Loft tank: Replace side-entry float valve.

[Laurence Harvey]

I need to replace the float valve in my daughters loft tank. The old one is noisy and leaky. I intend to replace it with a quieter side entry fill valve. i.e. this one.

I’ve replaced the fill valve in my own house a number of years ago but I can’t remember what type of fitting is needed to connect the brass shank of the fill-valve to the 15mm pipework.

The old fitting/connection looks a bit skanky,...see picture.

Can I re-use the existing fitting (as skanky as it looks) or is it best to replace it?

If I can re-use the existing fitting all well and good,...but I’d like to have new fitting/s to hand just in case the old one can’t be re-utilized.

In essence, what do I need to buy to make the connection?

As ever, all replies gratefully received.

 

[Mottie]

I think you can reuse the existing fitting but you may need a new fibre washer.

 

[denso13]

As above, a clean up then fit a new fibre washer and it should be fine.

 

[Laurence Harvey]

Thanks for that @Mottie ;...any idea which washer size/type I might need?

...Also...

Would either of these ½”-15mm elbowed connectors be suitable to replace the existing skanky old connector if the need arises?

 

[Mottie]

Thanks for that @Mottie ;...any idea which washer size/type I might need?

...Also...

Would either of these ½”-15mm elbowed connectors be suitable to replace the existing skanky old connector if the need arises?


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You could replace it with the same if you were ok with soldering but to be honest, there’s nothing wrong with what you have - just a bit of limescale where it’s had a weep in the past. Go to any plumbers merchants and just ask for a 15mm tap connector washer.

 

[CBW]

If you do want to replace, I’d personally go for one of these https://www.toolstation.com/made4tr...l91uY_RlXj-lAQovIUhoC2NIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds. Your pipework isn’t on show, also you’d need (if not one already) an isolation valve, or fit one of these to combat the 2: https://www.screwfix.com/p/angled-s...6ISJ2CpkMME3lEKiEfRoCSM0QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Laurence Harvey]

Thanks for that @Mottie ;...are these the washers you mean?...£1.35 from s/fix...they say ½” not 15mm though.

Washer sizes have always confused the hell out of me.

 

[CBW]

Yes 1/2” is what you need, not 15mm.

 

[Laurence Harvey]

Thanks for that @CBW;...there isn’t an isolating valve fitted at the moment and I did intend to fit one. I've already bought one of these,...good quality (presumably) with an easy/reliable shut off in an emergency, or whenever.

I usually like to ‘over buy’ all/any items I think I might need if I’m doing any jobs like this,...especially when it’s not in my own house. I like to be armed to the teeth with any conceivable item that I might need. Thank god for S/Fix and Toolstation’s returns policy!

If I can get away with using the existing connector I will,...or even just replace the washer is easier than changing the whole thing.

However, I’m a passable solderer if need be;...end-feed is not a problem,...I’ve done lots of it over the years,...it’s just that I don’t do plumbing/soldering on a regular basis and I do get a bit rusty!

 

[Nige F]

That overflow pipe looks like it's distorting the cistern wall