Inlet nut leak

[ReggieMac]

Good afternoon,

I wondered if someone could give me some advice. I used to do some DIY in my younger days but I am unable to get into my loft as the ladders are too wobbly. I did commandeer the services of my great grandson to go up and take some photos. Which I've attached.

My ceiling has a leak in it which is dripping water which is now coming through the landing dry wall.

On closer inspection of the photos it seems that there is a slow dripping leak from the inlet pipe to the water tank. At least I think it is.

It looks like someone has attempted to repair it before with some kind of glue.

I can't afford to pay a plumber to come in and change anything. I wondered if there was a way that my great grandson can apply some glue or something to stop the leak.

If anyone could offer some advice I would be very grateful.

Have a good afternoon.

Reg.

Untitled

• ReggieMac
• 18 Jan 2012
• 1

Untitled

• ReggieMac
• 18 Jan 2012
• 1

Untitled

• ReggieMac
• 18 Jan 2012
• 1

 

[Dan Robinson]

Don't think much of the someone's efforts. Looks like a plastic float valve. So at worst that has a cracked/crossed thread and needs replacing, or you just need a 1p fibre washer.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Looks like PTFE tape wrapped around it. Fairly easy to repair though hopefully. You'll need a 15mm Fibre Washer such as: http://www.screwfix.com/p/fibre-washer-pack-of-20/29825

Turn water supply to tank off, open taps to drain water out from the pipes. Undo the brass nut attaching inlet pipe to ballvalve. There will be a shoulder on the end of the pipe where it meets the ballvalve inlet. Gently pull the pipe away from the ballvalve, clean off all traces of the original washer.

Slip new washer on the end of the pipe up to the shoulder, (if new washer is thin use 2), slot pipe back into ballvalve inlet so washer sits snugly between shoulder on pipe and ballvalve inlet. (This makes the watertight seal when nut is tightened.) Carefully (plastic ballvalve will cross thread very easily!) retighten brass nut, restore water supply. Check for leaks!

 

[HERTS P&D]

Also make sure the float valve has not spung around in the tank and facing the wrong way.

Andy

 

[ReggieMac]

many thanks for the detailed replies. I think he should be able to follow this. Have a nice evening everyone.

 

[Charnwood]

Looks like a plastic float valve.

The orangey coloured thread tells me it's a brass float valve with a plastic backnut.
View media item 41776

 

[Dan Robinson]

Apologies - was a on a tablet - rubbish picture and a llllloooooootttt of PTFE

 

[Charnwood]

I'm on tablets, but my vision's not affected.

Edit: The joke no longer has its original impact because I’m not allowed to put it in extra large font.

 

[ReggieMac]

Morning everyone,

Good news and bad news I'm afraid. We managed to fix the leak with two new 1/2" fibre washers and tested it as the water tank was refilling.

Unfortunately my great grandson fell onto one of the non boarded joists whilst coming down from the loft. I live in quite a small terraced house and everything is rather cramped up there. He seems to be okay aside from some bruises.

The end result is that his legs came through the ceiling; I'm just glad that it didn't happen near any electrics or anything dangerous.

I have basic insurance but I'm not sure it will cover ceilings. Is repairing plasterboard fairly easy? I suppose I will post in the other section.

I any case, have a nice afternoon, all the best.

Reg.

 

[Charnwood]

I have basic insurance but I'm not sure it will cover ceilings.

If it does I'd try to avoid telling them that it was a youngster who was wandering around an unboarded section of your loft.