Damp compression joint

[frankman]

I've just installed a new bath. The hot feed to the tap is from an existing 3/4in copper tube to a 22mm flexi tap connector, with a 3/4in copper olive. The problem is, that while not dripping, the joint remains damp. I've tried wrapping PTFE tape over the olive but it hasn't helped.

Am I worrying too much? As I say the joint is only damp to touch, and no water drips off it. Or should I try again to get a completely dry connection?

Thanks

 

[Dan Robinson]

Dry it off. Leave it for ten minutes then check back.

If still damp, strip it down and inspect he flexi for damage.

Reassemble with more ptfe.

If you over-crunch the olive you will never get it to seal.

If all else fails by an imperial to metric end feed couple and solder it.

 

[stardanny]

Reassemble with more ptfe.

And LS-X leak sealer.

Dan.

 

[frankman]

Thanks for the replies.

Now two days later and no drips at all, but still very slightly damp - only shows if you rub a dusty finger over the joint. Was hoping there might have been an easy way, or someone (honestly) to say it's not enough to worry about

Looks like I'll have to strip it out and redo

 

[shedbang]

Depending on what the water hardness is like where you live, you might find that the leak sorts itself out. I've had a few of these tiny little leaks in the house, and over time the limescale builds up and the leak simply seals itself. Look at half of the soldered joints in the house and I guarantee you'll see streaks of moisture corrosion around them where tiny imperceptible leaks have self-sealed.

Leave it open for access, give it a week and see what its like then.

 

[libby lou lou]

It will seal it's self,leave it be.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Welsh water is predominately soft.

It might well not self seal.

 

[Dan Robinson]

http://dwi.defra.gov.uk/consumers/advice-leaflets/hardness_map.pdf

 

[hansthebear]

remake the joint until it is no longer damp, if a jobs worth doing etc

 

[shedbang]

http://dwi.defra.gov.uk/consumers/advice-leaflets/hardness_map.pdf

That's a good map and Dan's right. We're in the hardest area. Have a look at some other joints around the house and see if there's evidence of them sealing.

But to be honest, for the cost of a new flexi pipe, and/or olive, you may as well re-build it. I take it that you've arced the joint up as tight as you can?

 

[frankman]

Yes the water's very soft around here. I've tightened it up as much as I can, so looks like I'll have to try again

Thanks for the feedback