Dripping pipe

MrBen · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:21 pm Post Subject: Dripping pipe

I have recently noticed a drip (which becomes a puddle)

where my overflow pipe is which comes from my cistern in the bathroom. I have tried putting sealent on it but it doesnt do anything. I think its lead. does anyone know of a cheap fix? I know i should probably replace the ballcock in the cistern but this will be expensive wont it?

JohnD · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:53 pm Post Subject:

expensive? Are you mad?

£1.99

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp;jsessionid=1FM3GHT55UUFMCSTHZOCFGA?id=88427&ts=84789

JohnD · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 12:57 pm Post Subject:

Though personally I prefer this sort which cost nearly six pounds but are a lot quieter.

MrBen · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 3:36 pm Post Subject:

nice one. is this the correct thing for the cistern. The one thats in my upstairs hot water tank boiler cupboard?Is this easy to fix on and where can i get one? what are they called?
cheers...

JohnD · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 3:49 pm Post Subject:

Take a torch and look at the old one. See how long it is and if it is attached to a pipe from the side of the cistern (like the one in my picture). Measure its length. It may be made of brass or plastic. If it is brass you will need a new plastic float as well, if plastic you can re-use the old one. Observe the various nuts and consider if you already have an adjustable spanner to fit.

I call it a ball-cock. People who are embarrassed to mention "balls" or "cocks" may call it a float valve.

Make your way to a plumbers merchant, DIY store or ironmongers. Try to get one the same length as your old one, although if, when you were measuring, you saw you had plenty of room, a longer one will be OK.

Take the new one home and tinker with the nuts until you understand how it is fitted, and with the adjusting screw until you understand how the water level is set. Then turn off the water supply and remove the old one, fit the new one, turn on, and see if you have any leaks.

noodlz · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:13 pm Post Subject:

MrBen, is it the leak from the toilet overflow?

If from the toilet overflow, just need to open cistern lid, shut off supply and as JohnD says, can replace float valve altogether, but probably only need to replace the diaphragm in the valve (usually a small black rubber washer) Make sure you note which way you took it out and put new one in the same way.

These washers often perish - cheap and easy to replace.

If leak from overflow pipe from tank in loft, get out the torch and ladder and same again.

Invest in a decent DIY manual if you can turn your hand to little jobs - will probably save you a lot in the long run for minor problems like this.

JohnD · Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 4:19 pm Post Subject:

Good point about the washer - i usually fit a new ballcock for speed, then if I feel like it, take the old one apart on the kitchen table at my leisure and fit a new washer, then put the repaired valve up in the loft, next to the cistern, ready for next time.

I don't like replacing washers in situ because of the bits that slip from my fingers and fall to the bottom of the tank in dark and cramped conditions.