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Can't stop shower valve dripping

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drummer_666
drummer_666 Posts: 984 Forumite
I'm installing a new shower and I can't make the pipes entering the mixer valve stop dripping. Both hot and cold (the one going up to shower head is ok).

Got 1/2 inch male coupler. Tried PTFE tape, drips.
Was recommended to try gas tape but still leaks, even with some no leak sealant gel.

This is driving me crazy I don't really want to pay someone to come and do two connections for me

Is there anything else I can try?

Thanks
«1

Comments

  • If the connectors have rubber washers check these are undamaged and have no loose bits of rubber.
  • They aren't those 1/2" to 3/4" bsp dogleg connectors are they? Just thinking about them gives me nightmares years after the fact.

    If so I ended up using loctite 55 and LSX on it. I suspect loctite 55 alone would have been enough, but LSX was insurance because I'd wasted so much time on it. Wouldn't bother using PTFE because if you need to slacken the connection to get your shower valve level you'll almost certainly cause a leak.
  • I'm only here while I wait for Corrie to start.

    You get no BS from me & if I think you are wrong I WILL tell you.
  • There's no washers in the connector but I used olives. Is this the problem?

    1/2" bsp to 15mm http://www.screwfix.com/p/male-coupler-15mm-x/69358
  • plumb1_2
    plumb1_2 Posts: 4,395 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    use loctite 55
  • Ruski
    Ruski Posts: 1,628 Forumite
    Shower bar valves usually connect straight on to the 15mm out of the wall using a compression fitting.

    If you're having to use a coupler like the one you are linking to I'm presuming that you have connected the pipe to the compression end and are trying to attach the bar mixer to the male threaded end? If so (quite unusual setup) then that type of connection is for a flat washer not an olive.

    HTH

    Russ
    Perfection takes time: don't expect miracles in a day :D
  • andyhop
    andyhop Posts: 1,996 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    You should have securely anchored wall plate elbows fitted behind the tiling . Set at the right depth to suit the dog leg connectors and chrome rosettes

    Never seen a decent branded retail or trade set come with anything other than the dog leg connectors . Fast fix kits are always a extra.
    Hi, we’ve had to remove your signature. If you’re not sure why please read the forum rules or email the forum team if you’re still unsure
  • This is the set up
    12004782_10156067637715215_947790098262685771_n.jpg?oh=26d61a812a48fba7bc80aa569b5f4f9c&oe=5676B911
  • drummer_666
    drummer_666 Posts: 984 Forumite
    edited 12 September 2015 at 9:30AM
    Compression fitting with olive onto 15mm pipe
    Screwed other end onto thread valve

    So am I using the right connector but just need a washer?

    The shower didn't come with anything to connect from the valve to the pipes
  • Ruski
    Ruski Posts: 1,628 Forumite
    Which bit leaks?

    Compression and olive rarely leaks - preumably you have used jointing compound?

    Threaded male connection - 12 turns of ptfe tape is usually enough.

    HTH

    Russ
    Perfection takes time: don't expect miracles in a day :D
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