Leaking bath mixer issue - help!

Onward_2

Hi All


I have a bath with a Bathstore Bensham 1885 bath mixer tap. The hot tap is leaking from the spout (not tap nut) when the tap is fully closed. There are 2 washers, one in the cold tap and one in the hot tap. Both washers are in the same condition, which would mean that this possibly not a washer issue, otherwise I assume the cold tap would leak in a similar fashion? There doesn't seem to be any other moving part so is this a 'tap malfunction', meaning a replacement tap?


Any advise or ideas gratefully received. I have tried to get a plumber in but unfortunately been let down a couple of times now, as I guess as it's not a big enough job for them?!


Thanks in advance.

Chunks

I am not a plumber (plenty on here however) but if you have established that both hot and cold supply sides have 'washers', I am assuming they are traditionally made rather than the ceramic type (tend not to drip in my experience). I would be looking at the surface the washers screw down on so to speak to see if there was an issue with the seat (should be flat and free from defect). My oldest had traditional Bristan taps and the seats needing re grinding to fix the dripping bath tap problem he had. Might also be a piece of rubbish/carp washed through the pipework and 'stuck' to the washer possibly bridging the seal (noted you say the washers are of the same condition so ok). If you see some kind of defect on the seat, you can buy a tool quite cheaply to resurface the seat (google) takes moments to do. Otherwise swap the washers. If the other tap now drips, you know it's likely a faulty/worn washer. Cheap as chips to replace.

Onward_2

Thanks for the response and ideas Chunks. The washers are rubber and I can't see any dirt or object stopping a proper seal. The taps don't appear very old. I forgot to note that I have swapped the washers and the same condition occurs hence why I think it's not a washer problem. Also, I've tried a washer that doesn't give a seal and as well as the continuous leak at the mixer tap spout, the tap drip leaks at the nearest nut near the washer also. Again this suggests that the washer is OK as if not sealing you'd think the current washer would also drip here. I'm not aware if this means there is a defective valve somewhere or if these Bathstore taps are built to be replaced is they develop a non-washer issue?!! Any other advice or experience with Bathstore mixer taps gratefully received. I've tried Bathstore, who put you on to a 3rd party who don't answer the phone. Thanks

Chunks

Apologies if I am being dim but have you actually taken the taps apart to inspect the valves:

http://www.shop.lunns.net/ekmps/shops/lunnsekm7/images/bensham-1885-mk2-5412-bath-washer-valves-pr--195691-p.jpg

Since it's a mixer tap was wondering how you know it's the hot supply side since the drip (be it cold or hot supply) comes out of the same place...

Onward_2

Hi All


Thanks for info and photo Chunks. I'm not sure if they are mixer taps but my taps appear to be molded and don't come apart like that?


Regarding the side of the tap dripping, I'm able to isolate the cold and hot water supplies just at the bottom of the bath as there are service (isolation) valves operated using a screwdriver. When both supplies are off there is obviously no leak. When I reconnect the cold supply there is no leak and I can open and close the cold water tap normally without any leak. As soon as I reconnect the hot water supply, there is a constant dribble of water straight away out of the spout even before opening the tap. I can then open and shut the tap normally for varying volumes of hot water, but this constant dribble of water remains and I can't stop it until I disconnect the hot water supply by isolating it.


I hope this makes sense? Thanks for further advice.

southcoastrgi

do they look like this ?

Onward_2

Hi southcoastrgi. Yes they are very similar to those.

southcoastrgi

then you need to undo the tap body, a spanner/adjustable on the largest nut as shown in post #4 (go careful you don't scratch the finish) & don't forget to turn the water off first