Leaking kitchen tap

BuyersRemorse

Trying to fix leaking tap, took the handle off and the inside looks a bit different from any of the videos I watched. Anybody know where to go from here to get to the washers?

stuart45

That's a 1/4 cartridge rather than a washer. You need to be able to get a spanner on the body of it to remove it.

You'll need to see if you can unscrew the shroud to get the spanner on it.

WIAWSNB

As Stuart says, that chrome shroud almost certainly (certainly…) unscrews. It's unlikely to be tight, but you don't want to damage the finish.

First try rubber gloves to get a good grip, and unscrew it anti-c. If reluctant, you can try trickling boiling water over it first to see if that helps. Or use wrench/waterpump pliers, but wrap the shroud well with something protective first - thick card or cloth, or a leather belt.

If you have something like a tough strap, you could try and 'strap-wrench' it off by wrapping it round, and using a screwdriver or similar to tighten the strap in an anti-clock direction. (Ask if that doesn't make sense).

Once off, you'll see the brass nut shape of the cartridge, and that ideally needs a well-fitting ring spanner or socket, but an adjustable wrench will likely do. Try and support the tap body to counter the turning force.

Q - where is the leak coming from - the spout tip?

Once out, take careful measurements so you can match the cartridge type - you replace the whole item. Or, does your tap have a make and model?

UnsureAboutthis

Hello,

As mentioned above, it is indeed a cartridge. Be sure to measure carefully, as both the spindle length and the overall diameter can vary between models. (It helps to look up a guide online on how to take proper measurements of your old unit before buying. Note that some cartridges are quarter-turn and others are standard and you may need to take a couple of outher measurements, design into consderation.)

My son recently replaced his—it was a real nightmare to open, but he succeeded. He bought several options from Screwfix to try at home and returned the unused ones. That was a convenient approach, though stores like Screwfix may not always carry the exact match if you have an older tap.

When I had an issue with our quarter-turn kitchen mixer tap, I tried removing the chrome shroud myself without success. Though the taps over ten yrs old, it looked like new as put in the day before, but it had an intermitment drip on the cold lever, we had both sides changed.The plumber I hired also struggled to remove the cartridge and warned me that the entire tap might break in the process. However, you might have better luck! I recommend applying some WD-40 to the screw, letting it soak in for a bit, and then trying again. Even then, it can be hard. Be carful not to damaged the tap/connecters etc.

Best of luck mate!