Plumbing problem

U

utmck

500+ Posts
My sink in the bathroom has developed a leak where the plumbing comes from the wall (plastic) and the hose that runs to the cold water (plastic with a metal crimp on the end). The hose doesn't screw off. So I went to HD and the guy there said he couldn't think of anything and that I could try EP-200 (Epoxy Putty). At $3.50 I figured what the hell. Well it doesn't work at all.

So now I am calling on the wisdom of HF's...... what can I use to stop the leak?
 
Not sure I understand where the leak is. Is this all related to the cold water line? And the leak is where the source line (plastic from the wall) and the hose that goes to the faucet connect?
 
maybe take a picture and post it? So there are two leaks in two different locations but no screw fittings in between?

Is it hard plastic hose (like PVC) coming out of the wall or flexible tubing? I was going to suggest shutting of the water in your home and re-cementing the shutoff valve.

How old is the house? Is there really no valve under the sink to cut off the water!?!?
 
My house is 6 yrs old.

It is hard plastic coming out of the wall and flexible plastic tubing that runs from it that screws into the cold water line to the faucet. The leak is where the flexible plastic tubing and the hard plastic meet. The flex tube does not screw into the hard plastic (it can't be taken apart), butthat is where the leak is.
 
The pipe should be marked as to its material--PVC, ABS, PE, or PEX. If it's really some type of solvent or adhesive based connection you could try applying an appropriate solvent or adhesive to the joint. Or epoxy might work. But no matter what you do, you have to depressurize the line or the water pressure will just open up the patch while it's setting up. If you want a reliable fix the joint probably needs to be completely redone--probably by a plumber if you're not comfortable putting in a new connection.
 
I tried epoxy and it didn't work...
brickwall.gif
 
Did you turn off the water at the curb, depressurize the line by turning on the cold water faucet, and dry the connection before using the epoxy?
 
no, I didn't know I would need to do all that. It isn't like it is a steady leak. I can dry it enough to apply the epoxy.
 
Fixing pressurized plumbing reliably with adhesive is very difficult. It just doesn't adhere well enough to handle the constant pressure. That's why plastic pipes use solvent based adhesives that literally melt the two pieces together. The only way I've ever fixed one reliably is to create a vacuum on the inside of the pipe and apply solvent to the outside of the joint which gets drawn into the leak.

It still wouldn't hurt to post a picture.
 
I may have seen what he is describing/ The supply line will have a fitting on the end which will have the cold water hose. It a perfect world this fitting will attach to the supply and can be removed. Some people use a compression fitting. There is also a newer type called a sharkbite fitting which uses teetch and an o-ring. It's quicker to install. In my house the builder used a cheap generic sharkbite that cannot be removed with the sharkbite tool. If the leak is at the fitting then you need to remove the fitting and replace. My cheap version has the cold water hose permanently crimped on the fitting so if anything ever goes wrong I have to replace everything and turn off the house supply. It sound like you may have the same type of cheaper fitting that I do. You might try calling the plumbing contractor and asking what they used.
 
My house valve is near the street next to the water meter. Typically the valve is under a small steel cover about 6-8" in diameter. There may be two, one for your house and one for your neighbor. It should be apparent which is which by their relative locations. Shouldn't require any special tools, just reach in the hole and turn it off like any other water valve. Check for critters first, though.
laugh.gif
 
you don't need to turn it off at the street, but no it doesn't require a water meter key.. you could use a pair of channel locks.
there is a gate valve where the main water line enters your house and it is located right there on the outside - usually accompanied by a hose bib or in a closet or utility room. that main will also shut your water off. you then would need to bleed the lines out at a downstairs fixture, probably the tub.
it sounds like the leak may be on your valve under the sink (the angle stop). is that the case, or is it just that the supply line needs to be replaced or tightened?
 
Go to a big auto parts store and get some gas tank sealer, which is a two part product you mash together and push onto the leak, and it hardens like steel. That stuff seals anything, and can be used in a swimming pool.
Or you can saw off the leaking part after shutting off the water, and fix it conventionally using plumbing products.
 
No the valves are not being eliminated as far as I know. If I am correct his leak is in the valve itself where it attached to the wall section of pipe. He need to cut the water off to fix/replace the valve or the supply hose which is a permanent part of the valve.
 
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