What is this join and how do I connect it to a toilet inlet?

[setmajer]

I’ve read several threads on the forum, the FAQs, and the Wiki but not found anything which quite addresses my issue. I’m hoping some generous soul can help.

This thing is inside a blocked-off area in my flat. It is part of the apparatus from the water line to the toilet cistern:

It connects to the toilet inlet through a series of joins. Some of these are seeping. This one is not. The line it connects to (where the water comes from) appears to be 15mm copper.

I’m considering replacing the series of joins with a flexi-pipe. I figure best not to disturb the one which isn’t leaking, so I’ll try to connect there. But I’m not sure what connecter I need.

Here’s the whole ugly mess:

The upstream (closer to water source) side of 2, both sides of 3 and 4, and the downstream (closer to the cistern) side of 5 all seep to some degree. I don’t think the downstream side of 6 does. I’m certain the upstream side of 6 and both sides of 7 and 8 are dry.

I’m guessing the join to the cistern is ½" BSP. But I’m not sure what I need to connect to the thing pictured up top (6 in the photo immediately above).

Alternatively, if my plan is daft and there’s a better way I’d love to learn. I am utterly clueless about…well, most things really. But plumbing in particular.

EDIT: Gah! Just noticed the finger in the 2nd photo. I was going to replace with a better one, but decided to leave it as a vivid illustration of the scintillating intellect and formidable skill I possess.

 

[Wayners]

The copper corrosion can and probably has got under the rubbers in the push fit joints.
That's a terrible job and a flood waiting to happen.
I'd rather use compression fittings and clean up the pipe and clean the inside of that.
That black mould is unhealthy.


Get a local plumber and start from a new fitting at 8 with new pipe to 2, then a new fitting on 1.
Clean it out and wash over.

 

[denso13]

You could remove everything down to 6 and replace with this, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Xcel-Connector-Isolation-Available-Stainless/dp/B0BJQLCQ1G

Ok for a diy repair, not the cheapest though, but is good quality.

 

[HERTS P&D]

That all needs riping out and fixing whatever is leaking and replace everything that is damp.

Andy

 

[setmajer]

The copper corrosion can and probably has got under the rubbers in the push fit joints.
That's a terrible job and a flood waiting to happen.
I'd rather use compression fittings and clean up the pipe and clean the inside of that.
That black mould is unhealthy.


Get a local plumber and start from a new fitting at 8 with new pipe to 2, then a new fitting on 1.
Clean it out and wash over.

Thanks.

So you figure a straight pipe to 2 a better option than denso13’s approach (which is what I was thinking)? Is there concern around corrosion at 6/7/8?

re: black mould/cleaning: absolutely needs going after with the hoover then bleach. It was under a countertop which was sealed with/silicone. Only just opened it and realised how bad it was.

This is a ‘stop the bleeding’ fix, not something to last 30 years. But nor do I want to create a ticking time bomb.

Longer-term I want to re-do it completely. Here’s the outside:

I’d like to replace the sink (the drain plug mechanism has disintegrated) with one set back into where the current box is and a proper cabinet underneath instead of the pedestal. That’ll mean tearing out the current box — I figure the drywall’s a loss already anyway — and building a new one.

Haven’t decided if I want to try to tackle all that or suck it up and spend the £X,000, hence the temp fix.

 

[Wayners]

Id use copper and compression fittings and some pipe clips. Just nip up vs overtighten if you are a novice. Be gentle or they will leak.
Hard part is connecting to the main feed.

Why not get a quote and decide

 

[setmajer]

You could remove everything down to 6 and replace with this, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Xcel-Connector-Isolation-Available-Stainless/dp/B0BJQLCQ1G

Ok for a diy repair, not the cheapest though, but is good quality.

Thanks — that’s exactly what I was thinking. Just wasn’t sure what connectors.

 

[setmajer]

Id use copper and compression fittings and some pipe clips. Just nip up vs overtighten if you are a novice. Be gentle or they will leak.
Hard part is connecting to the main feed.

Why not get a quote and decide

Thanks.

If you don’t mind my asking, why do you prefer that approach? Just trying learn a thing.

My concern is I’m not sure how you’d get pipe clips mounted to anything without more zig-zagging (make a join, make a problem as granddad used to say).

Also, messing with the connections at 7 & 8 looks scary — I’m not even sure how they’d come apart:

I could get a quote, true. But if I’m looking at doing the bigger job I thought I’d save my money for that, and didn’t want to waste someone’s time if I’m unlikely to go through with it.

 

[denso13]

My concern is messing with the connections at 7 & 8 looks scary — I’m not even sure how they’d come apart:

You don't need to alter those unless they are leaking.

 

[setmajer]

You don't need to alter those unless they are leaking.

Ace. One other question, if you don’t mind: I expect the approach you’re suggesting is to remove 6 and replace it with the pushfit (black) end of that flexible connector you linked, yes?

Thanks.

 

[denso13]

Yes, you can also get compression if you prefer.