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How to fix leaking connection on 12mm outlet from an irrigation timer?

I have a irrigation timer with a 12mm outlet. Unfortunately, there is a leak between the WX2 timer's 12mm outlet and the connector I am using to attach the polypipe. I have attempted to use PTFE tape on the connector and also without tape, both times the leak continues. Rubber seal inside the connector's looks intact. Water pressure from the pipe is not exceeding the limits of the timer, which I have calculated to be around 341 KPa. The Timer is rated to take upto 800Kpa. The poly pipe has been cleanly cut and I have made sure that it has been inserted all the way into the connector. I have also used the ratchet clamps on the barb joints.

Connection leaking.jpeg Ratchet clamps applied.jpeg Connector with PTFE tape.jpeg

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Comments

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @AbdullahFarooq. It's amazing to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about irrigation connections.

Typically, when tracking down a leak, it helps to look at where the water is actually dripping from, because gravity causes the water to fall from the point of the leak. In this case, from what you’ve shown, the poly pipe connection and the ratchet clamp at the bottom of the valve fitting appear fine. The threaded connector where you’ve added PTFE tape also looks okay, as the droplet is forming above that point rather than at the thread.

That suggests the leak is occurring between the click-on fittings, where the nipple from the timer connects to the Holman click-on fitting. It looks like a very fine leak, since it’s only just dripping. Try disconnecting the Holman fitting from the timer and swapping the fitting on the timer with the spare one on the other side. If the leak continues, that indicates there’s likely an issue with the click-on connector itself.

Inside those fittings are small plastic lugs that hold onto the nipple and help the internal O-rings seal properly, so if those are slightly damaged or not gripping evenly, a slow leak can occur.

If you have enough pipe and don’t need the click-on connector, another option is to simplify the setup by removing the click-on fitting and instead screwing your existing barbed connector directly into the timer outlet with some fresh thread tape. This would eliminate the click-on joint completely and reduce the number of potential leak points.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

AbdullahFarooq

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/59338#Comment_59338

Hi @MitchellMc, Thank you for taking the time and effort to respond - I found it quite helpful. I went with the option of removing the click-on fitting and directly attaching the barbed connector onto the timer outlet and that has worked perfectly!

Only issue now is a small dripping leak at one of the elbow connectors - is it just a matter of changing the fittings? Thanks once again for your assistance.

Joint leak.jpeg

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/92073#Comment_92073

Hello @AbdullahFarooq

It's possible that the Pope 13mm Barbed Elbow has been damaged and needs to be replaced. I also suggest putting in fresh Toro 13mm Single Locking Clamps on both sides. My best advice is not to overtighten the clamps to prevent crushing the barbed elbow joints.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/92073#Comment_92073

Hi @AbdullahFarooq,

It's probably the position of the clamp that is causing the leak. You want to position the clamp as close to behind the barb as possible. When pressure is added to the line it expands the hose and tightens the clamp against the barb. Try shifting the clamp to the red line, similar to your other clamp, or just add another clamp at the red line. Tighten them as much as possible by hand, but I typically use some pliers to achieve the final click of the ratchet clamp. Alternatively, you can swap to screw clamps, which typically seal tighter. However, you still need to position them close to the barb.

Mitchell

AbdullahFarooq

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/112081#Comment_112081

Great gems of advice one again @MitchellMc - Makes sense to put the clamp on the red line. Thank yiou

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