Any plumbers able to help - leaking pipe

Better_Days

Plumber took the sink out a couple of days ago, just noticed wet patch on kitchen ceiling. Plumber is poorly and unavailable. Leak is above the bolt - can this be tightened up - just don't want to make it even worse. Thanks

tberry6686

Assuming you mean it is leaking at the joint between the pipe and service valve then you should be able to tighten it up a little bit (don't over do it). You will need to hold the valve to stop it from turning while you tighten the nut.

Better_Days

Thanks tberry6686.

I have tried turning the little screw anti clockwise but that hasn't helped.

It is leaking above the bolt with the straight sides. Do you mean that I need to tighten up this bolt by using one adjustable spanner on the bolt and another on the pipe?

F_Bear

as no one lese has replied, and ive been there with u!, i think tberry means what uve said above.

DONT turn the little screw as thats stopping the water spriting out like a water feature!

if its on a cold mains feed then turn the water off while u do it

Better_Days

Many thanks for the advice F_Bear :beer::beer:

Found out the hard way about the water squirting out like a fountain. No need for a shower today!!

OH got home a little while ago and between fiddling with the screw and the bolt we have got the leak down to a much more managable level - with a flannel and a plastic container it should be OK until Tuesday. Live and learn!!

southcoastrgi

Go to B&Q get a new 15mm ballofix (service) valve, turn off the water at the main stop tap or gate valve if it's tank fed, undo the nut under the valve & change the valve

tberry6686

southcoastrgi wrote: »

Go to B&Q get a new 15mm ballofix (service) valve, turn off the water at the main stop tap or gate valve if it's tank fed, undo the nut under the valve & change the valve

Why replace the valve. Nothing in the op to indicate that the valve has failed, only that the joint at the pipe is leaking. Probably has been disturbed/loosened by the plumber removing the sink. At worst turn off water undo valve re-wrap the threads with PTFE tape and do the valve up again.

martinthebandit

This link http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/compression_fittings.html may help you

andyhop

tberry6686 wrote: »

Why replace the valve. Nothing in the op to indicate that the valve has failed, only that the joint at the pipe is leaking. Probably has been disturbed/loosened by the plumber removing the sink. At worst turn off water undo valve re-wrap the threads with PTFE tape and do the valve up again.

You don't wrap PTFE round the threads, round the olive only!!

£1 per valve, I would suggest that you replace as once the ball is turned they often leak, as such we don't fit as they nothing but trouble

anotherbaldrick

Those ballofix valves do not always turn off completely . First thing would to be positive if it is the union joint or is the valve letting by. Best way to do this would be to dry the top of the valve completely and use a bit of absorbent paper to ensure it is dry and empty on the top then wait 5 mins and see if any water appears . If not it is the union weeping.

Crinkmeister

Your plumber should have either removed the service valve and capped the end or left the service valve in, turned off and capped. Bad practice just relying on the valve. Hope you are dry now!