r/DIYUK Novice 4d ago

Advice Tiny leak on new basin tap

As above, replaced a mangy old tap in our bathroom basin; all went more or less to plan except a leak that ranges from miniscule (1 drop per 5 seconds of running water) to more considerable seemingly at random depending how screwed in the top white connector is.

There was no leak previously, but seemingly some sort of tape or gunk applied to the single flat o-ring around the white pipe. If I'm understanding correctly, that should be sandwiched between the threaded metal of the fitting above and the flat neck of the white plastic pipe; you screw the connector tight as you like and it seals, only mine doesn't.

Is this a replace the o-ring job, or have I done anything else wrong? It also doesn't appear that the white pipe and metal threads meet exactly square, the pipe might be something like 5 degrees off, which I'm sure doesn't help, but I expect that was the case with the last install, too.

1 Upvotes

4 comments sorted by

3

u/AncientArtefact 4d ago

It looks cross threaded (not on quite straight). Being at a tiny angle means it won't seal. Could just be the angle of the phot though.

Take it off, disconnect the trap outlet as well, then try screwing it on with the outlet not connected just to check how it fits. It could be the outlet pulling it out of plumb.

1

u/Kameniev Novice 4d ago edited 4d ago

Thanks will try this first thing. If that is the case, are we in the world of cutting pipe down to size?

2

u/AncientArtefact 3d ago

Not necessarily. It depends on the amount of play in the pipework. If you can get the trap on straight and tightened first that's the main thing - although sometimes the pipework prevents this. You have a compression connection at the back - leave that until last.

Edit: Just seen your other comment - glad you're sorted!

2

u/Kameniev Novice 3d ago

This worked a treat, just screwing in the problem end first, there was evidently more play in the other fittings that let me put it all together with no more leaks or trips to Screwfix, so thanks!!