Hi folks, i`m having a problem with the mixer tap on the kitchen sink in my Abbey Spectrum 540 2006. The problem is that the tap is gradually becoming slacker and slacker with use. You can actually move the whole thing. I`ve had my hand underneath the worktop but I can`t feel a nut to tighten. There is nothing in the handbook. Anyone know how to tighten the thing up? Many thanks, Peter.
Mixer tap
- Thread starter ether823
- Start date
Damian
Moderator
If itis a Whale or Reich tap it will have a large plastic nut which goes outside the two water pipes, but may well be recessed into the worktop.
Other methods of fixing are a single threaded rod with a nut , very difficult to get to under any circumstances, may be better to remove the sink to tighten either methods.
Other methods of fixing are a single threaded rod with a nut , very difficult to get to under any circumstances, may be better to remove the sink to tighten either methods.
Don't know the exact tap but it should be adjustable without removing the sink. (Let's hope). two pipes go into it so either the fixing will be a huge single nut. If so you will probably need a domestic tap wrench- ask at B and Q or similar. Before that feel to see if you can find a single rod about 3 mm diameter poking down to the side of the pipes. You might remove any draws under the sink to better to get at it. This rod screws into the tap base and is held in place by a small nut. You will need a 14mm tube spanner probably. Cheap enough to buy a set. Why not ask at the swift dealers what they use?
This is where using a mirror or better still a camera which could be a mobile phone comes in handy to see what is hidden tucked away from view where you cant get your head in.
In my case I found it was a large diameter thin section brass nut screwed over the body but located in a very restricted place. I was able to fret saw out an open ended spanner from a disc of scrap of plywood just big enough to get a finger purchase on the nut but compact enough to fit. You dont need to tighten it up much as its only on the plastic body of the tap so the wooded spanner was adequately strong.
In my case I found it was a large diameter thin section brass nut screwed over the body but located in a very restricted place. I was able to fret saw out an open ended spanner from a disc of scrap of plywood just big enough to get a finger purchase on the nut but compact enough to fit. You dont need to tighten it up much as its only on the plastic body of the tap so the wooded spanner was adequately strong.
I have an Abbey 540 Freestyle 2005 which should have the same mixer tap.
First of all if the swivelling spout has gone so tight as to move the base on the work top you need to cure the root cause of the issue.
First of all, take the sink out. There's 3 torx type screws securing the bowl to the work top. T15 bit I think. Then there's just 1 slot screw holding the waste trap to the sink.
Now depending on your specific van you will need to take out the draw in the cuboard between cooker and fridge, or take the fridge vent cover off outside. it's the top one you want off and in the top slot there are 2 tabs which need pushing towards the center. Take the mesh fly guard out too.
Now depending on the fitting, you should be able to see and un do the securing nut from the tap base.
To strip the tap down. On the hand lever there are 2 hot/cold markers which just prise out with a stanley knife blade. Inside there you'll find two 3mm af hex allen grubscrews that hold the handle to the tap valve. They are a right fiddle so take your time there. Now the handle does lift off but might be a tight fit. After that it is quite easy to take the rest apart as there is obvious fixings. that hold the hinge and valves together.
On re-assembly after cleaning, apply some vasaline to the swivel parts to prevent further trouble.
Good luck.
First of all if the swivelling spout has gone so tight as to move the base on the work top you need to cure the root cause of the issue.
First of all, take the sink out. There's 3 torx type screws securing the bowl to the work top. T15 bit I think. Then there's just 1 slot screw holding the waste trap to the sink.
Now depending on your specific van you will need to take out the draw in the cuboard between cooker and fridge, or take the fridge vent cover off outside. it's the top one you want off and in the top slot there are 2 tabs which need pushing towards the center. Take the mesh fly guard out too.
Now depending on the fitting, you should be able to see and un do the securing nut from the tap base.
To strip the tap down. On the hand lever there are 2 hot/cold markers which just prise out with a stanley knife blade. Inside there you'll find two 3mm af hex allen grubscrews that hold the handle to the tap valve. They are a right fiddle so take your time there. Now the handle does lift off but might be a tight fit. After that it is quite easy to take the rest apart as there is obvious fixings. that hold the hinge and valves together.
On re-assembly after cleaning, apply some vasaline to the swivel parts to prevent further trouble.
Good luck.
Don't use vaseline.This will eventually degrade and perish the rubber O ring.Use silicone grease - from a plumbers merchant.
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