Mixer Tap

[foxyferret]

I have a mixer tap in the kitchen and need to replace the O ring as it is dripping from the base. Any ideas how to remove the grub screw behind the tap, I have tried the smallest possible screwdriver but it is still too big to fit behind the tap before hitting the tiles at the back. Thanks everyone.

[tonyav]

You'll most likely need a right angle screw driver,foxyferret. I have had to use one in the past on kitchen mixer taps.
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[TonyV]

Are you certain it's a screwdriver you need and not an Allen key? Can you remember make and model of the mixer tap? But you need to turn of water supply before you start taking tap apart.

[foxyferret]

Thanks to both of you. It may be a right angle, I shall have to try getting a mirror in the gap to see if I can see if it could also be an Allen key. It’s a fairly old tap that was here when we moved in, no makers name on it. I had turned the water off before I started looking at it, but no name or numbers on the tap. I think the mirror thing is the way to go.

[bhg481]

Allen key is favourite for a grub screw.

[alavahalf]

The plumbèrs who fit the monobloc mixer taps like this know very well that there is limited access and they dont care, because they will be long gone, before the tap gives any problems.
Having fitted much more than my fair share of taps and being called out to more repairs, I know the problem well and there is a simple solution.
Do you have a set of hexagon screwdriver bits .. you know the little box of mixed bits about 25mm long.
All these bits and as a rule you will only ever use 1 of them (the PZ2) in your cordless drill.
Guaranteed in that box will be a stupid little flat bladed bit... thats the one you need.
Use that bit along with a 6mm spanner and you will get more than enough leverage. Press on the end of the bit to secure it and turn it with the spanner.
Have propably done hundreds of them and as a rule they always had a slotted brass screw.
One issue is that with the market flooded with cheap taps, there maybe less of this type around and the cheaper taps may well have steel grub screw. It will be the same process, use a small hexagon bit from your set.

[bhg481]

alavahalf - can I pick your brains/experience please? I have a bath tap which has seized with no obvious way of removing the bit that turns to enable me to get to and replace the cassette; will it just be a push fit and need a wedge knocking between the handle and the tap body or is it a "replace the tap" job?

[alavahalf]

Sorry for not getting back sooner but have been on the allotment all morning.
To tell you the truth if you don't know the manufacturers name and the model number of the tap, it is always much quicker to replace the taps if they are quarter turn (cassette).
The down side is .. if you do manage to separate the head from the body and you take the cartridge along to a hardware store, they may have one or two odd cartridges in stock. The chances of them having the right amount of splines and finding the right length spindle, not to mention the diameter of the spindle. If any of these measurements is wrong, the new cartridge is unlikely to fit your existing tap head.. If you take it home and try to fit it, mark or damage the cartridge and the store 'want it back.
The best plumber I know told me twice and I have stuck by that rule. .. "If you get a quarter turn tap that you cant identify, never try to fix it.. always replace it."

(The first time he told me I ignored him and tried to replace the cartridge a few hours later I still hadn't found one)

There are always BNIB quality taps on eBay for a fraction of the cost.
Good luck !

[alavahalf]

... the store 'wont 'want it back...

[bhg481]

Thanks for that, alavahalf. The tap is one I fitted about 30 years ago and is very rarely used since I also fitted a shower. The taps match the basin taps, so I hestitate to replace it but it looks like that will be the sensible option.

[alavahalf]

Yesterday I got paid £2.80 per kg for brass. ;-)