A question for plumbers, please.

teddysmum

When our new boiler system was fitted, I noticed a leak from the bathroom basin and the plumber/gas fitter told me that it had leaked for some time and had rusted, meaning he couldn't tighten the fixing, so I'd need a new tap.


A new tap wouldn't normally be an problem, but I fear we have a case like the rhyme where all is lost for want of a horse shoe nail.


The monobloc tap,(which Twyfords tell me, is an obsolete model called Amazon) has ceramic heads that match the suite (rosewater, again obsolete) and my plumber says that he doesn't think the heads will fit more recent taps, as he has met this problem before.


1) Do we need a complete tap or will it just be a fixing needed (if that can be bought)? It's a circa 1991/2 setup.


2) Are there likely to be taps that the heads will fit ?


I visualise this as a real head headache, as new sink tap with different heads, means replacing the bath tap too . This, I dread, could mean that the bath tap removal would expose metal on the steel bath, meaning a new suite.... and knowing my luck, this will be the case.

Crinkmeister

Nothing will "rust" on a tap unless it's a screw that holds the head on, in which case it's the wrong screw! Can you post a pic of what's leaking?

Avoriaz

teddysmum wrote: »

When our new boiler system was fitted, I noticed a leak from the bathroom basin and the plumber/gas fitter told me that it had leaked for some time and had rusted, meaning he couldn't tighten the fixing, so I'd need a new tap.
...

Where is the leak?

Is it from the water supply side or the drainage side?

Taps are unlikely to rust although, as above, the screws holding them on can rust.

Are there isolation valves on the hot and cold supply pipes under the sink?

If yes, then it should be a fairly easy job to isolate the water supply, remove the tap, give it all a good clean and refit it, using any new screws or plumbing fittings required.

I know that as I have recently fitted a new vanity unit and basin but reused the ten year old tap (like yours it matches the bath tap) which now looks brand new after cleaning it with limescale remover.

As above, post some pictures.

teddysmum

I will take a photo tomorrow, when the light is better.


The water is not leaking out of drain or supply pipe. It is seeping between the tap and the basin ceramic, when water splashed or the sink is cleaned, as the tape is loose and can't be screwed tighter, according to the plumber.


It is difficult looking (though a small camera should work) but on feeling, it seems just the 'thing' bolting the tap to basin underside is flaking. I had thought the tap couldn't rust, as it surely won't be made of iron.

Crinkmeister

Ah, but the fixing could well be steel, since it wouldn't normally get wet.

You will have something like this underneath your basin


Probably the fixing nut has rusted onto the threaded stud which is why your plumber could not remove it. I suspect if that was the case, you could remove the stud and nut in one go. You then need to reinstate the seal between base of tap and basin. Don't just use silicone - it won't work! You need a compliant (usually foam) washer. Local plumbers merchant may be able to help.

uk_messer

Well he has to remove the tap and will have to budge it then..so I don't see the issue in just getting a new fixing thread.

Is the tap loose at all? If not then tightening may not solve it anyway. Can sometimes be the form of the basin against the washer or that it's malformed from over tightening.

teddysmum

Yes the tap is slightly loose. I have only noticed since the new boiler system was fitted and assumed it just came loose because of the new flexi hose.

teddysmum

Crinkmeister wrote: »

Ah, but the fixing could well be steel, since it wouldn't normally get wet.

You will have something like this underneath your basin


Probably the fixing nut has rusted onto the threaded stud which is why your plumber could not remove it. I suspect if that was the case, you could remove the stud and nut in one go. You then need to reinstate the seal between base of tap and basin. Don't just use silicone - it won't work! You need a compliant (usually foam) washer. Local plumbers merchant may be able to help.

That's what it feels like, but obviously rusted.

uk_messer

teddysmum wrote: »

Yes the tap is slightly loose. I have only noticed since the new boiler system was fitted and assumed it just came loose because of the new flexi hose.

Having a new boiler should not matter to the pipes at the basin. Why was a new flexihose used?

Crinkmeister

uk_messer wrote: »

Having a new boiler should not matter to the pipes at the basin. Why was a new flexihose used?

System boiler replaced with combi - hence mains pressure now on hot tap -> leak?

teddysmum

uk_messer wrote: »

Having a new boiler should not matter to the pipes at the basin. Why was a new flexihose used?

I'm no expert but assume it's because the pipe was rerouted from behind the bath instead of taking up all the landing floorboards.