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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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#1
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Tap tip please: swivelling spout reluctant to swivel
What's the best way of freeing a non-swivelling swivelling kitchen sink tap?
It takes a real effort to move it at all at present. Is it a dismantle and replace something job, or will something as simple as a good external squirt of WD40 do the trick? Many thanks. |
#2
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Tap tip please: swivelling spout reluctant to swivel
In article ,
"Bert Coules" writes: What's the best way of freeing a non-swivelling swivelling kitchen sink tap? It takes a real effort to move it at all at present. Is it a dismantle and replace something job, or will something as simple as a good external squirt of WD40 do the trick? Dismantle, descale, replace the O-ring seals, lubricate with silicone grease which is suitable for use on potable water fittings, reassemble. When you've descaled it, inspect for wear. If it's got worn through lack of maintenance, then it may never work properly, so be prepared to cut your losses. Don't put WD40 anywhere near it. -- Andrew Gabriel [email address is not usable -- followup in the newsgroup] |
#3
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Tap tip please: swivelling spout reluctant to swivel
On 30/09/12 12:21, Andrew Gabriel wrote:
Dismantle.... snip I have a similar problem, but rather than being retained with a grub screw as the old ones were, this one just had a spring-loaded ball-bearing that went down a slot. I can't get it out again for love nor money. Is there a standard direction the outlet should face to lift it out again, before I damage the sink ? Andy C |
#4
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Tap tip please: swivelling spout reluctant to swivel
Andrew Gabriel wrote:
Anticipating that advice, I've dismantled it now and found a few rock-hard black fragments between the sliding chrome-plated surfaces where the moveable spout rests down against the body of the tap. Presumably there was once an O-ring there which as you say should be replaced ...lubricate with silicone grease... Ah, I'll have to get some (and hope that it's available in small quantities) unless there's an acceptable alternative which I already have. Many thanks. |
#5
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Tap tip please: swivelling spout reluctant to swivel
I wrote:
...lubricate with silicone grease... Ah, I'll have to get some (and hope that it's available in small quantities) unless there's an acceptable alternative which I already have. How about Vaseline? I know it degrades rubber, but modern O-rings are neoprene or similar, aren't they? |
#6
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Tap tip please: swivelling spout reluctant to swivel
On 01/10/2012 09:31, Bert Coules wrote:
I wrote: ...lubricate with silicone grease... Ah, I'll have to get some (and hope that it's available in small quantities) unless there's an acceptable alternative which I already have. How about Vaseline? I know it degrades rubber, but modern O-rings are neoprene or similar, aren't they? Even if they are, I certainly wouldn't want any possibility of vaseline in my tea... (I realise that it shouldn't get in there, but we all know how things don't always work out as planned.) For the cost of a small pot of silicone grease, I would not risk it. -- Rod |
#7
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Tap tip please: swivelling spout reluctant to swivel
"polygonum" wrote:
I certainly wouldn't want any possibility of vaseline in my tea... Yes, a good point. But is the prospect of silicone grease in your tea any better? |
#8
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Tap tip please: swivelling spout reluctant to swivel
In article , Bert
Coules writes Andrew Gabriel wrote: Anticipating that advice, I've dismantled it now and found a few rock-hard black fragments between the sliding chrome-plated surfaces where the moveable spout rests down against the body of the tap. Presumably there was once an O-ring there which as you say should be replaced This is where you go to your selection box of O-rings, bought from Aldil the last time they were on sale[1] (cheaply at around 6quid) and find a suitable replacement. The selection box is useful, I have done similar recently and found the correct diameter O-ring made the action on the spout a little stiff so I used the size smaller, stretching it slightly and the reduction in section made the fit just right. If you buy singles then maybe buy a couple of sizes. ...lubricate with silicone grease... Ah, I'll have to get some (and hope that it's available in small quantities) unless there's an acceptable alternative which I already have. It is, either in pot or tube and cheaply, see toolstation etc. Nowt else will do either compatibility wise or potable water wise [1] You did do that didn't you ;-) -- fred it's a ba-na-na . . . . |
#9
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Tap tip please: swivelling spout reluctant to swivel
I did have a suitable O-ring, fitted it and tried a test re-assembly without
lubricant. The result was a spectacular leak from around the O-ring. So I obtained some silicone grease (exorbitantly priced from B&Q - Toolstation denied all knowledge of the stuff) and tried again. The "grease" proved to be rather more liquid than solid and was absolutely useless: it simply ran off. I gave up temporarily but later took the tap spout to a small plumber's merchant (where I should have thought of going in the first place). There I was told that there should be no O-ring: the sliding surfaces simply rotate against each other. What about lubrication? Oh - use Vaseline, the chap said. Bert |
#10
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Tap tip please: swivelling spout reluctant to swivel
In article , Bert
Coules writes I did have a suitable O-ring, fitted it and tried a test re-assembly without lubricant. The result was a spectacular leak from around the O-ring. So I obtained some silicone grease (exorbitantly priced from B&Q - Toolstation denied all knowledge of the stuff) and tried again. The "grease" proved to be rather more liquid than solid and was absolutely useless: it simply ran off. Hmmn, doesn't sound right, even unlubed the O-ring should have sealed if it was the right size for the job. Surprised not to see it at TS as it's just what you need to lube seals on pushfit drainage and I see Sfx don't carry it either, just a couple of quid he http://www.bes.co.uk/products/094.asp for the smallest size but you have to go local when you're in a hurry. Local plumbers' merchant shouldn't have been too much. Runny doesn't sound right at all, the BES stuff mentions 'high tack' and it has the texture of vaseline I gave up temporarily but later took the tap spout to a small plumber's merchant (where I should have thought of going in the first place). There I was told that there should be no O-ring: the sliding surfaces simply rotate against each other. What about lubrication? Oh - use Vaseline, the chap said. If there is a rectangular slot running radially around the spout then it still sounds like an O-ring seal, just the wrong profile used. Given the bother you're having maybe a cheap replacement tap may be the way to go. -- fred it's a ba-na-na . . . . |
#11
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Tap tip please: swivelling spout reluctant to swivel
On Mon, 1 Oct 2012 16:40:17 +0100, "Bert Coules"
wrote: I gave up temporarily but later took the tap spout to a small plumber's merchant (where I should have thought of going in the first place). There I was told that there should be no O-ring: the sliding surfaces simply rotate against each other. What about lubrication? Oh - use Vaseline, the chap said. Tip: Only believe what storemen tell you if you already know they know what they're talking about. |
#12
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Tap tip please: swivelling spout reluctant to swivel
Grimly Curmudgeon wrote:
Only believe what storemen tell you if you already know they know what they're talking about. Very sound advice. But surely it should also apply to believing what's posted here? Sometimes one simply has to trust by instinct. Anyway, the tap is now reassembled, the spout swivels and the joint does not leak. Thanks to everyone for the comments and advice. Bert |
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