Leaking tap

[ffinybryn]

Hi all,

I have a leaking tap. Unfortunately, there does not appear to be any (obvious) way of removing the tap from the mixer unit. See pics. Has anyone seen these? (The house was new 10 years ago).

I called in a plumber to change the washer on another tap (same type) a few months ago and he told my wife that it all had to be replaced for which he charged over £100 (parts/labour etc). Unfortunately, he did not leave the old tap to inspect as to how it was assembled.

I cannot believe that these things are non-serviceable.

There is a small amount (1mm) of play at the plastic "temperature code" ring and it seems that the tap "simply" pops off. Can anyone confirm this before I apply any pressure and break it completely. If this is the case, how it held on?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Mark

 

[Howsie]

They are usually serviceable. I'm guessing it's a quarter turn tap and that will mean it will need a new cartridge. What make is it? Try the Shower Doctor (look it up).

I'm also guessing that the other tap was a ceramic cartridge as well so would have been quicker to change the tap...

 

[ffinybryn]

Hi Howsie. Thanks for the quick reply.

No idea what make as it has no markings - hence the pics. Yes, it is a quarter turn tap.

I would have thought that it would be a case of prize off the tap, remove and replace a "barrel" and replace tap. It would have been nice to keep all of the taps the same as the previous plumber could not find a direct match.

I will certainly try your suggestion. Thanks again.

Mark

 

[Howsie]

Sadly the type of tap you have can be considered disposable. The shower doctor would be my first bet. Good luck.

 

[Best]

I noticed the basin is Ideal Standard and everything about the curved spout design of that tap said to me it was Ideal Standard also.
I checked images when I looked up "Ideal Standard basin tap" and it was one of the first photos of your exact tap.
I have repaired a couple of those Ideal Standard taps on two basins in one house. They are a specific ceramic disc works and you can buy them directly from Ideal Standard or other places.
The dimensions must be same.
The white rubber washer on the end of them perishes
The works aren't cheap. New tap not much more. Often you can buy body without heads on some

 

[Best]

Here is a link that gives you some examples. Yours will be a ceramic 1/4 turn half inch works and very likely with the odd cut out and stainless steel washer in top where spindle enters works. You need to get exact one with same measurements. Then just an easy job to replace.
http://www.bathroomspareparts.co.uk/ideal-standard-tap-valves--cartridges-1203-c.asp

 

[ffinybryn]

Thanks Best. Apologies to Howsie, I was looking for a label on the tap itself.

As I suspected, the tap (IDeal Standard Academy E0106) is now discontinued.

I would prefer to keep the original tap if possible, if only to keep them the same throughout and to reduce the workload of replacing the associated pipework.

This still leaves my original question, does the tap simple pull off?

Thanks again to everyone - plenty to read and investigate.

Mark

 

[Best]

Yes, I think most of the heads on those taps do just pull off.
Although the tap is discontinued you will still be able to get the ceramic works.
Also it might be possible to get a similar Ideal Standard body that the original heads still fit.
I did that with one of their taps as Ideal Standard agent said heads would fit it.
Patience and careful check on exact works will get you sorted no doubt

 

[Howsie]

Welcome Mr. Lime!