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I've got taps I really like from an aesthetic POV but which don't turn smoothly any more. Lots of attempts to service and grease have ceased to help much.
So if I'm lucky and the dimensions/threads are all common threads can they be replaced as a whole?
In other words if I walk into (say) Plumbbase with a manky old one of these:
....is there a fair likelihood they'll be able to give me a complete replacement with the right dimensions and threads like this:
https://www.plumbstock.co.uk/tap-mechanism-in
Yes. Old valves can be a bugger to get out sometimes.
RM.
Search for tap reviver kits....
Soemthing like this:
https://www.screwfix.com/c/bathrooms-kitchens/reviver-kits-tap-spares/cat820108
I've used them a few times - it can be hard to get the old ones out depending on how long they have been in for.
Our cold bath tap stopped lifting recently, so the flow stopped completely. I ended up just taking it out & giving it a scrub with some viakal before putting it back in that was enough to get it working perfectly again. It might be worth trying that first - although the reviver kits aren't expensive.
You just need to know the size (1/2" seems to be basin size & 3/4" for bath) and whether they are 'normal' valves or 1/4 turn ceramic style.
Thanks both, that's massively helpful.
These have been on and off several times (the last time two weeks ago) - I always put them back on well greased and not much more than finger tight so I'm confident they'll come off like a charm.
TapMagician will be able to sort you out. You'll just need the gland code and some measurements and they can send you the correct parts. Great and cheap.**
**I've nothing to do with them, just a satisfied customer.
Thanks speeder, that's not too far from me, looks like I can just drop in with the old one.
Take the tap head too, I recently did took my valves to plumbline, but was told that the tap head makes it easier, as they can be very slightly different to the worn splines on the valve. They worked it out though and sold me new valves,
The tap still drips though, from checking the old valves it looks as if the tap body is worn and passing. Ho hum...
Grrr, don't talk to me about dripping ceramic 1/4 turn tap. I have one that will need the gubbins replacing - tried cleaning up the ceramic discs, still drips.
Take the tap head too
Yeah, will be doing that. The only thread that can't be tested in the shop is the one on the bit that bolts to the bath, and I'd hope that is the one most likely to be completely standard.
Grrr, don’t talk to me about dripping ceramic 1/4 turn tap. I have one that will need the gubbins replacing – tried cleaning up the ceramic discs, still drips.
Tapmagician sell the ceramic discs on their own if you can do the repair. I've used both. I did have one set they sent which continued to leak a little but I just sent them back and got a replacement (keep your old discs handy until you know it's properly fixed just in case)
Thanks all.
I bought a ScrewFix reviver kit and a Tool Station one in the hope that at least one would fit. I was lucky-ish and all the components turned out to be interchangeable except the handles.
FWIW the Screwfix kit had the better quality pump mechanism and the Tool Station kit had the better quality handle.
I've fitted the Screwfix kit and will live happily with them until I buy two new pump mechanisms from TapMagician so I can have my original handles back. (When I get round to it.)
At 8am yesterday I hadn't a clue what to do. By 8pm the job was done - STW FTW, again!