Leak on Water filter after turning stopcock off and on?!

[Marco]

Ok so went to change a flush valve at a customers on Sat. No iso valve fitted on loo(!), so shut off at stopcock. fitted new flush valve, turned the water back on to check the loo (which was fine), but heard some water flowing in the kitchen - which hadn't touched. then noticed there was a small waterfall coming out of the kitchen cupboard under the sink! There was a leak from the filter lid installed there! Never had this before.

I isolated it off for now, as it was for a landlord, and I need permission for individual jobs. So will speak to the agent on Monday.

Anyone else had a problem like this before? Its a Tecnik Clear flow. Doesn't look like the filter has been changed for a while. Only things I can think is that either they had the stopcock on only 1/3 or 1/2 pressure and when I turned the water back on it was higher pressure or filter blocked?

Want to get it sorted, as even though i didn't touch it, it was fine before I arrived!

Any thoughts or ideas appreciated please?!

 

[Ryan Jones]

The same pressure would eventually build up no matter how far the stop tap is opened.
Sounds like pure coincidence to me!

 

[Dannypipe]

Its probably been caused by the fact that it has been under constant pressure, you have switched the water off, and released that pressure....a joint on the water filter has relaxed and when you turned the water back on and put that pressure back on the system, its leaked.

I hope you understand what I'm trying to say. Totally not your fault, but it does occasionally happen, which is why I always just crack the stopcock when I switch the mains back on and wait to hear everything refill and pressurise. Then I open it fully and finally crack it back half a turn.

 

[Marco]

Its probably been caused by the fact that it has been under constant pressure, you have switched the water off, and released that pressure....a joint on the water filter has relaxed and when you turned the water back on and put that pressure back on the system, its leaked.

I hope you understand what I'm trying to say. Totally not your fault, but it does occasionally happen, which is why I always just crack the stopcock when I switch the mains back on and wait to hear everything refill and pressurise. Then I open it fully and finally crack it back half a turn.

First time for me! I tend not to turn on full straight away, maybe 3/4. But I think I'll try your idea next time of just cracking it open. It wasn't just weeping though - it was a full on leak from what looked like the top seal.

What do you suggest if they want me back though? Try just cracking it open for it to pressure up?

 

[Dannypipe]

Half the reason I crack it open is to use my ears. You'll hear when all the cisterns are full and the system pressurises and fills. While it's pressurising I'll go round listening out for any dripping sound. Or make the apprentice do so. 99% of the time you'll be fine, but very rarely some random thing, (happened to me with a washing machine connection) will weep.

You've just been seriously unlucky mate. Nothing you could have done would have prevented it.

Hopefully the landord is honourable and understands that its not your fault.

 

[Marco]

Cheers buddy - its via a letting agent, but they've been ok so far. Just googled this particular filter, but doesn't look like you can buy it any more! From WRAS memory, the landlord would be responsible for changing the filter every 6 months, if that is what the manufacturer stiplulates? So now I'm thinking I should flag that up to them - next question then is where to get filters for old filters no longer sold?! Maybe its good the filter is isolated - an old filter would be worse than no filter!

 

[Dannypipe]

He'll probably just want to filter removed so it's just potable mains going to the filtered tap. If he does want another filtered feed, then the best bet is to buy another cheap and cheerful filter (the whole thing) from your merchants or even cheaper still use Screw fix.

Yes flagging up the fact that the filter should be changed every 6 months certainly puts the onus back on the landlord...and you're totally right, a manky old filter is far worse than no filter.