Leaking Kitchen Tap - how to fix?

DIYhelp76

Hi,

We have a kitchen tap similar to the one in the link below - though not identical). In case link isn't posted, it's one with lever style ceramic disc handles.

For a long while it's dripped from the spout a short while after it is turned off. Now it doesn't do this so much. Instead, water is leaking from the base of the tap (where it goes through the sink), which means water leaks from the sink on to the work surface.

It is not much water and eventually stops itself and then just seems to happen randomly, not all the time.

Does anyone know whether this will be likely caused by the "ceramic disc" washers inside the taps or a washer at the base of the tap (forming the connection/seal between the sink and the tap base). There doesn't seem to be a leak under the sink or inside the kitchen cupboard in which it is housed, just on the top worksurface).

If the ceramic disc washers then I've heard these can't be fixed and you need replacement washers (which might be tricky to find. Would we be better off just getting new taps?

Many thanks in advance.

https://www.victorianplumbing.co.uk/mayfair-rumba-mono-kitchen-tap-kit147?campaign=googlebase&gclid=CMeZz8fj_9ACFRdmGwod81YHzA

tonyh66

does the neck turn from side to side at the joint above the taps (base of the neck) our kitchen tap leaks from there but its subtle so looks like its coming from the base. Ours needs the rubber ring seals replacing.
just read the description it has a swivel spout so I think it is definitely leaking from that joint.

DIYhelp76

Hi

Thanks very much for your helpful reply.

I think you are right. The tap does swivel and taking a closer look it is leaking from where it swivels, it just drips down to the base making it look like the leak was from there.

Feeling around the back there seems to be a screw, so am I right to assume that once I've taken the taps off I'll be able to undo the screw and this will dismantle the swivel part where I should find a washer to replace?

Sorry if this is a stupid question - have never done this before and was wondering if I should buy a set of taps just in case when I come to take the old ones off they either aren't repairable or are beyond my skills to repair.

Le_Kirk

If you do buy new tap(s), make sure it/they come with a set of flexible tails and make sure you buy taps for your situation, i.e. mains cold/tank hot or mains cold/combi hot. Reason is that some taps only work with higher pressure water.

DIYhelp76

Many thanks.

I'm hoping it will just be a washer, but think I should get new taps just in case as can't be without a tap in the kitchen.

Trouble is I won't know until I can take off and look at the existing tap - assuming I can get it off?!

tonyh66

its a couple of rubber rings that need replacing. There are two problems, you need to remove the spout and measure the rings, then you need to get the spout back in - this is quite difficult you need to use silicone lubricant (or butter) on the rings and force the spout back in, I managed to crack the ceramic sink around the hole due to the amount of pushing I needed to do. You can buy the rings off ebay for less than a pound.

EssexExile

You don't need to take the tap off, you don't even need to turn the water off. If you know what tap it is you can order an o-ring set. Undo the screw at the back & lift the spout off, some have to be turned 90° to lift off, some don't. Change the o-rings then just lubricate with washing up liquid & it usually goes back quite easily.

DIYhelp76

Many thanks for the further replies.

Sadly, I think I may have to take the whole tap off - or try to - because I can't see or get to the screw at the back, I can only feel it with my fingers - as there is a tiled wall behind and not enough space to get a screwdriver in or to see what you're doing with one.

But I'm reassured that it should hopefully just be one of these O rings and that I can pick these up cheaply. Thanks again for all the helpful info.

EssexExile

DIYhelp76 wrote: »

Sadly, I think I may have to take the whole tap off - or try to - because I can't see or get to the screw at the back, I can only feel it with my fingers - as there is a tiled wall behind and not enough space to get a screwdriver in or to see what you're doing with one.

Mine uses an allen key, you don't need much space for that.