Kitchen Tap

[Deleted User]

Our kitchen tap has been dripping for a few months - yesterday I decided enough was enough and called out a plumber (I couldn't remove the tap tops !) - the tap is a cheapish 1/4 turn swan neck ceramic job

He changed the washers and told us to try it for 24 hours and let him know how it is

This morning - it is leaking at the joint where it swivels

Is there any link between these leaks ?

We need a replacement tap

What is https://www.screwfix.com/p/cooke-lewis-mono-mixer-kitchen-tap-chrome/2834t like ?

I guess I am asking what brand is most reliable at reasonable cost - cooke and lewis or Britan or another ?

grumbler

Deleted_User said:

Is there any link between these leaks ?

Yes - if it leaks permanently.

No - if it leaks after the tap was used and then stops in a while.

[Deleted User]

grumbler said:

Deleted_User said:

Is there any link between these leaks ?

Yes - if it leaks permanently.

No - if it leaks after the tap was used and then stops in a while.

It does leak constantly

Belenus

Deleted_User said:

Our kitchen tap has been dripping for a few months - yesterday I decided enough was enough and called out a plumber (I couldn't remove the tap tops !) - the tap is a cheapish 1/4 turn swan neck ceramic job

He changed the washers and told us to try it for 24 hours and let him know how it is

This morning - it is leaking at the joint where it swivels

Is there any link between these leaks ?

We need a replacement tap

What is https://www.screwfix.com/p/cooke-lewis-mono-mixer-kitchen-tap-chrome/2834t like ?

I guess I am asking what brand is most reliable at reasonable cost - cooke and lewis or Britan or another ?

What did he change?

The ceramic quarter turn cartridges or washers where the swivelling spout meets the fixed main body of the tap?

Another_Level

So many taps offered for sale in the Uk, there is a reason why 

Swan were entry level generic products for Wolseley, they were ok but they have a life expectancy. 

For reasonable cost & quality kitchen sink mixer, Franke and Grohe come to mind (target price £150+)  Sometimes the characteristics of the particular plumbing installation or water quality will create issues with all taps.

Cooke lewis (kingfisher) kitchen mixer taps are made in china , many water taps are now days. Even the expensive marques   
Have a read of the reviews, save time start from lowest score first 

Why not leave the plumber purchase and fit the new tap, less headache 

GDB2222

I'm happy with Bristan. 

BlueC

Cooke & Lewis is a Kingfisher (B&Q / Screwfix) own-brand. They tend to be a cheap price point but in my experience they can offer good value for money. I have had their taps fail (actually one failed at the swivel like you describe so I couldn't simply replace the cartridges) but again in my experience Screwfix never quibble about replacing stuff under guarantee especially if it is their own-brand. There is a selection of Cooke & Lewis taps that have a 10 year guarantee. If money is tight I think they are good value but pay attention to the Screwfix reviews:

https://www.screwfix.com/c/bathrooms-kitchens/kitchen-mixer-taps/cat4650002#category=cat4650002&brand=cooke_and_lewis&manufacturerguarantee=10_year_manufacturer_s_guarantee__t_cs_apply_

If you want something really decent I would go with Grohe. They may be expensive but they are good quality. If you shop around you can sometimes find good deals on Grohe gear.

Can't comment on Bristan or Watersmith taps but I wouldn't fancy trying to get either to honour any type of guarantee whereas Screwfix tend not to even question it if its their own brand stuff.

NSG666

Cook&Lewis from Screwfix and Plumbsure from B&Q are terrible and I had to start refusing to fit them for customers who bought them as I knew that I would have to replace them within the product warranty and I used to feel bad about charging the customer to swap them.

Unless Franke have improved recently I found their quality had dropped off and they don't offer a very good warranty. Methven/Deva have a 12 year product warranty and are quick to despatch parts once proof of purchase has been supplied. As an alternative to the one you have seen look at the Deva Metropolis in the link. Toolstation sell a good selection of Deva/Methven too.

Deva MET172 Metropolis Mono Sink Mixer - SNH Tradecentre ?74.88

[Deleted User]

He fitted a replacement Cooke and Lewis mixer and charged us £90 fitted

That's not too bad

Bendy_House

Deleted_User said:

He fitted a replacement Cooke and Lewis mixer and charged us £90 fitted

That's not too bad

That's great! Keep that fellow on speed-dial

GDB2222

Bendy_House said:

Deleted_User said:

He fitted a replacement Cooke and Lewis mixer and charged us £90 fitted

That's not too bad

That's great! Keep that fellow on speed-dial

He sounds very reasonable.