My washing machine water-in tap is leaking

[hayleyl]

Hi All

There is a leak between my washing machine and its water in tap. The hot tap is dripping, when I turn the tap off the dripping pretty much stops.

If anyone has any advice on how to stop this leak it would be much appreciated.

Cheers

 

[Softus]

It could be either the appliance connector washer on the outlet from the valve, or the gland on the valve spindle.

If it doesn't entirely stop dripping, then it's likely to be the gland. The only way to fix that is to replace the valve. If you buy a good quality one then it will last a lot longer. To replace the valve you need to isolate the water supply to it.

 

[hayleyl]

Thanks for the advice, one further question, please could you describe the easiest way of change a washer, for example, what tools do I need? Hopefully it is a minor problem since my landlord is useless and it isn't actually my washing machine.

Cheers

 

[Softus]

Depends on the shape of the connector....

If it looks like the ends of this:

then you might struggle with ordinary pliers, in which case you need some "pump pliers" - these are easier to use (and probably only about a fiver in Wickes). They look like this:



But some connectors have pronounced 'ears' on, and for those a pair of ordinary pliers would do, or you might even do it with strong hands.

It's also possible that the connector has simply worked loose, and doesn't need a new washer. But they only cost about 20p, so it wouldn't break the bank for you to have one ready just in case. Ask for a "washer for an appliance connector" at your local plumbers' merchant. If you wear a tight T shirt then they'll be really attentive and helpful. Sad but true.

 

[hayleyl]

Nice one. The connector looks like the one in the picture, I will pick up some pump pliers and a washer up this arvo. Thankyou for your help.
Hayleyxx

 

[JohnD]

I tried the t-shirt thing but it didn't work for me

 

[Softus]

But did you wear the special T shirt?

Edit: corrected typo in URL

 

[JohnD]

no, I was wearing this yellow one

p.s. I sent Anastasia in, without a T-shirt, and she got served in next to no time.