Leak from bath

[Alan12]

hi all,
Have a leaking shower water inlet pipe which I’ve fixed by replacing a 3/4 washer.
The issue is that the water from this pipe was leaking down the bath water inlet mechanism and down onto the room below. Now I’ve fixed the source, trying to fix this secondary problem as well as otherwise using the shower will prob create a similar issue.
It looks like the nut is loose (compared to second one), or the sealant is broken (see photos of both). I haven’t undone this yet, but what’s the best way to tackle this issue? Struggling to tighten nut because of lack of space, any suggestion for best type of wrench for this? And what kind of sealant is best, or is there a washer for this too? See photos below!
Thanks

 

[CountryFan]

Looks like it’s moved/misaligned. Crows foot wrench, back nut off, realign, and tighten. Should be a washer already and don’t use sealant.

 

[Alan12]

Thanks @Stuckinarut problem I have is the wrench doesn’t have much space to turn between the tub and the wall

 

[HERTS P&D]

Not cheap but I'm sure you will use it again.

Tap Backnut & Tap Connector Set

Access to difficult to reach taps on bath and basins. Box spanner enables taps to be tightened or loosened in restricted apertures. Extension bars ease access to taps on baths. Split ring spanner speeds tap connection assembly.Set comprises 3/8" drive ratchet, 2 extension bars, universal joint...

www.toolstation.com

bath tap spanner - Google Search

Andy

 

[HERTS P&D]

.

 

[CountryFan]

Thanks @Stuckinarut problem I have is the wrench doesn’t have much space to turn between the tub and the wall

That’s not a crows foot wrench though

This is what I’m talking about

 

[Alan12]

Excellent, thank you, will get one of those bath basin/crow foot wrenches, that looks like it will do the job. Those nuts a universal size then?

Also, in case the washer is gone (which may be why the issue has now started to show itself), any idea of size of washer? And definitely no kind of sealant?…there’s some white residue around the edge of the pipe which makes me wonder if they’ve used something before to fill the gap from it being misaligned as you said

 

[Munroast]

from the thread title I had visions of standing in the bath trying to pee in the pan

personally I just go - adds a few pheromones to my scent - women can't resist

 

[CountryFan]

Those nuts a universal size then?

Not always, but yours look like they'll fit the wrench

Also, in case the washer is gone (which may be why the issue has now started to show itself), any idea of size of washer?

These should be the type you need, but I don't think yours has gone.

And definitely no kind of sealant?…there’s some white residue around the edge of the pipe which makes me wonder if they’ve used something before to fill the gap from it being misaligned as you said

Definitely not. The white residue looks more like it's just from the leak. If you were to use anything, then plumbers mait would suffice

 

[Alan12]

Tried with a crowfoot spanner and an adjustable basin wrench…the crow foot struggles to get a good grip of the nut, similar with basin wrench.

Any other ideas?

 

[Madrab]

I wouldn't just tighten them up, usually these taps leak down the holes because the base rings and their seals are misaligned on the bath holes and no matter how tight they'll still leak past them.

Personally I'd take the supplies off, get a backnut box spanner and take the tap off. Clean the bath surface up and then re-position it properly with a little silicone under the square base rings and around the threaded shanks at the holes, then get it all nice and square on the bath with the seals covering the holes properly, then nip it all back up with the box spanner. It's honestly the only tool I've ever used that get's them nipped up properly and gives a feeling of actually how tight they are and I've tried them all.

 

[Alan12]

I wouldn't just tighten them up, usually these taps leak down the holes because the base rings and their seals are misaligned on the bath holes and no matter how tight they'll still leak past them.

Personally I'd take the supplies off, get a backnut box spanner and take the tap off. Clean the bath surface up and then re-position it properly with a little silicone under the square base rings and around the threaded shanks at the holes, then get it all nice and square on the bath with the seals covering the holes properly, then nip it all back up with the box spanner. It's honestly the only tool I've ever used that get's them nipped up properly and gives a feeling of actually how tight they are and I've tried them all.

View attachment 379256

Thanks @Madrab , I ordered one of the sets similar to that @HERTS P&D mentioned yesterday which has a box spanner because I think that’s what’s needed in that space. If I do what you suggest, I think I’ll prob have to take both the taps off as they’re attached to each other. Are there any screws or anything usually holding the taps topside?

Same silicone sealant you use to seal the baths/showers, like this ? Why do you prefer silicone over plumbersmait?

Prob worth changing the seals for the base rings if I go through all that?

PTFE tape around supplies when reconnecting?

 

[Madrab]

You have a mixer tap and yes it's all one tap, so you are correct, both supply pipes and both nuts would need to be loosened and then the whole tap lifts up and out. That will allow the bath surface to be cleaned and dried and a little silicone applied around the holes, and tap threads (just at the hole point) etc and the tap refitted. IMO it's the only way to ensure it all seals up correctly.

Yes that silicone would do the job fine, just make sure the bath and underside of the base rings are nice and clean and dry. In all my days, I have never use mait, nasty stuff IMO.

Prob worth changing the seals for the base rings if I go through all that?

Probably no need, especially if you are putting a circular bead of silicone on the underside of the base rings at the seals prior to re-fitting.

PTFE tape around supplies when reconnecting?

No need, they are flexi's so have rubber sealing washers in the end. Don't overtighten when re-fitting.