Leaky pipe

kerri_gt

After several weeks of trying to find where water in the cupboard under the sink is coming from, I think I've found a leak in the cold water pipe.

What's the best way I can fix this until I can get a plumber in to replace the section? It seems to be leaking at a joint between the sink cold water pipe and section of pipe which links to the outside tap.

ormus

is it a compression joint? like this one?

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/47747/Plumbing/Compression-Fittings/Conex-Equal-Tee-601-15mm-Pack-of-10

kerri_gt

No, it's just standard (copper?) pipe, welded at various joints.

I'm now not 100% sure exactly where the water is coming from (it's spaghetting junction of pipes in there) - I've just stuck my head in and it seems that the cold inlet for the washing machine had a drip hanging off it (last used yesterday) - and I've just been able to tighten that joint by hand - so I'm wondering whether the water has been running down the pipe perhaps? I might have to run the machine through and have a check while it's on. I'm also hoping that the pipe to the outside tap (which is on the other side of the wall to the cupboard) hasn't 'burst' in the cold weather?

MX5huggy

Sounds like you found the problem, do the washing machine outlet up with a spanner.

ormus

possibly.
but it may just be condensation.

kerri_gt

ormus wrote: »

possibly.
but it may just be condensation.

I did wonder at that, but there seems too much water - plus we didn't have the issue last year with similar weather.

I'll do the washing machine inlet up with a spanner as suggested - and see if that helps - even if it doesn't, at least that's one possibility off the list - the annoying thing is that the possible pipe culprits are all behind the main waste pipe for the sink so I can't easily get a clear view of what's happening.

Aquatronixjenny

Washer might need replacing on the joint to the inlet hose for the w/machine (turn the water off first!). Give it a tighten with a spanner first though as it sounds like it might just be loose.

kerri_gt

Aquatronixjenny wrote: »

Washer might need replacing on the joint to the inlet hose for the w/machine (turn the water off first!). Give it a tighten with a spanner first though as it sounds like it might just be loose.

Thanks - I think (with the aid of a bunch of kitchen roll, and with the hinderance of a cat trying to get into the cupboard) that it is the washing machine inlet - well at least I now know that is deff leaking (dripping) in addition to anything else that might be. I have given it a tighten but think it's prob the washer. Will have a look later (when the wash has finished) and get a new one tomorrow - at least if I do that and there's still water I've eliminated one possibility.

(ps wish me luck on turning the water off....never done that before but sure I'll be fine )

kerri_gt

Good news - I think, just wanted to say I think I have solved the problem. Put a new washer on the washing machine inlet and also tightened up the dishwasher inlet too and that seems to have worked. Not sure if the washer had gone or not, or whether the inlet pipe wasn't screwed on tight enough and had got knocked when I was moving things around in the cupboard. Anyway, everything seems nice and dry now - thanks everyone for your help.