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terrace converted to 3 stories buy previous owner, kitchen and bathroom ground floor,
Water comes in from external on second floor
C/H and Hot Water run from a conventional boiler and water tank on 3rd floor.
One of the plastic pipes coming into the ground floor has started to leak badly at a fitting (22mm pushfit) I replaced the fitting but this wasn't the problem,
when drained the water appeared warm and was dirty colored, at the start it came out pretty much black. I've turned the external cold off and the internal hot, when separated the pipes still flow for a good while after the waters been switched off.
I thought it may be the tank overflow but all are below max and drain out thru the wall opposite the tank anyway.
I can't think why it would be so black coloured, it does run clearer after a while though.
The boiler/hot waters not been used for about 4 weeks as I've been away from home.
Any ideas greatly appreciated, I'll need to make rough fix until I'm next in the house/can get a plumber circa 2 weeks..
Thing is I was going to be staying here over Easter and cant shower due the the leak when the waters on.
Thanks!
If it's definitely leaking at the fitting, take it apart, and look at the condition of the plastic pipe where it enters the joint. Is there a plastic insert present to stiffen up the pipe where it meets the fitting - sometimes people forget to put them in.
If it's a bit mangled, and you have a bit of slack in the system, you might be able to cut it back a cm or so, put in a new insert and re-attach it.
"the water appeared warm and was dirty colored, at the start it came out pretty much black"
Central heating pipe then?
Could it be frost damage if the house has been empty / heating off for 4 weeks?
Look for splits in the pipes - possibly the water is running along the outside of the pipe from a leak, but not dripping off until it gets to the fitting.
Push fit is pretty reliable but does need to be done right. Four common things for failure are mixing and matching fitting brands (usually ok but but you might get the odd combo that isn't), missing the insert (as above), a scratch/cut on the pipe outer that bridges the o-ring and a forced bend in the pipe that twists the fitting.
Another thing to check is if it is definitely that fitting. Could it be another one that then drips along the pipe.
As for the dirty water that can happen on a radiator feed. I'd be pretty concerned if it was the hot and very concerned if it was the cold.
Thanks, I'm pretty sure its not the fitting, I bought one of those extra stiffeners and inserted it as one was missing but it's still leaking.
I know nothing really here but why the concern with the hot/cold radiator Nick? Just so I'm aware.
It did do this about 4 years ago at the same fitting, the fitting was replaced then and it's been fine since.
The radiator it feeds into would be the end of line?
[i]IÂ know nothing really here but why the concern with the hot/cold radiator Nick?[/i]
You didn't specify that it was definitely a rad feed in the op. If it is then the water being a bit black isn't a big deal. If it is your main cold feed (ie drinking water) or the hot water then it is an issue.
Thanks I'm still figuring out the runs a bit, with the black water it must be the rad, its definitely not the boiler overflow.
Yeah, that's how I'm set at the moment, if I turn on either the cold mains or the hot water there's a big leak with no way of isolating,
I've got hold of a 3m length of 22mm so I can plug it in and run it to the basin drain so I can shower tomorrow...
If it's an open/traditional heating setup, tie up the ball valve at the small loft header tank, then you can turn on the water without your central heating refilling.
Make sure your boiler is switched off with a sign as a reminder, as your hot water is normally heated by a small part of the central heating circuit, and that is drained down.
Chop out about reasonable length of pipework either side of the leaking fitting and replace. Use the insertion marks so you can be sure everything is pushed fully home. If it's leaked before the pipe is probably knackered, or the pipe is short and is putting strain on the connection when the water cools down.
Thanks all,
I've had a think over night, it must be the rad circuit, and i think it must be the connector, even though I thought it was fine, I've re-checked it after leaving it drain fully over night.
I'd used a JP part, same as was used after the original fix, but the return side next to it, they've used an older system, almost identical but with white plastic circlips used instead - any ideas of manufacturer? I'll look to replace like for like.
Thanks Spooky, the old style pipe dosnt have insertion marks, I'm assuming it's from around 2000/1 as this was when the house was re-done, they've not left much room for error though so it could be a touch on the short side.
I've properly fitted the part now and so far so good with the cold water back on....
The fittings above a plasterboard ceiling which will need re boarding and artexing, classic Easter break stuff 😉
Use the pipe and replace the fitting.
Not sure why you wouldnt do this?
Artex? Ugh.