Q:

Bathroom Tap Is Broken - Advice Needed

Hi. I'm looking for some advice about my tap. When I turn it on it trickles and as I keep rotating it, it pour a little more, then I keep turning it and it slows down for a slow trickle to a complete stop even when turning it 'on'. The tap seems stiff. When I pull it up the water flow seems to increase.

Do I need to contact a plumber to fix or do I need a plumber to replace the whole tap unit?

Any advice would be great. Thanks everyone.

Category: Plumber , Posted by: Neil Grant , On: October 5, 2014 02:19

A:

I would recommend replacing the complete tap

Posted by: M Brierley Plumbing Limited, On: 2014-04-11 21:40

A:

Sounds like the worm this can be repaired by dismantling and screwing back in counter clockwise then reassemble.if it's happened can happen again generally caused by over tightening tap to shut off when washer on way out so sticks and eventually causes this problem.

Posted by: Central Heating Solutions, On: 2014-02-11 16:50

A:

All the above answers are correct. However it is possible for you change the defected part and that would be the cheapest option, remember to turn the water of before you start and you may have to remove the defected part so that you can take it with you to make sure you get the correct part

Posted by: I.D Inhouse Design, On: 2014-02-11 16:37

A:

Hi it sounds like the valve inside has deteriorated you can change them but there are so many variations sometimes its easier to change the taps. I have changed them before or the washer inside but it only lasted a few weeks so its whwtehr you wish to take the chance but it may lead you to paying twice just to get it sorted

Nicola

Posted by: Petite Heat, On: 2014-02-11 15:03

A:

I know most of the answers write the tap can be repaired But if it were me I would replace it In the long term it does work out less expensive. Mike

Posted by: One Call, On: 2014-31-10 17:08

A:

Hi ya Yes this is a common problem that we come across a lot I would not recommend just replacing the washer as in my experience it is normally the tap cartridge that needs replacing, now depending on the type of tap if It is a standard universal tap then a replacement cartridge (normally come in a pack or 2 ) are about £25.00 and installation of 1 hour £75.00+vat but of they are not universal then it may be better to replace the taps

Posted by: Shaws Plumbing and Heating Limited, On: 2014-31-10 11:47

A:

Hi. I would suggest the cartridges are scaled up and need replacing (descaling them is not easy and rarely lasts long). Usually fairly easy to do if you isolate the supply and have an adjustable spanner. An alternative would be upgrading to ceramic cartridges. These are about £15 or less in b&q and essentially replace the rubber washers with two ceramic discs. You may have heard of or experienced quarter turn taps before and this is what these are. Hope thus helps but feel free to email or call.

Posted by: Soamesi Ltd ta Helpful Home Maintenance, On: 2014-31-10 11:44

A:

Hi

It sounds like the "worm" in the tap has gone. The worm when turned, winds the seating up and down to open and close the tap. Some times the shaft breaks or the seating comes away. I should consider replacing the hole tap, also consider if you may need lever taps? they are more reliable and suffer a dripping problem less. Hope this helps or you have resolved the problem by now.

Posted by: Heatshield Gas and Plumbing, On: 2014-30-10 20:19

A:

Hi Neil,

The problem with your tap is that the washer has come adrift from the spindle it is attached to within the body of the tap and is disrupting the flow of water through the pipe manifesting in the strange flows you are getting. The tap needs a new washer, most likely, though it is also possible for the spindle itself to have been turned too far and become disengaged from the thread within the tap body. If this is the case then the tap body itself needs renewing. With standard taps the body is easily found at any plumbers' merchant. If the tap is not standard it may take some finding, though I would still recommend going through a plumbers' merchant (not B&Q or their like) to find it. If you have the tap purchase invoice this will make it easier to identify.
Good luck!

Posted by: Sole Trader: Dennis Whitlock, On: 2014-30-10 20:12

A:

The tap is obviously seized up inside,
Depending on type of tap you could have it striped down cleaned and greased with potable silicone grease,failing that just replace the hole tap.

Cheers
Chris

Posted by: AJL Plumbing,Heating,Property maintenance, On: 2014-30-10 16:01