Change Reich Twist Single Lever Caravan Mixer Tap

[scottbryant]

Hi
The spout on the above tap has snapped off and unable to fix. I have purchased a replacement unit but have not idea on how to fix it and am looking for some advise.
Thank you
Scott

 

[otherclive]

I have just had an almost similar problem with the Reich tap but in my case the ball movement has got very stiff and when on the hot position it doesnt shut off completely. I've got to buy a new cartridge which I believe can be fitted from above. This is good news as to access the base of the tap from under the vanity unit would look like the sink would have to be removed first. Perhaps you can just swop lever units without having to take the whole thing out.

 

[JTQ]

My Reich taps that I also have had spout failures with have been fixed into the sink unit by a large brass nut on the taps lower end.
You need to look under the sink etc to see; you might be luckly and get your head in place or see via a mirror but I found in cases like this using a digital camera was by far the least hassle. If you determine that the tap is so fitted then you simply unscrew the nut and draw the assembly upwards. I made a "spanner" in a disc of 6mm plywood as my sink afforded next to zero room. Hopefully the nut is not at all tight[dont do it up tight either on refitting as the tap body is only plastic]
On drawing up the tap it will still be tethered to the hot and cold feeds. If you peer at the area adjacent to the where thes go into the tap you will see a small stainless steel pin is pushed in place. Push this out and you can then extract the two hoses with fittings in place from the tap. Noteput rag around things so that pin does not fall where no man could retrive it!
On refitting the new tap its a reverse of the process. All should be very evident before the event when you have the replacement tap in your hands. So note there is no need to break into the water pipework just uncouple the adaptors and refit them.

 

[otherclive]

JTQ thanks for the description. Looking under my sinks the taps have a C shaped ring-nut not a hexagon. But access is absolutely appalling. I guess the units are assembled in a workshop without any thought to subsequent maintenance. But today's problem is sorting out the radio and where the bad connection lies!!! Happy days.

 

[otherclive]

I've given up on the radio as the detachable head unit is faulty. Good news on the stiff tap it took 10 minutes to remove the handle/ cartridge and find a speck of lime scale in the cartridge. Flushed it out and reassembled and now working fine. Of the 10 minutes taken 5 were looking for my 27mm socket to remove the cartridge. Nice design but very glad I have not had to remove the whole tap unit.

 

[scottbryant]

Thanks for the advise, will be having a go at replacing this weekend. My father in law has 40+ years of caravanning and is quite handy so hopefully we will get this sorted.