One for the plumbers - leaking shower connection

paulburton

Hello everyone,

I would appreciate some advice!

I have installed a thermostatic shower valve ....

(can't post a link it seems, because I am new)

and I am using some 3/4" male threads to 15mm compression joints, into the value

see ....

(again can't post a link it seems, because I am new)

Goto the Screwfix website

Search for this part number 82086

The problem I have is water is seeping from between the shower valve and the coupler. I have tried everything!!! PTFE, more PTFE, joining compound (paste stuff) and that with PTFE, even PTFE, half turned in, then loads more PTFE to form a washer, and it still leaks

Anyone any other ideas?? I was looking for a coupling that has a longer treaded bar, but can't find one, the only thing I found was some sort of tank extension, that was the right size, but will only move the problem to the next join (if that makes any sense)

I thought about putting some silicon round it, but classed that as a bodge, and since this shower value is going to be hidden away, and tiled over, I don't want it to leak!


Many thanks everyone,


Paul

latecomer

anyone can post links as far as I know.

What shower valve have you got? Have you tried your local plumbers merchants to see what they have or advise?

paulburton

It says .......

Sorry as a new user you are not allowed to post with links. This is done to stop spammers clogging up the site. Please edit your message below to continue.

It's a Bathstore valve

This one .....

Goto the Bathstore . com website, then goto shower, click shower valves, then concealed shower valves, then it's the second one down 'Quatra thermostatic shower valve'

Tried Screwfix, and B&Q, and the local Plumb Centre, none had anything really, got something from B&Q, but it is only a few mm longer, and not tried it yet,

Thanks everyone,


Paul

latecomer

Must be a new thing....

anyway have you tried speaking to bathstore about it? See if they recommend any specific connections for it?

pollocmc

Not having seen it, but is it a straight or taper thread. PTFE and the like will work with a taper thread where the male fitting gets progressively tighter against the female providing the seal. If it's parallel threads then I would expect a washer to go at the bottom and this being compressed makes the seal These dont press against the sides of the fitting so your kinda just hoping the PTFE/compound will do the job which it doesn't appear to be. Was there a washer with the kit that's gone astray? Do the instructions show a washer on this fitting?

If you do need to use PTFE, think about the way you are winding it on too. Wind it in the opposite direction from the thread so it gets tightened on if that makes sense. (a tip from my dad )

HTH

Edit: this might all be bunkum - I'm sure the real plumbers will keep you straight but it's what I'd be thinking if I had run out of options

Edit 2: Here is a bit about BSP threads (straight and taper) so you could have a straight female on the mixer and that fitting you've got could be straight also - it doesn't say on the screwfix site. If that's the case you need a washer. If either is tapered, it should seal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_standard_pipe_thread

andyhop

The fitting you have is the correct item for the job but the thread length is a little short

I would use these fittings, better quality than what you have and use a reducer

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/95718/Plumbing/Compression-Fittings/Yorkshire-Kuterlite-Male-Coupler-611-22mm-x

PTFE is rubbish, have fixed many a leak when it has been used

Always use this
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/42142/Plumbing/Plumbing-Accessories/Loctite-55-Pipe-Seal-Cord-50m

10-12 wraps in a clockwise direction should do it