Fix a leaking push-fit joint

Isolate the water, take the push-fit joint apart, check the pipe and O-ring, then reconnect and test.

PJ-01Isolate the water supplyTurn off the stopcock, usually under the kitchen sink, and make sure it turns fully. Open the nearest tap or drain point below the leak to empty the pipe of water. Hold a bucket under the fitting to catch any last drips as you work.

1 each · Bucket

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

2 each · Old towels or cloths

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

PJ-02Protect the area and set upLay old towels or a dust sheet under the pipework to catch drips and protect flooring or cupboard shelves. If the joint is under a sink or in a dark cupboard, have a torch to hand. Keep a dry cloth nearby to wipe the pipe and your hands.

1 each · Dust sheet

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Torch

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

PJ-03Release the push-fit fittingPush the grey or white release collar flat against the body of the fitting, then pull the pipe out gently. If the collar is stiff, use a proper push-fit demounting tool rather than pliers, which can crack the collar. Before pulling it fully clear, note how far the pipe was inserted — most fittings have a small witness mark.

1 each · Push-fit release tool

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

PJ-04Check the pipe end and the fittingLook at the end of the pipe for scoring, dents or an out-of-round shape — any of these stop the seal working properly. Check the black rubber O-ring inside the fitting is present, seated correctly, and not perished, twisted or nicked. Check the pipe insert (the white support sleeve) inside the pipe end isn't cracked or split.

PJ-05Cut back the pipe if it's damagedIf the pipe end is scored or misshapen, cut back 20-30mm using a proper pipe cutter, not a hacksaw, to get a clean square cut. Remove the burr and sharp edge with a pipe file or deburring tool, then lightly chamfer the outer edge so it won't cut the O-ring on the way in. Mark the correct insertion depth on the pipe with a pencil, matching the depth you noted before.

1 each · Pipe cutter

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Pipe file or deburring tool

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

PJ-06Replace the O-ring or fitting if neededIf the O-ring is perished, nicked or missing, fit an exact replacement for the pipe size — 15mm or 22mm are the common sizes. If the fitting body is cracked or the collar won't grip properly, fit a whole new push-fit fitting rather than reusing the old one. Take the old part to a plumbers' merchant to match it exactly.

1 each · Replacement O-ring (15mm)

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

1 each · Replacement push-fit fitting

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

PJ-07Reconnect the jointPush the pipe straight into the fitting with a slight twist until it reaches the depth mark you made earlier, showing it's fully home. Give it a firm push, then try pulling it back out gently — a properly made joint won't move. Wipe the pipe and fitting dry so any new leak shows up straight away.

PJ-08Turn the water back on and testTurn the stopcock back on slowly and check the joint immediately for drips. Run the tap you opened earlier for a minute to test the joint under flow, then check it again after it's stood under pressure for 10 minutes. Check any nearby joints you disturbed while working.

PJ-09Final check and tidy upDry the pipe and surrounding area fully, then check again after a couple of hours — a slow leak can take time to show. Dispose of any damaged fitting or O-ring and wipe down the work area. If the joint still leaks after a proper reassembly, fit a whole new fitting rather than reusing the old one.

1 each · Cloth or rag

Buy:ScrewfixB&QToolstationAmazon

Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Save this as a project

Back to all guides