Dripping tap - not as simple as the YouTube gurus suggest

GDB2222

Barry_Spock said:

plumb1_2 said:

Barry_Spock said:

I tried prizing off originally with a tiny screwdriver but it didn't budge and made a small scratch so didn't want to damage any further.

Then it might unscrew, grips and a rag, the rags to protect the chrome, not to mop up your sweat 😅 

I'm sweating enough. Why do they make these things so difficult?

So, EXACTLY, what have you done so far?

Barry_Spock

GDB2222 said:

Barry_Spock said:

plumb1_2 said:

Barry_Spock said:

I tried prizing off originally with a tiny screwdriver but it didn't budge and made a small scratch so didn't want to damage any further.

Then it might unscrew, grips and a rag, the rags to protect the chrome, not to mop up your sweat 😅 

I'm sweating enough. Why do they make these things so difficult?

So, EXACTLY, what have you done so far?

I took the whole of the hot unit out (after figuring it was the only way). Tried with brute force to unscrew cold bit to no avail. Finally got cap off cold tap (see last pic). Note sure how to handle next bit.

plumb1_2

Rag and grips, turn anti-clockwise on the chrome shroud 

GDB2222

plumb1_2 said:

Rag and grips, turn anti-clockwise on the chrome shroud 

Maybe it's just hanging on the paint, and needs a slight tap with a hammer?

Barry_Spock

Oh so still trying to get the back bit off? Sorry, i thought removing the tap was a different way in.

Barry_Spock

SUCCESS! Thanks all. Now off to the plumbing centre 

plumb1_2

Barry_Spock said:

SUCCESS! Thanks all. Now off to the plumbing centre 

🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳 and hope they’ve got the correct cartridge in stock 

Barry_Spock

plumb1_2 said:

Barry_Spock said:

SUCCESS! Thanks all. Now off to the plumbing centre 

🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳 and hope they’ve got the correct cartridge in stock 

...and lo it came to pass. Went to 3 different plumbing stores. The final one had a set they felt may fit that i can return. They don't fit (see pic). It was hard to tell in the packet but as you can see, a size difference. They fit in the unit and the tap head fits OK but it sticks out from the wall too far.

First i went to City Plumbing (who i was led to believe stocked almost everything) and they used a head measuring device and said the one i showed wasn't even in the standard 20 they stock.

B&Q suggested ordering this one: https://www.diy.com/departments/plumbsure-brass-threaded-tap-gland-dia-8mm-pack-of-2/913793_BQ.prd
But that also looks like it will be too big.

Does anyone have any tips?

 

plumb1_2

You could try Screwfix or toolstation, don’t forget to take the cartridge with you. Get them to open any package.
can you find out the make/model of the taps, then look online 
I use Hargreaves plumbers merchant’s if there one local to you.
plus looks like you suffer from limescale, so would get 2 of each, future proof yourself 

grumbler

I never tried this, but there are many online companies offering their help if you send them a photo with dimensions.

A couple from my brief google search

https://www.notjusttaps.co.uk/identify-your-tap-or-shower-cartridge-and-replace-it.html

https://www.plumbers-mate-sales.co.uk/replacement-brass-valve-ceramic-disc-cartridges-130-c.asp