Leaky plastic pipe joint

[colmac]

Hi, as per the title, I have fitted new taps in the bathroom sink and for the life of me I cannot get one of the joints to stop leaking. I should point out I have no plumbing skills. My query is; is there a sealant I can use on the plastic pipe joint ? Thank you

[Tracy D'arth]

Is this push fit pipe and joints? Make? Colour? Picture?

If so there is no sealant or glue that will work satisfactorily.

More information required.

TD'

[bizzard]

8 minutes ago, colmac said:

Hi, as per the title, I have fitted new taps in the bathroom sink and for the life of me I cannot get one of the joints to stop leaking. I should point out I have no plumbing skills. My query is; is there a sealant I can use on the plastic pipe joint ? Thank you

You could bind it with Self Amalgamating tape, and if it is a pressure pipe bind that all over with thin soft wire or copper cable strands as reinforcement. AND switch your water pump off when leaving the boat unattended.

Edited June 28, 2020 by bizzard

[dmr]

Can you do a photo? Is this a standard plastic to plastic joint or a screw joint where the plastic pipe connects to the tap?

 

Standard plastic stuff normally works really well.

 

................Dave

[colmac]

Sorry, it's a bit of a Heath Robinson affair fitted by the previous owner. The tap has a brass fitting on to it, then a grey plastic fitting into that, then the actual water pipe is secured by a screw collar. Does that present a clearer picture ?

[Jen-in-Wellies]

34 minutes ago, colmac said:

Sorry, it's a bit of a Heath Robinson affair fitted by the previous owner. The tap has a brass fitting on to it, then a grey plastic fitting into that, then the actual water pipe is secured by a screw collar. Does that present a clearer picture ?

Not really. Pictures needed.

[colmac]

Sorry but my wee phone does not stretch to that. Thanks anyway everyone.

[Bod]

Re-make the entire joint, at least with new seals, preferably new joints, and pipes, back to a non leaking joint.

 

Bod.

[Kendorr]

Check that the plastic pipe has an insert in

 

https://www.toolstation.com/jg-speedfit-pipe-insert/p14022?store=H5&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=googleshoppingfeed&gclid=CjwKCAjw_-D3BRBIEiwAjVMy7FxZ8nbCvxw0T_Shelamc-bxKfHAhSQHsyMsOBVN0TJQOYf5O5G0PBoCTT4QAvD_BwE

 

If it hasn't, there is no way you will seal it.

 

Also, you can try wrapping ptfe tape around the thread

 

https://www.toolstation.com/ptfe-tape/p67236

 

 

[blackrose]

43 minutes ago, Kendorr said:

Check that the plastic pipe has an insert in

 

 

Yes, that's the usual omission with push-fit plastic pipes. (Not required for use with copper pipe because it should stay round by itself.)

 

There are lots of different types of ferrules. It doesn't really matter which ones you use as long as they are in the joint before you push the pipes together. If you want a belt & braces approach try the speedfit superseal inserts with the o-rings on the right. They can be difficult to push in so buy yourself some silicone grease (plumbers grease) at the same time and give the outside of the ferrule a little smear before pushing them into the end of the pipes. Everything is available at Toolstation or Screwfix.

 

 

Switch off your water pump and open a couple of taps to release the pressure in the system before taking the joint apart and have a couple of old towels ready for any residual water coming out of the pipes.

Edited June 28, 2020 by blackrose

[blackrose]

45 minutes ago, Kendorr said:

 

 

Also, you can try wrapping ptfe tape around the thread

 

https://www.toolstation.com/ptfe-tape/p67236

 

 

 

I prefer gas PTFE tape. It's thicker, easier to use and only requires one wrap. Remember to wrap it up the thread so that when you screw on the collar it's not pushed off the thread.

 

https://www.toolstation.com/ptfe-gas-spec-tape/p31336 

[Onewheeler]

14 minutes ago, blackrose said:

 

I prefer gas PTFE tape. It's thicker, easier to use and only requires one wrap. Remember to wrap it up the thread so that when you screw on the collar it's not pushed off the thread.

 

https://www.toolstation.com/ptfe-gas-spec-tape/p31336 

I prefer liquid PTFE for most applications: https://www.screwfix.com/p/flomasta-ptfe-liquid-50g/5321j It's less fiddly than tape.

[blackrose]

13 minutes ago, Onewheeler said:

I prefer liquid PTFE for most applications: https://www.screwfix.com/p/flomasta-ptfe-liquid-50g/5321j It's less fiddly than tape.

 

But it leaves the joints a bit messy if you need to take it apart again. The gas PTFE tape is less fiddly than regular thin PTFE tape.

[Tony Brooks]

If its a hot or CH pipe I would suggest you stick with a metal insert if it turns out to be a compression fitting and it sounds as if it may be.

[Tracy D'arth]

Grey plastic fitting suggests an H2O push fit tap connector to me, in which case its the thin stainless insert. Usual problem with these is cutting the pipe with a saw rather than a knife or shears which leaves frazz bits that prevent the "o" ring from sealing properly.

But then I may be completely wrong, a picture would prove the theory!

TD'

[nicknorman]

1 hour ago, Tracy D'arth said:

Grey plastic fitting suggests an H2O push fit tap connector to me, in which case its the thin stainless insert. Usual problem with these is cutting the pipe with a saw rather than a knife or shears which leaves frazz bits that prevent the "o" ring from sealing properly.

But then I may be completely wrong, a picture would prove the theory!

TD'

Either that or careless handling of the pipe before installation caused a lengthwise scratch(es) which the o ring can’t seal.

[Alastair]

If we are talking of a screw connection (plastic onto brass), these will nearly always leak if overtightened. The plastic distorts.

 

Fernox LX is your friend here; use it liberally on threads and the rubber washer. Don't overtighten (just past hand-tight should be enough).

[Gilsulate International, I]

I think, you should call to your local plumber. 

[Ex Brummie]

Sounds like a bodge up with a jubilee clip, (described as a screw collar). Demount it all and start again with the proper fittings.

[Tracy D'arth]

Photograph please then we can help you. We are not mind readers or have a crystal ball!

[colmac]

Thanks for your replies. Finally resorted to using Fernox sealing stuff and it has done the job so we can finally set off on our travels without dripping everywhere.