Bath leaking from below

[emmaamme]

Hi, my bath has a leak from below (seems to be coming from the waste). When i felt round the washer just below the bath at the top of the trap it was wet & my hand was black off it.
I had a plumber out from my home insurance home emergency cover. He tightened up the waste in the plug hole using a screw driver & thought it was fixed however as soon as he left i ran the tap and it started again.
I called the company and they're going to come out next week to replace the waste.
This is the existing set up -

I think the waste is a mcalpine one -
https://www.screwfix.com/p/mcalpine...KqCDDU8-DVQ8jN_wxJhoCwaoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

What I'm wondering is can the washer just be replaced and is that likely to fix the issue as otherwise with the overflow being on the back wall I don't know how they will replace that as access doesn't look very easy. (Unless there is a knack to it). Not sure if anyone else has had similar issues & managed to sort it before.
Also, I'm guessing he won't necessarily bring the same waste - are these washers generic and interchangeable?

Thanks.

 

[cross thread]

Probably remove and put some sealer and refit

 

[Burnerman]

Good morning Emma!
As the outlet threads are universally sized you can expect replacement washers to be of the same diameter - although not necessarily of the same material as the original.
Ideally don't rely on the washers alone - a smear of sealant both on the inside and outside of the hole in the bath is best - the belt and braces approach if you like.
It's important that the fitting is fully tightened and not possible to turn at all.
After all, you don't want leaks down there!
Regards
John

 

[emmaamme]

Morning John, thanks for your reply - hopefully he'll go down that route as it seems the easier option. Don't know why he didn't do that yesterday although he did say it was his last job of the day & I got the impression he was keen to get home!
Regarding the overflow - if we had issues with it in the future any ideas how that could be replaced as the position isn't great being on the back wall.

 

[omph]

loosen the connection between the trap and tub, fill with silicone (undertub and inside the tub) and re-tighten. They are notorious for leaking.

 

[Burnerman]

Hi Emma
At risk of stating the obvious, bath overflows are always difficult due to their location, and ideally you need to be able to access both sides of the fitting to add sealant.
It is possible to replace them using the old style conventional overflow such as this one:

Vellamo Plug & Chain Bath Waste with Overflow

Shop the Vellamo Plug & Chain Bath Waste with Overflow at Tap Warehouse with free delivery over £250* and 0% finance available**

www.tapwarehouse.com

I managed to fish into place one of these using some string but it wasn't an easy or particularly tidy job due to the sealant everywhere, but it is possible to tighten it with a screwdriver. Naturally enough it isn't as pretty as yours!
If yours is behaving just now then just don't disturb it in any way....turning the thing will only end in tears and you'll have to keep the water level low.
Regards
John

 

[emmaamme]

Thanks John, good to know for future reference. The string's a good idea. Be so much easier if the plumber had installed it and the taps at the side of the bath.