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Bathroom mixer tap - cold not working properly

Hi, 

For two or three months now the cold water tap hasn't been working properly in my bathroom sink which is getting very annoying. Nothing flows out of it unless you turn it on and nothing comes then turn it off screwing the tap very tightly and then if you turn it back on there's usually something. I don't know what to do but if anyone knows of an easy fix or at least things I could try please let me know. 

Separately the cold tap on the bath is often dripping despite using the bath only two or three times a month. I turn it off as hard as I can and the tap itself feels loose as the whole thing moves when you turn it on it off or on. It doesn't drip the whole time though but when it does it'll drip for hours.
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Comments

  • FreeBear
    FreeBear Posts: 17,214 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    The bath tap needs the backing nut tightened up. Can be a right pain to do as access is usually very limited. A basin wrench makes the task much easier. As for the drip, it might just be a case of needing a new washer (or cartridge).
    As for the sink tap - That may also need a new cartridge (if it uses one), or it may be easier to replace the whole thing.
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  • Rodders53
    Rodders53 Posts: 2,536 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Sounds to me like both are using tap washers. They can be replaced and the seat where the washer seals cleaned up.   Plenty of You Tube videos on how to.

    You'll need to isolate the Cold water supplies to each tap in turn.  May be wise to maintain the hot taps, too?

    Not always easy to undo the tap covers to access things.  Even with the right tools.

    If in a rental this may be a Landlord job?
  • rosamy52
    rosamy52 Posts: 97 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    Rodders53 said:
    Sounds to me like both are using tap washers. They can be replaced and the seat where the washer seals cleaned up.   Plenty of You Tube videos on how to.

    You'll need to isolate the Cold water supplies to each tap in turn.  May be wise to maintain the hot taps, too?

    Not always easy to undo the tap covers to access things.  Even with the right tools.

    If in a rental this may be a Landlord job?
    Hiya, 

    Thanks for replying, sounds doable but complicated and I don't have tools. It is a rented house but it just seemed like a small thing to have a call out for. You're right though it is really their responsibility I think. 


  • rosamy52
    rosamy52 Posts: 97 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    FreeBear said:
    The bath tap needs the backing nut tightened up. Can be a right pain to do as access is usually very limited. A basin wrench makes the task much easier. As for the drip, it might just be a case of needing a new washer (or cartridge).
    As for the sink tap - That may also need a new cartridge (if it uses one), or it may be easier to replace the whole thing.
    Hey, 

    Sorry it looks like my earlier reply didn't post. 

    It's a small bathroom with the toilet next to the bathroom at the taps end and then the sink is at the other end so access is awkward anyway. See pictures... It sounds like even though it's a relatively minor issue it might be worth calling the agents as I don't have tools and know-how. 


  • ThisIsWeird
    ThisIsWeird Posts: 7,565 Forumite
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    If this is a 'monobloc' or 1-hole style tap, I'd suggest you don't touch it, as trying to unscrew the cartridge or washer will risk rotating the whole tap, which could lead to plumbing leaks below, slow drips, rotting joists, floor collapses.
    I exaggerate, but you get the idea.
    If it's a 2-hole mixer type, then these are pretty well immovable, so undoing the tap tops to access the valves is usually pretty safe. But, if you haven't done this before, I'd still strongly suggest you let the LL sort it.
    You mention a tap is already loose? That carries the risk of the pipe fitting below slackening and starting to leak - have a gander underneath, just in case.
  • rosamy52
    rosamy52 Posts: 97 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    I don't know so I'll leave well alone and email the agency this morning. I've tried to post pictures but it doesn't seem to work. 
  • rosamy52
    rosamy52 Posts: 97 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    or maybe it does work
  • ThisIsWeird
    ThisIsWeird Posts: 7,565 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    That bath tap is an issue waiting to happen. Does the bath panel come off so you can check if it's slowly leaking?
    The monobloc basin tap is probably DIY fixable without too much risk, but why should you?!

  • rosamy52
    rosamy52 Posts: 97 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    edited 18 June 2024 at 1:03PM
    Well quite! It was helpful to post here and realise that actually even if it's a relatively small issue now it might not be for long. I've emailed the agents and they're getting back to me, hopefully soon, as to when someone can come out. I'm honestly not sure how someone will access it easily thinking it through as there's no space, even though the plastic bath panel is removable, as the toilet is right next to it. But like you say it's not for me to try and fix it. Thanks for your help. 


  • I wouldn't start removing the bath panel in your shoes. That tap will be very awkward indeed to access, given the position of the toilet. Let the professionals earn their fees from the landlord on that one! 

    Also, I once managed to crack a plastic panel like that through my inept attempts to remove and refit it. No point risking having to shell out for a replacement if you're unlikely to be able to fix the problem anyway.
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