Identifying my dripping tap!

ChilliBob

Hello everyone, we have a dripping tap which is getting worse. Our plumber was round for something else and said we'd need to find out the make and model as it probably needed a new limescale cartridge. 

This is where I'm struggling. The kitchen was made by Howdens I believe, so I'll hit them up, but I can't see it on their site. 

It's some swan neck thingy, more unique go it seems to be the groove at the bottom, which I guess might help me identify it. 

So, here goes, do you own this tap? Do you know where it may have come from?! 

GDB2222

https://www.bristan.com/products/kitchen-taps?code=ar%20snkpro%20c

ThisIsWeird

Hi Chilli.

Where's it dripping from - the spout? If so, most likely the ceramic cartridges have worn and need replacing. In which case, you don't even need to know the make and model, as almost certainly an off-the-shelf replacement is available from a number of sources.

You will, tho', need to remove one to measure, usually an easy process. Are there isolating valves fitted so's you can temp turn the water off to it for this?

Are there wee end caps on the round horizontal ends of the handle shaft? If yes, prise them off to expose a screw underneath. If no, then perhaps unscrewing the vertical handle will release it.

Then unscrew the chrome collar, and finally unbolt the brass cartridge underneath. You only need to do one, measure it, take good photos, count the number of splines on the handly bit, and replace. 

Then use any number of tap sites such as 'tap magic' (I think?) to find a replacement pair, search for cheaper options such as eBay, and buy a H&C pair.

Worth also getting a tube of silicone grease - every home should have one - and smearing some on all rubber parts (bottom washer, upper O-ring) as well as all threaded parts. This will prolong its life, and help it release the next time you do this job. You may even wish to undo the grubscrew behind the main tap body, gently twist and lift the tap spout, and grease these O-rings too.

ChilliBob

Wow, that's a detailed response, many thanks. 

Yes, it's a drip from the spout. 

The plumber expected there to be caps on the outer edge of the taps, alas, there is not. There is a grub screw or similar behind them though, so my guess us that will allow the handle to slide off fully. 

Under the sink there is a cold iso only, not both. There is also some funky grey thing eith electricity warnings on it connected to the same setup which I belive is some anti flood thing for the dishwasher or something.

Silicone grease, I'll look into it, although I'm sure the plumber would have some. However, silicone spray was suggested to me by a window repair man - I've since used it on a few moving part things with decent success! 

ChilliBob

GDB2222 said:

https://www.bristan.com/products/kitchen-taps?code=ar%20snkpro%20c

Yeah, I thought it was that when I did a Google lens search.. however, the bit at the bottom is different mine has a groove, other than that it's identical. 

Seeing the price that's why I'd want to fix it! 

ThisIsWeird

ChilliBob said:

Wow, that's a detailed response, many thanks. 

Yes, it's a drip from the spout. 

The plumber expected there to be caps on the outer edge of the taps, alas, there is not. There is a grub screw or similar behind them though, so my guess us that will allow the handle to slide off fully. 

Under the sink there is a cold iso only, not both. There is also some funky grey thing eith electricity warnings on it connected to the same setup which I belive is some anti flood thing for the dishwasher or something.

Silicone grease, I'll look into it, although I'm sure the plumber would have some. However, silicone spray was suggested to me by a window repair man - I've since used it on a few moving part things with decent success! 

Yes, the grub screws will almost certainly do it.

Are you sure the cold isol is for the tap? I suspect it's for the W/M. 

Anyhoo, if you are doing this, then you can LT-43CA790 the handle and chrome collar with the water on. You could even check the brass cartridge will slacken, before then shutting off the main stopcock, undoing the cart fully, measuring, and replacing whilst you order the replacements. A 5 minute job.

Grease is different - thicker - but no need if you aren't staying there longer term.

ChilliBob

The iso - yes, on reflection it's probably for the dishwasher - which makes sense as to why there is only cold.

I sense I may be doing part of it - to get a spare part for the plumber perhaps. (or if its generic u suspect a local plumbers merchant would carry it) 

We do intend to stay here for a decent while, so grease it is! 

Ganga

I bought new cartridges for our tap from B and Q,not the cheapest but took the original down to store and bought the right ones ,all look the same but some have more splines on the shaft and also slightly different lengths .

housebuyer143

How much was the tap? Would it be much more to buy a new one?

My dad changed the washers in mine and they were like £20 😱 if I had known beforehand I would have just bought a new tap

ThisIsWeird

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80026480#Comment_80026480

CB, if you remove that cartridge, then you will be completing the job! The removal is the tricky part, as it can be tight.

Find a good website that shows you the dimensions required, then remove one cartridge and photograph and measure these bits. Replace, turn water back on, order new cartridges. It'll be much easier the second time around.

ChilliBob

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80027249#Comment_80027249

No idea, we didn't buy it, but link above suggests I'd be looking at £400 or so!