Bath waste connections keep coming loose

MaxP779

MaxP779

MaxP779

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Joined
2 Mar 2009
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Location
Glasgow
So I fitted a new bath waste and trap a while ago but the trap connections keep loosening over time and leaking slightly, its just small drips but it eventually forms a puddle under the bath.

This is what I fitted:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/mcalpine-bath-trap-40mm-white/40633

The washers are definitely not turned or anything and it dosent leak when I tighten the connections but it will eventually leak after around a month. Should I just tighten them as hard as I can or maybe use some dow and corning sealent on them or...? Any ideas chaps?
 
I've never used PTFE or any other sort of sealant on a waste fitting, other than a smear of silicon under my shower waste on an uneven tray underside.

Strange they start leaking after being fine for around a month - sounds like maybe something is exerting pressure on the waste? Is there an unsupported waste pipe bending it down?
 
Lopéz said:
I've never used PTFE or any other sort of sealant on a waste fitting, other than a smear of silicon under my shower waste on an uneven tray underside.
Strange they start leaking after being fine for around a month - sounds like maybe something is exerting pressure on the waste? Is there an unsupported waste pipe bending it down?
Click to expand...
It depends on what waste is actually going down there.
Some chemicals and detergents (or combinations thereof) can cause slow degredation of sealing rings, sealants and so forth. PTFE is fairly good at preventing a lot of it, but it all depends on the individual situation.
 
It's caused by flex in the pipes when the bath gets filled with water. You will probably find the pipes are tight against something when the weight of water and person inside are added it compresses the seal out of shape causing them to come loose. You can check this by making sure your pipes have wiggle room to the main outlet pipe. Take off the side panel measure the distance from floor to underside of Bath rim, fill with water then measure again. If it's more than a few millimetres your bath frame is sagging (highly unlikely) or your floor is buckling slightly. Seen this happen a lot and it's a mistake quiet a few plumbers make.
 
Just realised maybe I should have said if you can't figure out what's causing it try sealing it with some plumbers mait. I don't really recommend it tho as you should really find and fix the problem.
 
Get some waste pipe clips and support the drain pipe securely

hot water travelling down a PVC pipe stretches it slightly and will stress any connected joints.
 
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