Q: I am trying to fit a new toilet and am having a problem with the water intake pipe...Once I turn the water back on the pipe connection leaks Please help because I can't do without a toilet for much longer!!!!! Alice

A: Make sure that any rubber seals that came with the pipes are in place, and if they are threaded make sure you aren't forcing the thread of the two pipes. You can buy joint sealant at your local DIY store that will prevent badly fitting or damaged connections from leaking. There are two forms, one is a teflon tape that you wrap tightly around the entire thread of the 'male' end of the connection before screwing in the other end. The other is a putty that will do the same job. I always find the tape to be a lot easier to use (and a lot less messy), although if the problem is serious (more than a slight drip) a putty might be more reliable. Make sure you read the instructions and make sure that whatever you purchase is suitable for use on water pipes of the materials in use on your toilet.