strange leak

[bumpyjack]

Hi I wonder if anyone can help. I have a strange leak. It looks like the copper pipe running from the mains where it enters the house (under the sink) to where an external garden tap has been connected (about 30 cms in) is for want of a better word is sweating. I know this is an odd term but I can't see any leak from the joints the pipe has little beads of water all over it. I left a basin under it and in the past 6 hours there are now 3 or 4 large drops of water. I know this isn't much water but I can't store anything under the sink really until it is fixed. Any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks

 

[andyg0507]

are you sure its not condensation on pipe?

what other pipes/appliances are close by?

 

[obseen16]

could be condensation or pin hole corrosion, how old is the pipe?

 

[GreenArmy]

Stick your hand up to where the copper joins the sink tap, if its wet i bet its the fibre washer between tap connector and tap.

 

[bumpyjack]

are you sure its not condensation on pipe?

what other pipes/appliances are close by?

It certainly looks like condensation - I am surprised how much water is being produced this way if it is. Is there anyway to stop it if this is the case?

This pipe goes to the dish washer and the cold tap in the sink and the garden tap.

It definitely looks like condensation. The pipe is about 10 years old.

 

[migoplumber]

wrap everything in toilet paper, and identify if its a specific point on the pipe or the whole pipe

 

[bumpyjack]

Stick your hand up to where the copper joins the sink tap, if its wet i bet its the fibre washer between tap connector and tap.

No its not wet

 

[andyg0507]

it could possibly be the heat from your dishwasher, as miqo says, wrap in tissue and then you will see where leak/conden is coming from.

how much of the pipe is sweating from what you can see?

 

[macplumb]

Get some 9mm lagging from merchants or b&q put it round pipe for insulation.
It just sounds like condensation. If there was any pin holes you would have a fine spray of water.

 

[bumpyjack]

it could possibly be the heat from your dishwasher, as miqo says, wrap in tissue and then you will see where leak/conden is coming from.

how much of the pipe is sweating from what you can see?

I have it wrapped in tissue now and waiting to see.
It sweats from where it changes from the plastic mains to copper along 30 cms or so and up until it runs parallel to the warm water pipe.

So far no specific leak from any one place so definitely looks like condensation

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions

Will do - thanks

 

[stevetheplumber]

should be lagged to stop this happening its the water comming in very cold at this time of year hitting the warm air