"slip fit" spigot with an interupt is leaking past the o-ring and into the wall

[someguy]

Hi all,

I'm having problems with a "slip fit" spigot with an interupt. The original started to leak past the o-ring when the shower was on and I figured it had dried out and/or cracked. I bought an exact replacement (Moen) and that seemed to do the trick. Unfortunately, after about 6 mos. the new one has started to leak as well. It doesn't happen every time. Only once and a while, sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. The water is seeping past the o-ring and following the pipe into the wall. (And down to the kitchen below )

Is there some way to increase the effectiveness of that o-ring? Should I caulk the ba-jezus out of where the pipe enters the wall? What's the "right" way to fix it?

Thanks,
-Bill

[someguy]

Anyone?!?!?

[jadnashua]

If the pipe is not perfectly round or has some nicks in it, it will leak. Overtightening the setscrew could do it, using the thing as a handle could bend the pipe as well. You might consider soldering on a male adapter, and buying a screw-on spout.

[someguy]

Cool, thanks for the info! The pipe does not appear bent to the naked eye. I'll throw calipers on it this weekend to make sure it isn't ovalized.

I don't think it's scratched or nicked either... Can I smooth it out with fine emery cloth or sand paper? If so, how fine would it need to be... or would that make things worse? Is there anything I can apply to the o-ring or pipe to help it seal?

I was wondering about converting it to a screw on stye. I'm reasonably intelligent and mechanically minded. I feel that I would have no problems converting it. All the same,
is there a how-to on the web you could direct me to if I choose that route?

Thanks again guys,
-Bill