Leaking pipe

nicki_2

I have a problem with a pipe at the back of the washing machine leaking. Its not the bit connected to the machine, but the bit on the pipe itself. If that makes sense? They appear to have this fitting:

and the leak is from the bit where its connected to the copper pipe, not the part where I screw the washing machine pipes on. I've also noticed that they spin on the pipe so when the pipes touch (they're not secured - I will be getting the wall mounting things ASAP!) the tap moves & it leaks more. How can I fix this? I didn't know it was leaking until I pulled out my broken washing machine and noticed a lot of mildew & the plaster has been dissolved away over the past 5 years or so :eek:

Does this make any sense? I can't take any pics as I've hurt my back and can't pull the washing machine out to take them. :mad:

WestonDave

The part on the left hand end is a compression fitting which has clearly worked loose. To fix it properly (read all before starting!) you'll need to turn the water off at the main stop !!!!, undo the "nut" on the left hand end, which will allow you to remove the whole fitting from the end of the copper pipe.

First check that the end of the pipe is still OK and hasn't split. If it has then you will need to cut it back until it is sound.

Then thread the nut back onto the copper pipe (loose) and then thread a new olive (you'll need to get one from a hardware store - looks like a wedding ring made out of copper) on next to the nut. For belt and braces you might want to put some PTFE tape (again get some from a hardware place) on the screw thread at the left hand end. Now offer the tap piece up to the end of the pipe and use the nut to fix it on (in the process crushing the olive inbetween - this is what forms the water tight seal). The bits you need won't cost very much and for tools you really only need an adjustable spanner (to turn the nut) and maybe a hacksaw if you need to shorten the pipe.

Be warned however if you start this you have to finish this otherwise you can't turn the water back on!

Canucklehead

Hi
You could just try tightening it up as described above. If it won't then do the above but
do not put PTFE tape on the thread of the fitting all it does is make it tighter to do up. If you must use tape wrap it round the olive .
Do not use grips or a spanner near the blue lever it will bend the spindle and leak.
Look after your back! Maybe use a heavy duty dust sheet to slide the machine about.
GSR

nicki_2

Getting it out won't be a problem, I'll get ex to give me a hand on Sunday when he comes to collect our DD and I'll put the washing machine in the livingroom until I get my new one ordered Looks like I might have to take a trip to B&Q tomorrow while I'm out looking at new washing machines..DD is going to love me NOT! :rotfl::rotfl:

ormus

if its the copper side you may need to cut the pipe (an inch), and put a new olive on.

keystone

Sounds like it wasn't done up tight enough in the first instance and connecting / removing washing machine hose a number of times has just released it. As CH says just do it up again with an adjustable spanner holding the valve body securely so that you do do it up. I can see no reason why a new olive should be needed from what you've said thus far.

Cheers

keystone

Did ye fix it?

Cheers

nicki_2

Not fixed it yet. Got the parts yesterday, and I still need to get an end cap for the hot water tap (new washing machines are cold fill only) which they had sold out of. :mad: Couldn't move machine out either as ex has hurt his back as well :rotfl::rotfl: My back is much better so I'll move it with DD's help either tonight, or tomorrow