I just installed a Moen bath faucet and there’s a very, very small leak which I can’t quite seem to fix. I don’t know if it’s a design issue or an installer (me) shortcoming.
Under normal operation, there is no leak, but when you fill the basin with water and then release it (or let it run down the overflow), it sneaks between the gasket (see pic) and the threads on the upper part of the tailpiece. I know it’s not leaking past the flange within the basin because it doesn’t leak when the basin is full.
Curiously, I can fix the leak by snugging down the flange nut, but then too much plumber’s putty is squeezed out from between the flange and the basin and I risk a leak there instead.
The first thing I tried was to use plumbers putty on the threads. That reduced the leak to almost, but not quite, nothing. My next plan of attack is liquid teflon on the threads.
Thoughts?
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Tighten the nut. All the putty will not come out just the excess.
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over tightened and distorted the gasket...
replace the gasket and use teflon base thread sealant as a lube...
such as...
http://www.rectorseal.com/index.php?site_id=1&product_id=214
or...
http://www.rectorseal.com/index.php?site_id=1&product_id=213
also check to see if the basin cracked as a result of over tightening or the flat is irregular...
is the drain the correct size for the basin???
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White teflon tape on all threads.
I had the exact same problem with a Moen faucet assembly recently. My model was a little different. The flange and tailpiece were one integral piece, but the problem was the same- leak at the threads/gasket underneath the sink.
I used a combo of everything I had- teflon tape, rectorseal, and a little plumber's putty at the nut/thread under the gasket. I also cranked the nut a little more than I was initially comfortable with. The leak stopped.
k
It may well have been over-tightened the first time it was put together. My helper did that part and I told him to make it hand tight, but the guy is quite strong and made it about as tight as he could... by hand.
I'll try and get a replacement gasket if they're readily available and I have Rectorseal so I'll reassemble the drain and use it on the threads.
Thanks, you guys are tops.