Complete DIY numpty replaces a stop cock and .......

BenEadir

Hi all,

My old stop cock stopped stopping the flow of water so I replaced the tap and lever unit and applied a nice new ball. The old unit was 6 inches under water but was still keeping the tap open so the tank was expelling the excess water out the overflow. I tried adjusting the old unit in several ways but no matter what I did or how high I lifted the lever it wouldn't fully stop the water flow.

Although I'm a complete DIY numpty I actually managed to extract the old tap and install a nice new one without wrecking everything or flooding the house!!

I did notice that the tap I extracted had some form of white/grey paste worked into the thread where the tap and supply pipe are screwed together. Although I successfully screwed the new tap into the supply pipe and did so securely I didn't aplly any such paste as I don't even know what it is I'm guessing it's used to ensure there are no leaks from where the tap joins the supply pipe.

My question to the plumbing guru's on here is "Do I need to get some of that paste (what's it called?) and re-apply it to 'be sure to be sure' it won't leak or should I just leave well alone as it's not showing any signs of leaking 2 hours after being fitted??

Appreciate any feedback and please don't ridicule me for messing around with stuff I haven't a clue about :rolleyes:

Ben

JohnnieK

I would say there was sufficient "boss white" left on the olive to seal. With mains water you would have had a leak by now.
Just keep an eye on it over the next few days.