Dripping Tap In Kitchen

[AW25]

Hi

My tap as been dripping for quite some time now and i finally decided to fix it. I read other posts and understood I needed to replace the washhers.

It is a mixer tap i have managed to flick the cap off undone the screw and then i as confronted with a blue plastic cap. stupidly i tried unscrewing the cap but it snapped meaning that i cant put the cold tap back on.

Any advice on waht i can do + what did i do wrong to break the plastic cap how should i have removed it

 

[Burnerman]

If I understand this correctly, and comparing it with my own super duper B&Q mixer tap costing £20 tops, you've popped off the chrome top, to reveal a brass philips screw. You undid this to reveal a blue plastic insert?
This just designates hot or cold and normally comes away when you pull the tap body off, to reveal the insert beneath.
Its this that you unscrew to reveal the rubber washer.
Can you post a pic for us?
John

 

[AW25]

http://www.diynot.com/network/AW25/albums/

hope this upload works. this is whats left of blue cap after i destroyed it

It is a pretty cheap tap as you mentioned

 

[Technotim]

If that is a two handled mixer I have not seen one with a plastic valve for a long time, they are normally plastic on single lever mixers with a square spline, you have got to either replace the tap, or know the manufacturer to get a spare cold valve now that you have broken the spline.

 

[AW25]

Thanks for your reply. Looks like a trip to b&q for me tomorrow

 

[Technotim]

If you mean to replace your tap I would not use there over priced import own brand rubbish, go to a merchant and use a UK based branded tap else you will be making the same mistake again.

I have used lots of these cheap Bristan taps and they have been reliable and you will always get spares.
http://bristan.tapstore.com/bristan-echo-monobloc-sink-mixer.html

 

[Wangerman]

If you mean to replace your tap I would not use there over priced import own brand rubbish, go to a merchant and use a UK based branded tap else you will be making the same mistake again.

I have used lots of these cheap Bristan taps and they have been reliable and you will always get spares.
http://bristan.tapstore.com/bristan-echo-monobloc-sink-mixer.html

Saying that though just got a Lamona swan neck monobloc with my kitchen from Howdens and it is a really nice tap and is great quality for £75

 

[Technotim]

Saying that though just got a Lamona swan neck monobloc with my kitchen from Howdens and it is a really nice tap and is great quality for £75

There are lots of good import taps around that are cheap but its getting the spares in four years time that is the issue I just googgled Lamona and it is not coming up with a UK based manufacturers web site.

 

[Wangerman]

Saying that though just got a Lamona swan neck monobloc with my kitchen from Howdens and it is a really nice tap and is great quality for £75

There are lots of good import taps around that are cheap but its getting the spares in four years time that is the issue I just googgled Lamona and it is not coming up with a UK based manufacturers web site.

I think they are Turkish

Howdens are tied up with them for all their electrical appliance. I think Lamona also manufacture Beko and Zanussi or they share parts at least.

Here's my tap http://www.howdens.com/product-rang...s/lamona-chrome-garda-swan-neck-monobloc-tap/

 

[Technotim]

So many company's are now importing these taps now to maximize profits.

Most major UK brands are import taps so really the only benefit of buying a UK brand is the guarantee and spares.