How to fix a dripping kitchen tap - mono mixer type tap.?

Question

Does anyone know how to fix a kitchen sink tap? Mine is a mono mixer type tap - therefore i'm not sure whether it uses washers or not.....It is backed against the kitchen wall, will this affect dismantling? How do I dismantle it? (The taps are quarter turn - single flow mono mixer type). Thanks.

Answer 1

The replacement fittings that are worn cost almost as much as a new tap set. You need to prise the coloured disks off the taps to get access.

Answer 2

These are a pain in the neck to fix!

The tap itself has three washers - one of which you will have to dismantle the spout by removing the locating screw (grub screw) to get to! This is located at the rear of the tap - so if it is backed up to the wall - HASSLE!

MAKE SURE WATER IS TURNED OFF AT MAINS AND HOT WATER TANK IS DRAINED DOWN!

Remove the screw and the spout will lift out (remove gently) There is a special rubber O - RING (sometimes TWO) fitted at the connection point into the block! Replace but be warned - getting it back togather is not easy!

The other washers are screwed to the valve bottoms. As you turn the tap, the valve opens to let water pass through! As you trun tap off the valve closes and the rubber or neoprene washer presses against the body of the monobloc to stop the flow! These usually become hard, especially in hard water areas!

Take the top of the tap off and remove the valve from the monobloc! Usually fitted with anti clockwise threads - so undo in the opposite to normal unscrewing!

Just undo the screws securing the washer to the valve and replace - Replace the valves back into the monobloc and tighten.

Put tap heads back on and check that water flows thru!

In all honesty though - the cost of replacing all the washers and/or valves - you might just as well buy a new set of taps!

Most people are now ditching these monobloc fittings because of all the problems and cost to replace/repair!

Answer 3

Prise off the cap on top of the tap. Put the plug in the sink so nothing is lost down the drain. Under the cap you should find a screw. Undo this and the tap top should come off. With a spanner, undo the tap from the body, and look at the washer. If it has a groove in it,check the tap seating for any bits of grit. Turn the washer over and refit, then reassemble the tap and test. Forgot to tell you to turn the water off first.

Answer 4

To change the washers you need to take of the hand turning part of the tap, under that is the brass valve unscrew with a spanner,there you should find the washer. If it still leeks after replacing, some times a small channel is worn across the valve seat, allowing the water to escape. Then you need a valve seat grinding tool, you should be able to get one from most D.I.Y stores, it will have some operating instructions. Hope this is help full.

Answer 5

B&q Taps For Kitchen

Answer 6

call in a plumber who will soon do the job. If you decide to do it yourself let me warn you, its one of these jobs where a multitude of things can go wrong on you. Before even thinking of making a start find the stop tap and be sure it works. It wont affect a hot tap, there you must tie up the ball tap arm and drain off before taking your tap to pieces. Make sure you tackle the job in shop opening hours so you can go into panic mode and buy new parts and not have to wait until next morning. Yes, call in a plumber who will do the job and his public liability insurance will cover you against mishaps...............................

Answer 7

I had this problem last week and found 2 web sites that helped;
www.howtomendit.com and www.hometips.com . Also check out b&q site www.diy.com as they have advice pages. Hope this helps