Old leaking coupler

[Martin461]

Hi there,

Please be gentle no idea about plumbing, at the moment I have discovered a leak on what I think is called a coupler, seems to be dry everywhere accept coming down from the coupler in the picture shown. Its the left copper pipe, tried simple tighting it but doesnt seem to go any tighter, justs spins. Any one know if there is an easy fix for this? Or would I have to get a plumber out?

 

[joni os]

Just spins sounds like a cross thread, but this is not obvious from photo. Hold nut on one side whilst tightening nut on other spinning should stop along with leak. Over tightening should be avoided. Once spinning stops a quarter turn more should suffice. If not call plumber.

 

[Martin461]

Thanks for your response, the plot thinkens, I've turned off the water, undone the left lower nut as this appears to be the problem. Next I'm going to apply some ptfe tape and tighen it all up again. The unit above is a new install and the pipe is now at an angle which i think is what must of been causing the leak, will update if it works, if not will have to get a plumber to replace the lot i guess...

 

[JCplumb]

Looking at the angle of the top pipe in your 2nd picture, that really needs sorting, you'll never get it right until the angle is sorted out. It looks like a bathroom basin, are the taps on flexis? A new longer length of copper is probably needed to get that pipe vertical again so that it will form a good seal in the ISO (the fitting you called a coupler). I'd also replace the 15mm ISO as they're not usually very good quality and tend to fail after they've been played with.

 

[joni os]

Try to lessen the angle . 15mm pipe bends easily. A block of wood to support the pipe 300mm or more above the coupler and moderate pressure should suffice.

 

[Best]

Hope that pipe goes inside the isolating valve a half inch? If it doesn't and the olive is on the end of pipe, it is very likely to leak or flood.
I would replace the isolating valves for decent quality valves

 

[village idiot]

Hope that pipe goes inside the isolating valve a half inch? If it doesn't and the olive is on the end of pipe, it is very likely to leak or flood.
I would replace the isolating valves for decent quality valves

Agree. Looking at that picture, my guess is that the pipe does not go in far enough in the valve, so regardless of how well you tighten it, it will not create a proper seal.

 

[Best]

Agree. Looking at that picture, my guess is that the pipe does not go in far enough in the valve, so regardless of how well you tighten it, it will not create a proper seal.

Yes, I was thinking why was leaking at that joint, and why is the pipe able to angle so much when nut removed. It risks a full flow flood if it is the case