciated. Unfortunately you lost me at Spigott. I exhausted all of my knoweldge on the original post so not really sure what the response means or what i should do

Update - I now know what a Spigott is 🙂. I know what to do with the washer as well. The only thing im stuck on - what are the retaining nuts either side of the cistern, there is only the one nut on the underside of the cistern which i cant get any tighter so not sure how to lower the end of the Spigott

 

[KennyA]

Thanks for the advice Chuck, much appreciated. Unfortunately you lost me at Spigott. I exhausted all of my knoweldge on the original post so not really sure what the response means or what i should do

Update - I now know what a Spigott is 🙂. I know what to do with the washer as well. The only thing im stuck on - what are the retaining nuts either side of the cistern, there is only the one nut on the underside of the cistern which i cant get any tighter so not sure how to lower the end of the Spigott

Just to be absolutely clear as i dont fancy taking it off yet another time. i get a half inch fibre tap washer and put it in the gap where the arrow is pointing to in the pic?

 

[Chuck]

Just to be absolutely clear as i dont fancy taking it off yet another time. i get a half inch fibre tap washer and put it in the gap where the arrow is pointing to in the pic?

I can't figure out what your arrow is pointing to so I'll say 'no'. Here's a video, the relevant bit is around 2 minutes in.

If you can't get a fibre washer to seal, there are some alternatives discussed here:

Rubber or fibre washer fill valve connections - UK Plumbers Forums

Any one started using rubber washers on copper tap connectors instead of fibre?

www.plumbersforums.net

 

[Roy_66]

Hi Kenny,

Sorry I didn't understand your pic either. Best take a side view with nut undone and pushed down. I think if you get a new washer in it will prob be ok. First clean the end of the fitting by pushing the nut down.

Silly question just in case: with the pipe disconnected is it really too short? Perhaps take a picture. If really short you can get 1/2 inch BSP extenders (note 1/2 inch is internal dia). E.g this one will give you a 15mm extension

BES.co.uk | Next Day Delivery On 15,000 + Plumbing Supplies

Order tap fixings and other water taps & accessories online at BES.co.uk. Low Prices, Free Next Day Delivery Available, 15k Plus Products in stock. P/N: 10222

www.bes.co.uk

Good luck.

Cheers,

Roy (amateur)

 

[KennyA]

The washer was the key, never knew there was one in there, such an easy solution when you know. Thanks very much for the assistance, its very much appreciated.

Now, can anyone suggest how to get rid of cramp squared, dont know how people manage to work in those tight spaces but its awoken muscles i havent used since 1987.

 

[Roy_66]

The washer was the key, never knew there was one in there, such an easy solution when you know. Thanks very much for the assistance, its very much appreciated.

Now, can anyone suggest how to get rid of cramp squared, dont know how people manage to work in those tight spaces but its awoken muscles i havent used since 1987.

That's the difference with a professional. When they can they will simply lie in the floor and work blind and one handed, and still do a better job.

Gel kneepads help (or some bubblewrap) when you have to kneel. I also use a low plastic step and rubber mat to sit on.

Cheers,

Roy