Broken plastic 'ring' on basin tap.

lindos90

We have 'pillar' type basin taps on our bathroom sink.

I didn't realise when we bought them, but the base of the tap is a separate chrome covered plastic ring that fits between the tap and the pottery.

They were fitted a couple of years ago, and the chrome started to come off them fairly soon. Cosmetic issue, still functional.

Recently the hot tap started to rotate when being turned, we tightened it up but maybe a bit too much as the plastic ring cracked soon after that.

Are these 'decorative' rings replaceable or do we need to buy completely new taps?

Are they necessary I've not got them on other taps) or is there some alternative I could use? 

Hope someone can help 🙂

grumbler

A photo?          

lindos90

grumbler said:

A photo?          

I don't seem to be able to upload photos. I can try and find a similar tap online and maybe post a link?

lindos90

@grumbler , Sorry if I'm not explaining it well enough, I hope this helps.
The piece that has broken is the ring/disc at the bottom of the tap. It has a slightly bigger circumference than the tap itself, and is separate to the metal tap which rests on it.
https://www.diy.com/departments/goodhome-hoffell-contemporary-basin-pillar-tap/3663602662419_BQ.prd?alt=true

danrv

Not sure if the chrome ring is available separately. I have similar Swirl taps fitted to my bath and I've used top hat washers underneath. 
The ring is necessary as it has a rubber washer insert that grips the basin surface.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/swirl-ola-basin-taps-chrome/8405p

https://www.screwfix.com/p/arctic-products-universal-top-hat-washers-1-2-3-4-5-pack/9475J?kpid=9475J&cm_mmc=Google-_-Datafeed-_-Heating and Plumbing?kpid=KINASEKPID&cm_mmc=Google-_-TOKEN1-_-TOKEN2&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAlcyuBhBnEiwAOGZ2S7mYhImg92XktcDvNtwWM_W3AQOu25KyLWCWklM80h9TtP_Fkas0xxoC5MoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

ThisIsWeird

You might be able to manage without them, but chances are the tap body will barely cover the hole in the basin, so you'll struggle to seal that area - and it'll leak through if you don't. Also, it won't look as good. But, you won't know if that's an option until you try.
How DIYish are you? Removing and replacing taps can be a surprisingly tricky task; it can either go smoothly or be a complete 'mare. For instance, if the supplying pipes are rigid copper, then it's likely you are stuffed, as the threaded tap tails need to stick through the basin the exact same amount as before, and with that collar missing, it won't... If you have Flexi tails, ideally with isolating valves on them, then you'll have a chance!
Tbh, I wouldn't even entertain trying to refit the taps without them; they'll look not good, and will likely be difficult to seal, so they'll leak. And, the taps will spin unless you glue them down...
Check eBay for second hand taps that look similar - see if they have these collars. Unless identical, tho', there's a good chance the fit with the tap will be poor.
Or, just buy new taps - they shouldn't cost much. You can even entertain a different style if you fancy a change.
DanRV's suggestion of these Swirls is good, and I bet these collars are metal too...

lindos90

@ThisIsWeird , yes we have flexible pipes and isolation valves under the sink 👍 (other half fitted these when we did the taps, thanks for your suggestions 👍

@danrv fab thankyou for the links 👍

danrv

lindos90 said:

Recently the hot tap started to rotate when being turned, we tightened it up but maybe a bit too much as the plastic ring cracked soon after that.

That's what I've found when using flexi's. The tap tends to rotate. I've fitted top hats on the underside to help but these too can split if tightened too much.
These are on an acrylic bath. They might be more effective on a basin.