The mixer tap in our kitchen is broken and I wondered if anyone can tell me if it's repairable, or is it a replacement job?

When I turn the handle to close the tap, it slows down to a trickle but doesn't turn completely off. If I turn a bit tighter it seems to slip and start flowing quickly again. I tried to remove the handle but it won't budge. I have undone the screw under the cap - there is a little movement but i'm not brave enough to force it off in case I get a scene from 'some mothers do 'ave 'em'!
The only way to stop the water is to press down hard on the handle and tape it up in that position.
It seems like something has snapped and will turn the valve until it meets some resistance, then slips over the broken bit and starts again.
Had a quick look in Wickes and Homebase, but couldn't see any spares for tap 'innards' - maybe I have to buy a new mixer tap?

Hope I've explained the above well enough.

Regards

Shep

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sounds like the washer has broken or perished you can replace these by removing tap, turn water of first.
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My first impression is Washer as well, although they rairly 'break apart inside',
Bottom line its the cheapest and easiest thing to repair if it is.

As kindly mentioned above make sure water is turned off first, as its a mixer make sure you turn Hot and Cold off.

Fixing dripping Tap

Kind Regards.

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Thanks Guys,
Looks like the brass bit above the 'Jumper' is broken. Think it's the result of the tap being forced.

Do you know if 'tap repair kits' are available, not just the washers?
Really don't wanna be having to find taps to match the coloured basin

Thanks for the replies, and great link thanks Blade.

Regards

Shep

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yes, you can get tap repair kits from your local plumb center, might be worthwhile turning the water off and removing the handle then the stem and taking it with you to compare. obviously make sure no one will turn the water back on.

any chance of a pic and i'll tell you if they can be repaired.
Lee
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quote:

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Originally posted by Shepherd:
Thanks Guys,
Looks like the brass bit above the 'Jumper' is broken. Think it's the result of the tap being forced.

Do you know if 'tap repair kits' are available, not just the washers?
Really don't wanna be having to find taps to match the coloured basin

Thanks for the replies, and great link thanks Blade.

Regards

Shep

---

Thanks again for the replies.
I haven't posted for a few days cos the problem is bigger than I realised!

First Problem:
I can't get the bloody tap off the spindle, it's stuck solid. Tried vinegar and WD40 on it in case it's limescale holding it firm. Won't budge at all, and I'm worried I'll break something.
It lifts slightly - enough to see the nut on the head. I thought I'd undo with an open ended spanner get it on to the workbench and free it. But ...

Second Problem:
Also, the main stop-cock is stuck fast too! Now i'm REALLY scared! Again, been spraying with WD40 for the last few days to see if that'll help - not a chance. Gonna have to dismantle the kitchen units to get to it.

"I know" says I, "I'll go outside and turn off the stop cock at the end of the drive."

Third Problem: Wait for this one ... You'll love it

Lifted the little access plate to find the hole full of soil. It seems a new pavement was laid a few years ago, and looks like the cowboys didn't protect the access chambers. Most of the neighbours ones are like it too!

When I phoned the water co, I got told there'd be a fee to locate the main stop-cock! I explained that I knew where it was, but that I couldn't use it. Then got told it wasn't there for me to use - it's the water boards!

All because of a poxy tap that won't turn off!

Life used to be so simple...

Shep

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the soil in the access hole is more often than not transported there by ants and worms, try digging down through the soil. the stop cock will be there, but can bae a good arms length down so make sure you dig deep enough.
hope this helps some
Lee
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quote:

---

Originally posted by fairy-blue:
Been watching this one with interest ....bet you said the magic words before you started it and that's what jinxed it..

It's only a 5 minute job.

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just read your problem,

your water board has lied to you , they must by law have an outside stopcock which relates to your home,and it must be usable.

you will find the stoptap is sited on a pathway or outside your perimeter which does belong to the water board but you also can use it.you just are not allowed to tamper with it.

anything from the stoptap through to you house you can do what you want with.

also if you look at the stopcock in your house you will see a nut which fits the tap into the main unit ,you can unscrew that and you should`t get a soaking and replace the tap and keep the main unit.
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quote:

---

Originally posted by sams0nite:
just read your problem,

your water board has lied to you , they must by law have an outside stopcock which relates to your home,and it must be usable.

you will find the stoptap is sited on a pathway or outside your perimeter which does belong to the water board but you also can use it.you just are not allowed to tamper with it.

anything from the stoptap through to you house you can do what you want with.

also if you look at the stopcock in your house you will see a nut which fits the tap into the main unit ,you can unscrew that and you should`t get a soaking and replace the tap and keep the main unit.

---

Thanks for the replies...

The nut at the bottom of the stem is where I soaked lots of WD40, to no avail.
I can't loosen it without dismantling the kitchen units, but I did order the tool you showed in the link - Thanks Lee
(Daft not to at the few pounds it costs)

Think I'll spend a couple of days taking out the kitchen unit and replace the stop-cock completly, it's gotta be easier than struggling.

And all because of a little drip...


Thanks Again

Shep

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Hi mate, been following this thread................... just one thing puzzling me!!!!! if you cant turn the water off from the outside main...................how can you consider changing the stop cock in the kitchen?????
Looks like an indoor swimming pool ahead!!!

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Hi rich2,

Just got the mains stop cock tool for outside delivered today - using the link fron Lee.
Gonna try and see if I can get through the crap in the outside access chamber and turn off the mains in the street first!

Then it's just a case of taking the other stop cocks out and replacing them. OMG what am I saying

Probably end up phoning a plumber to do the job, but would like to have a go myself first. Nothing ventured nothing gained eh Rodders?

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fair play mate, the stop cock (outside) will be there but you will probably have to ly on your belly at full arms length clearing the mud etc out of the hole.
give it a go and let us know what you find
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