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So the cold tap on our Valpra bath mixer tap is spinning on the spindle and the tap isn't turning on or off. Had a plumber out today who reckons we need a whole new tap and he needs to break through the wall from the next door room to get access.
Now the issue seems to be the white plastic collar has a spline on the inner part which grabs the top of the tap cartridge. The outer part has a spline which grips the inner part of the tap head.
It's the smaller inner splines which are worn. Can I use PTFE to create more of a grip, or even better can I get a replacement for the white collar?
Understandably I'm not keen on starting to knock through walls in order to fix what seems like a relatively small part (worst case scenario I can bung a set of molegrips on the tap and use those I guess)
Any thoughts on how to repair?
Thanks in anticipation of the usual comedy grouting / mixer tap / beige tiles comments and hopefully some help
G
[url= https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4503/36828091613_e4118459fd_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4503/36828091613_e4118459fd_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/Y7nAyM ]Untitled[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/46070670@N08/ ]Graeme Matheson[/url], on Flickr
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does said piece ever need to come off the splines again ..... superglue or some form of epoxy suitable for the two materials....
Edit. Read the question.
Can I use PTFE to create more of a grip
In the time taken to ask the question you probably could have found out. (-: It's probably what I'd do TBH. You mean the inside of the tap knob is worn, yes?
IF you can identify the tap,buy a new one and use for spares,saves damaging the wall.
The part you need is a ceramic tap insert. Typically anything from £5 to £25.
I cant see why anyone would need to break out the back to get access to it, it unscrews from the top.
Search the make/model for the tap, and you should be able to get the correct insert.
Otherwise, turn off the water, take out the insert, then take it to a good plumbers merchant who will be able to match one up for you - there are many different sizes, with slight differences, so you cant just say 'it looks like that'.
Had this happen to a very similar tap. Ptfe tape will work for a few days but soon let go.
I use a bit of tin foil wrapped around the spindle. Tap the plastic bit down so it's nice and snug job done.
It has lasted a couple years so far so when it eventually let's go will just superglue / epoxy the bugger on.
Another option I tried is a washer under the screw head to clamp the plastic bit down against the shoulder at the bottom. This worked for a bit too.
So to conclude.... Try tin foil packing.
The correct answer is unscrew the insert as suggested.
The second mist correct answer is sugru
Take the screw out and pull the plastic insert off
It should look like this??
[img] 
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Most likely the plastic splines that grip the brass have gone. The plastic bit is called a "Head Carrier'
you'll have to measure it & count the splines.... then try matching up.
Theres a few options on this page;
http://www.plumbers-mate-sales.co.uk/tap-spares-71-c.asp
(some people call them carriers, some call them spline adapters).
Failing that, glue the [I have a potty mouth] with epoxy.
Not a plumber but had exact same issue recently. First option was http://www.shop.lunns.net/head-carriers-for-tap-handles-49-c.asp
Recommended by a friend who's in trade.
In the end I phone Victoria plumb who sent out a new one FOC.
Thanks all. I knew the mass minds of STW would come up with solutions.
I've tried the tinfoil fix which will hopefully hold until I can source the appropriate carrier.
Cheers all
G