Fixing leaking tap in bathroom

AliceBanned

Hi


I am trying to repair my bathroom sink tap. Water is off at the isolation valve and I have the top of it off, but I can't release the final nut. It is jammed solid. I am holding the tap with grippers and trying to turn the nut anti-clockwise with pliers.I've also given it wd40 sprays. Any ideas? Will I be able to remove the whole tap instead, and replace it? Thanks. I've been trying for most of the day after fixing the internal stop tap. This bathroom tap has been dripping badly for a few weeks, both at the base and the nozzle when it is turned off.

AliceBanned

Having said that I've now got the nut off!


The problem is there is also a leak at the bottom of the tap. I think this may mean the whole tap needs replacing? Thanks.

AliceBanned

Been to friendly B&Q got the tools to remove tap - basin wrench but still hard to do, and the pipe seems to move too much. Also noticed a leak when I put the isolation valve back on.


So I've fixed the top of the tap (needed new washer) but it is wobbling and there is a small leak when I turn isolation valve back on so not sure what to do next!

Ruski

Sounds like you need to tighten the backnut (underneath the basin where the large nut tightens up against the ceramic of the basin)


The leak sound like the connection between the pipe and the tap thread? If so, give it a small tighten, often enough, otherwise undo completely, clean up the face of the tap connector, insert new fibre washer and reconnect. (presuming brass fittings, sounds like it is)


A piccie would be really useful!


HTH


Russ

AliceBanned

Ruski wrote: »

Sounds like you need to tighten the backnut (underneath the basin where the large nut tightens up against the ceramic of the basin)


The leak sound like the connection between the pipe and the tap thread? If so, give it a small tighten, often enough, otherwise undo completely, clean up the face of the tap connector, insert new fibre washer and reconnect. (presuming brass fittings, sounds like it is)


A piccie would be really useful!




HTH


Russ

Thanks, I'm really struggling! Been doing DiY plumbing all day for the first time I've ever done any. OK - I can't get to the back nut at the moment. Access is the hardest bit. I bought a basin wrench and a backnut spanner today. I am not sure whether the wrench is the right size. It is 1/2-3/4 "? I will try and add pics. The tap won't switch fully off so it seems I wasted my time fixing the other washer.


The leak is from the isolation valve point..if that makes sense; halfway between two pipes.

AliceBanned

I now have taken the backnut off - on trying to turn it, it fell off as it was so corroded! Would this be causing all the problems? I am puzzled that the tap won't switch fully off. It looks like the backnut has been loose for some time, so this has caused problems with the tap overall maybe.


Unfortunately I am struggling to get the nut below that off - because of leverage. I have a basin wrench but it may be the wrong size. Unless I get this off I can't attach a new backnut.

Ruski

The backnut has no connection with the function of the tap and won't have caused any 'problems' other than the tap being loose on the basin.


To help undo the tap connector, position the basin wrench on the tap connector nut and try turning the whole tap anti-clockwise - this may give you the leverage required to get it started.


To stop the leak at the iso valve, hold the body of the valve in some grips and nip up the top nut in a clockwise direction.


Having said all this - if you haven't fixed a leaky washer maybe you need a bit of help from someone with a bit more experience - anyone you could ask? Forum guidance is all very well, but hands on learning is 100 times better


HTH


Russ

AliceBanned

Ruski wrote: »

The backnut has no connection with the function of the tap and won't have caused any 'problems' other than the tap being loose on the basin.


To help undo the tap connector, position the basin wrench on the tap connector nut and try turning the whole tap anti-clockwise - this may give you the leverage required to get it started.


To stop the leak at the iso valve, hold the body of the valve in some grips and nip up the top nut in a clockwise direction.


Having said all this - if you haven't fixed a leaky washer maybe you need a bit of help from someone with a bit more experience - anyone you could ask? Forum guidance is all very well, but hands on learning is 100 times better


HTH


Russ

Thanks Russ. I'll have a go at removing it that way.


The guy in B&Q said that changing a washer might not repair it; it might be the mechanism inside and might need replacing (ie the whole tap). He didn't seem to be giving me hard sell as he could see I was trying to fix it. I have a friend or two who might know, yes. Just not likely they can look for a few days.


I have seen a pair of taps on Amazon for £12 but now I've got this far it would be better if I can fix it. When it turns off water is still almost running out - it just turns very tight - I wonder whether it being lose at the base has caused problems, because for a while I have been shutting it off as usual but it has moved slightly as I shut it off. There is also leak at the base. More attempts today!


I will try to upload pics but I have a new pc and not yet worked out how to get my photos on here. Not sure it will help at this point?

cyclonebri1

If I were you I'd either get new taps and be done with it, or in retrospect, employ a plumber.

Sorry shouldn't have said that, but it does seem to be developing into a major project.

AliceBanned

No I absolutely don't need a plumber! Thanks for your input, but it's a bit negative for a diy board.

Horizon81

I totally agree with cyclonebri1. Whilst I admire the DIY route, do you really want to take a chance with water? Leaks can cause damage costing thousands if you get it wrong. You could save the money to'ing and fro'ing to B&Q buying parts and tools you may never need again and put it towards a plumber.

As for the pair of taps for £12 on amazon, well they're going to be Chinese rubbish. How can you expect them to last long at that price? Have a look in Toolstation/Screwfix for some WRAS approved taps that will be a little more expensive.