Issue fixing dripping mixer tap

stevoh

Hi All

I'm trying to fix a drip in a bathroom mixer tap. I understand that I need to take the cartridge out abs descale the components. The problem I’m having is that part of the plastic handle won’t come off to allow me to get to the cartridge. It’s find on the other side, but I’m tried with all my strength and also tried to lever it off with a screwdriver. The later started to break the plastic.

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

stevoh

Adding pic to illustrate the above

grumbler

a photo?.........

stevoh

grumbler said:

a photo?.........

Should be one above. It’s the white plastic part I’m referring to. 

fenwick458

as far as I know those cartridges are just supposed to be replaced. I took a leaking tap to bits expecting to find a washer to replace years ago only to find a ceramic cartridge similar to yours, and when I got a quote for a new cartridge, I just bought a new tap as it was cheaper!

grumbler

Is it not a screw on the right side?

stevoh

grumbler said:

Is it not a screw on the right side?

No it’s actually the end of the cartridge. I took a screw out which was holding the outer part of the plastic handle and had been screwed in to what looks like a metal screw. 

nofoollikeold

1. If the other side just pulled off after removing the screw, so will this one.
2. Its probably "welded" to the splined shaft with limescale etc.  Try:
2a. Using a limescale remover like Kilrock to try and shift some of it.
2b. Pouring very hot water over it to expand the plastic and metal.  Different expansion rates might loosen it.
2c. Cut a slot in a big washer, slip over the spindle between tap body and plastic part, and try levering it off.  The washer should spread the force more evenly over the plastic part.  
3. If none of the above work, looks like new tap time.

Jeepers_Creepers

Do you have a spanner slim enough to fit on to the black nut behind that white splined part? Remove the whole part, which is likely to be largely the cartridge.

What make is it, and have you sourced a new cartridge first? Don't assume that cleaning it will stop it dripping - chances are it won't.

Sideways pic of that would help too - what gap is there between the black part and the white, right in at the spindle? If a few mm, then a couple of large flat-bladed screwdrivers wedged in there is your best bet - immediately either side of the spindle. A screwdriver on each side simultaneously, so's it levers the white part off straight.

Jeepers_Creepers

You are 100% certain that metal end bit isn't also a screw head? Could you wipe the suds off and post a closer shot, please?

neilmcl

Jeepers_Creepers said:

You are 100% certain that metal end bit isn't also a screw head? Could you wipe the suds off and post a closer shot, please?

I was think that, could it not be a hex nut/grub screw?