LOOSE KITCHEN TAP

[Malcolm2]

I have just returned from the South of France to discover the faucet has worked it self loose. It seems the only way to get under the worktop to tighten it is to remove the fridge. The caravan is a 2003 Ace Jubilee Ambassador. Has anyone any experience of affecting this repair and able to give me some advice as to set about it?

Thanks in advance

Malcolm

 

[Rod_5041370]

When mine did this (not the same van), I found it easier to raise the sink unit.

This does depend on how your sink is fitted and if the pipes are long enough to allow this.

 

[GrahamPonty]

Hi Malcolm,

Not sure if this will help but can you get to the tap from the fridge vents on the outside of the van, if so just take out the vent re-tighten the fixing screw and replace the vents.

Hope this helps

Graham (Ponty)

 

[GrahamSouthBrum]

In my last van to remove the sink, all you had to do was remove 4 screws securing the sink then 1 bolt atatching the sink waste, then lift clear. You should be able to get to tighten your faucet.

Graham W.

 

[gary]

If you can feel it from below but just not see it, then use a standard plumbers tap spanner to reach up, their designed to do this job in tight spaces

http://www.plumbworld.co.uk/618-20

 

[Colinn]

...definitely a job for a contortionist. when mine came loose, i had plenty of suitable tools - but gaining access underneath was a back-breaker! i still have to retighten it occasionally because i've never got enough purchase on the faucet - not a job i look forward to...!

 

[kenneth_374315528]

I agree with Graham. I have managed to do similar work by removing the fridge vents. Ken

 

[ThePlotter]

Me too.

 

[Malcolm2]

Thanks everybody, I've tried to get at it through the fridge vent, but there is no access due to the fridge being enclosed down both sides and top.

As for removing the sink, it is an inset type which still requires access from underneath.

It looks as if I will have to remove the fridge.

THANKS, Malcolm

 

[GrahamPonty]

Hi Malcolm,

From what you are saying I would say the tap is only accessible from the cupboard next to the fridge. If the rear of the fridge is lined I don't think it will be of any benefit taking the fridge out.

Where in relation to the edge of the fridge is the tap, is it in line with the edge, is it offset, imagine you are looking at your fridge from the front, is the tap within the rear compartment or to the left or right of the fridge edge.

Not knowing the layout of your van and exacly where the tap is in relation to the fridge is proving to be a problem in giving you the right advice, I hope you understand.

Regards

Graham (Ponty)

 

[GrahamPonty]

Hi Malcolm,

From what you are saying I would say the tap is only accessible from the cupboard next to the fridge. If the rear of the fridge is lined I don't think it will be of any benefit taking the fridge out.

Where in relation to the edge of the fridge is the tap, is it in line with the edge, is it offset, imagine you are looking at your fridge from the front, is the tap within the rear compartment or to the left or right of the fridge edge.

Not knowing the layout of your van and exacly where the tap is in relation to the fridge is proving to be a problem in giving you the right advice, I hope you understand.

Regards

Graham (Ponty)

But we'll do our best.

 

[Rod_5041370]

If a caravan is built correctly to comply with gas regulations, there is no way you should be able to access through the fridge vents.

Caravan fridges are supposed to be boxed in to isolate the vents and flue from the caravan interior but unfortunately some UK manufacturers ignore this for cost cutting reasons, hence many owners complaining about cold draughts from around the fridge.

If you can get draughts from outside, you can also get carbon monoxide.

 

[chrisn7]

Rod-you are absolutely correct in this. On my Bessacarr, I removed the fridge to establish the best way of sealing the front top edge, only to discover that one woodwork side panel did not reach the worktop at all, leaving a 1/2" gap In addition an uninsulated cental heating pipe ran underneath the fridge cooling fins, and was not sealed to the surrounding woodwork either. To cap it all the fridge was only secured with 2 front screws, there being no support for the rear at all! All this despite crystal clear installation instructions in the supplied fridge manual. An appalling installation

 

[craigmurray]

i agree with several posters you can remove the fridge vents and get access, i had to do this to replace my tap , saves fighting with the fridge, and making sure everything goes back ok.

 

[Dustydog]

Hi Malcolm.

Our Bailey Pageant Vendee had a similar problem two years ago. The dealer had to remove the oven to gain access. I guess the fridge out is the easiest option unless you have triple jointed arms and fingers!

Alan

 

[Malcolm2]

Hi Malcolm,

From what you are saying I would say the tap is only accessible from the cupboard next to the fridge. If the rear of the fridge is lined I don't think it will be of any benefit taking the fridge out.

Where in relation to the edge of the fridge is the tap, is it in line with the edge, is it offset, imagine you are looking at your fridge from the front, is the tap within the rear compartment or to the left or right of the fridge edge.

Not knowing the layout of your van and exacly where the tap is in relation to the fridge is proving to be a problem in giving you the right advice, I hope you understand.

Regards

Graham (Ponty)

Graham (Ponty), thanks for your interest.

The tap is situated to the rear and left of the sink which sits directly above the fridge. There is no cupboard to the left of the fridge as this is where the bed is. To the right of the fridge is a narrow cupboard which houses the cutlery tray (approx 6" wide).

Thanks again, Malcolm

By the way, which Ponty? I'm from Blackwood!

 

[Malcolm2]

I think I will have to remove the fridge. How difficult a job is this, and will replacing it be easy?

Regards, Malcolm

 

[GrahamPonty]

Hi Malcolm,

If you can't see the the underside and water pipes of the tap from the fridge vents I think it is pointless taking the fridge out, have a look in the cupboard under the sink to see where the water pipes are going.

Graham (Ponty)

 

[Malcolm2]

Thanks for all your interest and helpful suggestions.

Just to let you all know that I have cured the problem. The tap was accessed by removing the stainless steel sink that was held in place by four screws, two either side. When this was lifted out the tap was very easy to get at.

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL.

MALCOLM

 

[GrahamPonty]

Hi Malcolm,

Glad you were able to sort out your loose tap problem. I thought there would have been a better way of doing it than having to removing the fridge, but as I said before not knowing the layout of the van can be a bit difficult in accessing the situation from behind a computer screen, but we do our best to help if we can.

Regards

Graham (Ponty)

By the way Ponty is the Pontypridd one, I have my van stored near Blackwood.

 

[GrahamSouthBrum]

Hi Malcolm,

Glad you got your tap sorted out.

If you check my post 3rd Oct 11.55 on this subject, you will see that I told you to take out your sink & how to do it.

Ahh well never mind.

Alls well that ends well.

G.