How to fix a leaking water inlet connection?

[Flats]

G'day,

I've just moved into a new place and noticed a slow leak from both the hot and cold water inlet pipes under the laundry sink.

The leak continues even when the valve is turned off so I imagine that the leak is between the valve and the wall.

It appears that the previous owner (a plumber) has tried to fix it with plumbing tape but a small leak still persists.

Is there any DIY solution that I could do or is this a job for a plumber?

Cheers!

  

  

[Noyade · Accepted solution]

Afternoon @Flats 

I would turn the water source off.

Disengage the hooker hoses - and see it you can rotate (clockwise) the taps another 360 degrees.

See if that helps.

If not, repeat the process with additional plumbing tape - you're looking for that 'sweet' spot where you can turn no more - and the leak stops.

[Flats]

Thanks @Noyade!

I managed to completely disconnect the hot water side and redo with new plumbers tape. Seems to be watertight for now but will continue to monitor.

Unfortunately I couldn't remove the cold water valve, even with a spanner to assist.

I'm going to spray it with WD40 and leave for a couple of hours to see if there's any improvement.

Please let me know if there's anything else I should try!

[Noyade]

Hi again @Flats 

"even with a spanner to assist."

Was it a shifter or your 'fair-dinkum' spanner? 😁

I experimented with my sink mini-taps and a 25mm open-ended spanner fitted perfectly. Being 25mm it is just over 300mm in length which means more leverage than an 8" shifter or even a 10" shifter.

Let's hope your WD 40 works.

But just a leverage thought.

Cheers - and keep us posted.

[EricL]

Hello @Flats 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your water inlet connections.

It's great that you've received excellent advice from @Noyade. Just to add to the suggestions made, I recommend placing the spanner on the other side of the wall so that you are applying your force downwards instead of upwards as indicated in your photo. Another option is to firmly tap the spanner on the handle with another spanner to create a momentary force to shock the fitting loose. If after several hits no movement occurs, I suggest stopping and not forcing the issue further. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Flats]

Seems like leverage was the trick!

Unfortunately my 25mm spanner was a millimetre too small so MacGyver came to the rescue with zipties and duct tape to give me the extra leverage on my shifter.

Valve refitted with new plumbers tape and is looking good!

Thanks for all your help!

[Noyade]

"so MacGyver came to the rescue with zipties and duct tape"

👍👍👍😁

[EricL]

Hello @Flats 

Thats great news, I'm glad to hear you got the tapware off. Please keep an eye on the tap for at least 24 hours before removing any towels or catching basins beneath it. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric