Recommend me a kitchen mixer tap

carly

We currently have a Franke Olympus chrome mixer tap which is leaking . I've changed the O rings and valves but it still leaks from where the spout joins the body. Has anyone any ideas on what further measures I can take to stop the leak , or failing this recommend a good quality chrome tap which doesn't cost the earth. Thanks

nofoollikeold

1. If it only leaks when either hot, cold or both are running, the leak is from where the spout joins the body of the tap.
2. If it leaks when both hot and cold are off, then it is leaking from the hot or cold valve.
3. Assuming 1. have a look at https://www.tapsandsinksonline.co.uk/product/franke-olympus-tap-o-ring-kit/ 

carly

nofoollikeold said:

1. If it only leaks when either hot, cold or both are running, the leak is from where the spout joins the body of the tap.
2. If it leaks when both hot and cold are off, then it is leaking from the hot or cold valve.
3. Assuming 1. have a look at https://www.tapsandsinksonline.co.uk/product/franke-olympus-tap-o-ring-kit/ 

Yes,  it is now only leaking when the taps are running but I have already changed the O rings and it is still leaking

frogglet

https://www.screwfix.com/p/cooke-lewis-mono-mixer-kitchen-tap-chrome/7676t

I got that one when the spout fell off ours. Its high enough to get buckets and pasta pans under it.

Apjs87

If you do replace look at taps from Grohe. We picked up a bargain from Wayfair last year so may be worth a look.

Jeepers_Creepers

carly said:

nofoollikeold said:

1. If it only leaks when either hot, cold or both are running, the leak is from where the spout joins the body of the tap.
2. If it leaks when both hot and cold are off, then it is leaking from the hot or cold valve.
3. Assuming 1. have a look at https://www.tapsandsinksonline.co.uk/product/franke-olympus-tap-o-ring-kit/ 

Yes,  it is now only leaking when the taps are running but I have already changed the O rings and it is still leaking

Where did you get the O rings from? Are you sure they are of the required thickness? If so, it's surprising it's still weeping from there. If you remove the spout, can you feel any burrs if you - carefully - run a finger inside the tap body where the O rings lie? 

Have you checked the new O rings for damage? When you refit the spout with the new O rings, does it feel snug and tight with little sideways wobble? 

carly

Jeepers_Creepers said:

carly said:

nofoollikeold said:

1. If it only leaks when either hot, cold or both are running, the leak is from where the spout joins the body of the tap.
2. If it leaks when both hot and cold are off, then it is leaking from the hot or cold valve.
3. Assuming 1. have a look at https://www.tapsandsinksonline.co.uk/product/franke-olympus-tap-o-ring-kit/ 

Yes,  it is now only leaking when the taps are running but I have already changed the O rings and it is still leaking

Where did you get the O rings from? Are you sure they are of the required thickness? If so, it's surprising it's still weeping from there. If you remove the spout, can you feel any burrs if you - carefully - run a finger inside the tap body where the O rings lie? 

Have you checked the new O rings for damage? When you refit the spout with the new O rings, does it feel snug and tight with little sideways wobble? 

I bought the O rings direct from Franke along with two replacement valves ( didn't want to but cheap unknown quality valves as I've had trouble in that direction previously ) so I think they should have solved the problem.  Franke have kindly offered to send me a new replacement set to see it that makes a difference.  I have removed the spout and there is a  black mark where the larger black O ring makes contact.  I cannot remove this mark; it does not feel like rubber.  There is no play in the spout with the new O rings fitted.  O rings do not appear damaged but the sheer number of times I've had the spout in and out trying to fix this tap cant have helped matters.  The base  and lower rim of the spout have a tiny amount of possibly corrosion / lime scale, but it is really minimal.

Alter_ego

I use a smear of silicone grease on this type of o ring

Jeepers_Creepers

It's a bit of a mystery, then, Carly. 

It might be worth one more go, and this time remove the O rings again and soak the spout end in vinegar (or proper limescale remover). Also put cloth around yer index finger and give the inside of the tap body a really good circular clean, looking out for any bumps that could be causing this issue. 

I wonder if limescale formed where the original O ring perished and leaked, and that bit is still causing problems? 

I'm guessing that the spout end has the grooves for the O rings to sit, and the inside of the tap body is actually smooth with no ridges? In which case this should be simply to clean. 

Jeepers_Creepers

Yes, a tube of sili grease should be in everyone's household - as well as a tin of spray sili :-).

Around once a year I remove my spout and give it a smear of lube (matron!). And, after suffering from the first frozen-shut car door of the year, I wiped down the door seals afterwards with a clean cloth and gave them a spray of sili lube. The stuff dries invisible, and there's been no hint of a repeat. It'll also help preserve the rubber seals for years.