Hi, Ive just fitted a new cistern inlet valve, but the nut from the old pipe (connecting the water pipe to the new one, under the cistern)will not seal completely, perhaps it\\\'s imperial and new metric. How do I solve this problem please?
old and new nuts
- Thread starter malvo
- Start date
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malvo said:
Make sure the fibre washer is in good condition-if not change it-failing that fit a flexi pipe which would mean cutting the pipe below the cistern and fitting the flexi connector-you can get a pushfit or compression for the copper pipe end.
Thanks, problem is really between the plastic screw pipe coming from the bottom of the inlet valve joing to the metal water pipe (small U bend), the nut is metal, it does not seem to make a complete seal, is there a sealing compound on something such? malvo said:
The threads should be the same. Make sure you aren't getting the nut cross threaded on the inlet, if you are it won't seal; and you could bugger it beyond use. Also ensure your fibre washer is in good nick (ie use a new one).
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malvo said:
It sits on the end of the fitting where your brass swivel nut connects to your plastic valve inlet--if the nut cross threads you won't get it to seal properly so make sure the nut goes on dead straight-and if threads get chewed up and you can't get it to connect straight then you'll be wanting a new valve..
The point where the water is sealed off is the where the washer is - the nut just presses and holds the joint together but the threads do not seal.
An old trick is to wrap some ptfe tape around over the washer if you can pull the nut back out of the way - it seals any weak points.
An old trick is to wrap some ptfe tape around over the washer if you can pull the nut back out of the way - it seals any weak points.
Did you pull the joint apart and wrap the tape around over the washer ? (wrapping around the screw threads is not the place). Do not over tighten - you will damage the screw threads on the plastic and need a new valve.
is the connector something like this :
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=92656&ts=28655
See the black bit inside the nut, that's the washer. The washer may be black rubber or red fibre stuff.
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=92656&ts=28655
See the black bit inside the nut, that's the washer. The washer may be black rubber or red fibre stuff.
The nut is captive on the fitting, so it can't be removed. The washer sits over the spigot on the end of the copper pipe inside the fitting.
I would recommend replacing the washer any time the connector gets disturbed - they only cost a few pennies each.
After use they can get squeezed out of shape and wedge in the threads of the nut, and need digging out with a small screwdriver or similar. Sometimes they just fall out when the joint is dismantled.
These washers seem to be photophobic recluses - Drop one on the floor, and it immediatly makes off for the darkest remote corner it can find
You are trying to make a seal between the end of the threaded part of the ball valve and the flat area around the central spigot in the connector, not seal the nut to the thread of the connector.
The end of the ball valve spigot should be smooth and free of any nicks and dings or chewed bits of plastic that may be left from previous attempts.
Soak a new fibre washer in water for a while to soften it, clean any remains of the old washer out of the connector, push the new washer over the spigot in the connector and re-assemble. There should be no need for any PTFE tape or any other sealants. The nut should run up the threads easily by hand, and just need a tweak with a spanner to compress the washer. If it binds, check the threads are not 'crossed'
If the thread or end of the ball valve looks like something the dog has been chewing for a week, then you may need another ball valve
I would recommend replacing the washer any time the connector gets disturbed - they only cost a few pennies each.
After use they can get squeezed out of shape and wedge in the threads of the nut, and need digging out with a small screwdriver or similar. Sometimes they just fall out when the joint is dismantled.
These washers seem to be photophobic recluses - Drop one on the floor, and it immediatly makes off for the darkest remote corner it can find
You are trying to make a seal between the end of the threaded part of the ball valve and the flat area around the central spigot in the connector, not seal the nut to the thread of the connector.
The end of the ball valve spigot should be smooth and free of any nicks and dings or chewed bits of plastic that may be left from previous attempts.
Soak a new fibre washer in water for a while to soften it, clean any remains of the old washer out of the connector, push the new washer over the spigot in the connector and re-assemble. There should be no need for any PTFE tape or any other sealants. The nut should run up the threads easily by hand, and just need a tweak with a spanner to compress the washer. If it binds, check the threads are not 'crossed'
If the thread or end of the ball valve looks like something the dog has been chewing for a week, then you may need another ball valve
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