Dumb plumbing - or fixing leaks on a basin tap

[Phil C]

I'm no plumber. Got a minor leak on the hot tap of a wash basin built into a 'vanity unit' and my experience with plumbers is that they often can't be bothered with such a small job so I thought I'd have a crack myself.

The leak is coming from the thread where the copper pipe connector is screwed onto the bottom of the tap. I've borrowed a basin spanner so first plan is to just try tightening it up. If this doesn't work I may need to replace the connection. Been looking at Screwfix and flexible connectors seem a good idea for a novice like me - but come in a multitude of sizes - what sizes do I need to look for? And do I need any other connections? Currently the plumbing is all soldered.
Thanks!

[touching cloth]

Whack a bit of PTFE tape into the connection, reckon it will be fine without needing to go about replacing stuff. Just undo nut, wrap some tape in and reconnect.

[m4ckg]

you may just need a new 'o' ring, when replacing don't over tighten and put some lube on

[Diablos-666]

Yes try PTFE tape first if not then the flexible connection will do the job. The size is probably 15mm.

[Phil C]

Thanks all. The PTFE stuff is great - even I've used it before - but knowing my luck it'll probably need more than this. Anyway will have a go and see what happens. Cheers

[Ferg]

The bit you need to get PTFE on will be almost impossible to get to. Don't for a moment think you need to get it around the thread. What you need is a 15mm fibre washer for the tap connector.

[m4ckg]

Ferg said:

The bit you need to get PTFE on will be almost impossible to get to. Don't for a moment think you need to get it around the thread. What you need is a 15mm fibre washer for the tap connector.

All the taps I have fitted have a rubber 'o' ring after the threads, aren't fibre washes used on other fittings ?

[Ferg]

m4ckg said:

Ferg said:

The bit you need to get PTFE on will be almost impossible to get to. Don't for a moment think you need to get it around the thread. What you need is a 15mm fibre washer for the tap connector.

All the taps I have fitted have a rubber 'o' ring after the threads, aren't fibre washes used on other fittings ?

No.
All copper tap connectors should have a fibre washer. It's far and away the most reliable seal for a flat seat union.

[m4ckg]

Ferg said:

m4ckg said:

Ferg said:

The bit you need to get PTFE on will be almost impossible to get to. Don't for a moment think you need to get it around the thread. What you need is a 15mm fibre washer for the tap connector.

All the taps I have fitted have a rubber 'o' ring after the threads, aren't fibre washes used on other fittings ?

No.
All copper tap connectors should have a fibre washer. It's far and away the most reliable seal for a flat seat union.

I thought he was talking about the copper pipe with a thread on one end with the o ring that threads into the bottom of the tap

[Ferg]

m4ckg said:

Ferg said:

m4ckg said:

Ferg said:

The bit you need to get PTFE on will be almost impossible to get to. Don't for a moment think you need to get it around the thread. What you need is a 15mm fibre washer for the tap connector.

All the taps I have fitted have a rubber 'o' ring after the threads, aren't fibre washes used on other fittings ?

No.
All copper tap connectors should have a fibre washer. It's far and away the most reliable seal for a flat seat union.

I thought he was talking about the copper pipe with a thread on one end with the o ring that threads into the bottom of the tap

Ah, I see!
I had to check I hadn't made an arse of myself!!

BUT..he said screwed ONTO, not into so I think he's talking about separate pillar taps, not a monobloc.

[m4ckg]

Ferg said:

m4ckg said:

Ferg said:

m4ckg said:

Ferg said:

The bit you need to get PTFE on will be almost impossible to get to. Don't for a moment think you need to get it around the thread. What you need is a 15mm fibre washer for the tap connector.

All the taps I have fitted have a rubber 'o' ring after the threads, aren't fibre washes used on other fittings ?

No.
All copper tap connectors should have a fibre washer. It's far and away the most reliable seal for a flat seat union.

I thought he was talking about the copper pipe with a thread on one end with the o ring that threads into the bottom of the tap

Ah, I see!
I had to check I hadn't made an arse of myself!!

BUT..he said screwed ONTO, not into so I think he's talking about separate pillar taps, not a monobloc.

no,I read it wrong !!!!!!!!!

[Phil C]

Thanks again - yes it is separate pillar taps - not a monoblock - so I'd better get some fibre washers as well then......