Washing machine isolation valve leak

hungledink

I have a small leak from what I understand is called the washing machine isolation valve (maybe not).

Under the sink there's 2 pipes, one with a small blue tap, the other red. The blue tap pipe is connected to my washing machine. The red one isn't connected but the end of the pipe is leaking, not a lot but enough to need a bowl under it. I tried tightening the screw connected to the tap but it's still leaking.

Anyone know how to repair this?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

have you checked that red tap is in the horizontal position to shut off water.

If red pipe not used you could remove it completely and stick on a blanking cap,

hungledink

It's definitely in the off position, if I turn it the other way water jets out.

If I pop my finger in the end of the pipe, it's pointing upwards and feels like one of those blanking caps, sometimes it's got water in, other times it dry. Could I just a fix one of those blanking caps directly to the end? Would it need a sealant?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

shouldn't need a sealant, there will be a rubber washer with cap.

hungledink

Have installed the blanking cap but can only get it finger tight at present, don't have the correct tools.

Doesnt seem to have stopped it though.

Alfrescodave

Blanking cap will only work if the leak is thru the valve but cap does need to be tight.


Otherwise if the leak is coming from water side of isolation valve then this will need to be tightened. Probably best to turn off mains water, unscrew the valve, clean and check the thread and reassemble with ptfe tape on threads.


Obviously do this after you've got your hands on some decent tools

ohreally

hungledink wrote: »

Have installed the blanking cap but can only get it finger tight at present, don't have the correct tools.

How did you remove the original blank if you don't have the tools? Perhaps an insecure blank was the issue.