do small leaks ever stop by themselves?

[imamartian]

I've recently plumbed in a basin and cistern. My first time using solder (previously only used push fit and compression). Had 24 joints to solder and they were all fine. My one and only leak is in the isolator valve i put in to the cistern - and the water is coming out of the actual screw that turns the ball valve !!!

It is the smallest of leaks, and gets only damp after an hour or so (slightly more damp than condensation on the cold pipe). It is such a slow leak that i think it evaporates before it builds enough water to drip.

What would the pro's recommend? I guess change it, and buy better quality fittings in future? Is there a chance it will stop by itself in time?

 

[gas4you]

I doubt it very much and I would replace it. Won't be more than a 10 min job.

Unlike us though you have the option to leave it as we would get called back and we couldn't risk a drip getting worse and damaging a customers property

 

[Bahco]

Only cost you a pound or two to change.

Get a better quality one though.

 

[ChrisR]

MOST fittings we can buy easily are pretty dismal quality!
Peglers is a brand worth paying a bit extra for.

But yes leaks often do stop by themselves. Scale I suppose, I've never seen a fully satisfying explanation!

 

[imamartian]

Won't be more than a 10 min job.

Haha !! i wish !! it'll be a 2 hour job for me... it's in an awkward spot, difficult to cut the pipe. Then i'll probably under-do the compression joint on the isolator valve... then i'll probably overtighten it or slip tightening it and crack the cistern.... if there's any luck to be had, i get the bad stuff...

so now you see why i'm tempted to leave it

 

[dal5band]

try turning the screww through 180 degrees - it will bed in the seal and may shift any bit of grit causing the problem.

 

[imamartian]

Good idea! i have closed it off a fraction, but that hasn't worked.
I'll give it a go thanks.

 

[Garfeild]

try turning the screww through 180 degrees - it will bed in the seal and may shift any bit of grit causing the problem.

Or it will make it worse,then youll have to change it.

 

[twgas]

why put a valve where you cant get at it?

 

[imamartian]

why put a valve where you cant get at it?

because i'm a computer programmer by trade....

and i could get to the valve before i put the cistern in the way

 

[Steady]

<<try turning the screww through 180 degrees - it will bed in the seal and may shift any bit of grit causing the problem. >>

Just try doing what this poster said before you try replacement.

You haven't done it yet and it sometimes works!