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Another tap query

Does what it says on the tin
staffordian
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Another tap query

#436739

Postby staffordian » August 22nd, 2021, 9:54 pm

Why are modern taps so complicated (or at least they look it to me...)

I want to replace the cartridge in the tap ilustrated below...

Image

Is it necessary to remove the shroud, which seems nigh on impossible given it's smooth finish and curved profile, or is there a way to remove the cartridge with this in place?

Any ideas will be much appreciated.

TIA

Staffordian

jfgw
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Re: Another tap query

#436767

Postby jfgw » August 23rd, 2021, 12:16 am

The shroud should unscrew. Next, unscrew whatever retains the cartridge (probably the threaded ring that the shroud screws onto).

The cartridges are usually 35mm or 40mm in diameter, and there are two common types of each. There are other sizes and types, however.


Julian F. G. W.

staffordian
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Re: Another tap query

#436775

Postby staffordian » August 23rd, 2021, 7:47 am

jfgw wrote:The shroud should unscrew. Next, unscrew whatever retains the cartridge (probably the threaded ring that the shroud screws onto).

The cartridges are usually 35mm or 40mm in diameter, and there are two common types of each. There are other sizes and types, however.


Julian F. G. W.

Thank you.

I feared that removal of that shroud might be the required. I shall have to invest in a strap wrench, though reviews of most of them are very poor. Can anyone recommend one that both grips and manages not to snap? :)

jfgw
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Re: Another tap query

#436791

Postby jfgw » August 23rd, 2021, 9:24 am

I would expect a strap wrench to slip off. If you can"t undo it by gripping it evenly all 'round with a forefinger and thumb, and with your other forefinger and thumb around that, you could try tapping around it with something soft (like the handle of a screwdriver) first.


Julian F. G. W.

AsleepInYorkshire
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Re: Another tap query

#436795

Postby AsleepInYorkshire » August 23rd, 2021, 9:36 am

Are these units not available in your local DIY store?

I think (and stand to be corrected) that it's a simple case of replacing the cartridge complete. I don't think they're expensive.

AiY

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Re: Another tap query

#436798

Postby swill453 » August 23rd, 2021, 9:50 am

staffordian wrote:Is it necessary to remove the shroud, which seems nigh on impossible given it's smooth finish and curved profile

You might be able to "pull" it round with pliers, maybe with the tip protected with cloth/paper/rubber.

Scott.

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Re: Another tap query

#436800

Postby jfgw » August 23rd, 2021, 9:55 am

If you use pliers, use plenty of padding. Just gripping it repeatedly at different angles may loosen it so that it can be undone by hand.

Some of those shrouds are plastic.


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Re: Another tap query

#436804

Postby bungeejumper » August 23rd, 2021, 10:21 am

Those rubber "cloths" that remove screw top lids may provide a better grip than a strap wrench. Meanwhile, try drizzling a bit of olive oil into the thread on the shroud?
ReallyVeryFoolish wrote:the plumber sent round the mixer tap manufacturer's "engineer". Who hooked up the shower mixer to his laptop. Now, the march of technology is all well and good. But needing a laptop to adjust a shower mixer? That really is nuts.

Downloading the images from the hidden video camera, I expect. Not that mine would be likely to set the OnlyFans world alight. :lol:

Half-seriously, a temperature-controlled shower mixer has quite a lot of things to balance, so I could see how some manufacturers would think it worth putting in a chip**. But where's it going to end?

Shower to fridge: "Hmmm, he's getting a bit tubby round the middle. Cancel the pork pies on the next Tesco order."

BJ

** Our Mira shower has lasted 25 years without needing more than an occasional scale clean on the shower head. Long may it last.

staffordian
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Re: Another tap query

#436816

Postby staffordian » August 23rd, 2021, 11:14 am

jfgw wrote:The shroud should unscrew. Next, unscrew whatever retains the cartridge (probably the threaded ring that the shroud screws onto).

The cartridges are usually 35mm or 40mm in diameter, and there are two common types of each. There are other sizes and types, however.


Julian F. G. W.


I plan to remove it before getting a replacement, to ensure I get the right one. If it takes a standard cartridge, it's definitely the 35mm as the external width of the tap is only 40mm, but knowing my luck it will be a custom jobbie. Hoping not, as it was a mid range B&Q tap fitted about five years back when they re-did our bathroom.

88V8
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Re: Another tap query

#436818

Postby 88V8 » August 23rd, 2021, 11:17 am

staffordian wrote:Is it necessary to remove the shroud, which seems nigh on impossible given it's smooth finish and curved profile....

A rubber strap wrench is probably the best bet, although at the best of times they are not great.

You might find it more amenable if you first heat the shroud with a blowlamp. If it is indeed plastic I disclaim all responsibility for this suggestion :)

In our previous house we had proper taps with rubber washers. But there was still the shroud issue, and after a bruising encounter with one I spent time ensuring that they were all loose, and moreover got into the habit of undoing them a little with my fingers every week. Needless to say, after the first one I never actually needed to replace a washer again.

V8

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Re: Another tap query

#436821

Postby staffordian » August 23rd, 2021, 11:26 am

AsleepInYorkshire wrote:Are these units not available in your local DIY store?

I think (and stand to be corrected) that it's a simple case of replacing the cartridge complete. I don't think they're expensive.

AiY

I'd dispute your use of the word simple :)

Hopefully cheap and easy to buy, but to get to it, the smooth, curved shrould has to come off.

Why it hasnt been made with slots or flats, I dont know. The top part cantbe seen as it's covered by the tap lever.

It reminds me of those jobs on car engines, where to replace a 5p seal, it costs £500 in labour costs to get to it :D
Last edited by staffordian on August 23rd, 2021, 11:41 am, edited 1 time in total.

staffordian
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Re: Another tap query

#436822

Postby staffordian » August 23rd, 2021, 11:29 am

Many thanks for the suggested alternatives to a strap wrench. I'll give some of them a go after drenching it again with olive oil and or WD40.

Whilst I like the blowlamp idea, and *think* its metal, it's one of those toys I've never got round to acquiring so I'll have to give that one a miss :)

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Re: Another tap query

#436828

Postby AsleepInYorkshire » August 23rd, 2021, 11:52 am

staffordian wrote:
AsleepInYorkshire wrote:Are these units not available in your local DIY store?

I think (and stand to be corrected) that it's a simple case of replacing the cartridge complete. I don't think they're expensive.

AiY

I'd dispute your use of the word simple :)

Hopefully cheap and easy to buy, but to get to it, the smooth, curved shrould has to come off.

Why it hasnt been made with slots or flats, I dont know. The top part cantbe seen as it's covered by the tap lever.

It reminds me of those jobs on car engines, where to replace a 5p seal, it costs £500 in labour costs to get to it :D


Can you use a socket spanner?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGF39ReBrj0

AiY

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Re: Another tap query

#436852

Postby jfgw » August 23rd, 2021, 2:07 pm

AsleepInYorkshire wrote:Can you use a socket spanner?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGF39ReBrj0


Gripping the tap isn't the problem, it is gripping the shroud.

One comment re: the video,

A tap headwork is made of brass, and an adjustable spanner often will not remove it; it will just round off the corners. A ring spanner is best. An alternative is to fit a box spanner over the headwork, and use the adjustable spanner on that.


Julian F. G. W.

staffordian
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Re: Another tap query

#436854

Postby staffordian » August 23rd, 2021, 2:10 pm

All sorted now, thanks to the help and suggestions here...

Image

A squirt of WD40 followed by the lid opener did the trick, then the rest was a piece of cake.

It looks like a standard 35mm cartridge...

Image
Image

Thanks again for the suggestions, much appreciated.

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Re: Another tap query

#436856

Postby swill453 » August 23rd, 2021, 2:41 pm

I was pleasantly surprised to find the taps in my campervan took a standard 4 quid cartridge from Screwfix. I had visions of having to source something unique from a specialist.

Scott.

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Re: Another tap query

#436862

Postby monabri » August 23rd, 2021, 3:00 pm

Available from Screwfix ( and other reputable purveyors of all sorts of stuff).


Image

staffordian
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Re: Another tap query

#436872

Postby staffordian » August 23rd, 2021, 4:24 pm

monabri wrote:Available from Screwfix ( and other reputable purveyors of all sorts of stuff).


Image

Yes, that's what I plan to get. Cleaning up the old one seems to have stopped the drip, but it was intermittent so I'll reserve judgement for a while.

Those Screwfix cartridges are very reasonably priced (and seem to get good reviews) when compared to the cost of spare parts generally.

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Re: Another tap query

#436910

Postby 9873210 » August 23rd, 2021, 7:12 pm

bungeejumper wrote:Those rubber "cloths" that remove screw top lids may provide a better grip than a strap wrench.

I use a pair of strap wrenches on awkward screw top lids -- much easier than rubber cloths.

Strap wrenches work best on a particular diameter. You might need a smaller version rather than the standard oil filter size.

Also can be worth stretching an elastic band over the part. Gives better grip and protects the finish. I often use a length of an old bicycle inner tube.

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Re: Another tap query

#436923

Postby kempiejon » August 23rd, 2021, 8:38 pm

9873210 wrote:Also can be worth stretching an elastic band over the part. Gives better grip and protects the finish. I often use a length of an old bicycle inner tube.


I'm a fan of rubber bands but for delicate work I find rubber or latex gloves have merit.


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