0

I have this mixer tap which has recently developed strange symptoms:

enter image description here

It leaks for a little while after every time we use it, with a kind of gurgly emptying noise. What's strange is that it will also do this when someone upstairs or downstairs (we're in an apartment block) turns their water on. On top of that, it doesn't seem to make much difference whether it's the hot or cold which is turned on.

enter image description here

I've tried having a look inside to see if I could replace the washers, but I can't actually work out how to get much further in. Taking the C-clip out doesn't seem to make the cartridge release, and the brass fitting looks/feels like it is welded (originally or by age?) to the body.

Any ideas on possible causes and possible solutions?

(NB: not in the US)

Improve this question
6
  • 1
    Does the stem move in-and-out when turned or just change its angle?The purpose of the C-clip is not clear to me. If the rib or flange on top of the C-clip turns with the handle and the stem moves in-and-out, then the c-clip could be a stop. Does the groove where the c-clip sits have flats on it or is it round?
    – Jim Stewart
    Commented Feb 3, 2017 at 15:46
  • 1
    Another possibility is that the C-clip positions the stem in the valve so that it cannot mover further in. If the clip is removed and the flange is not part of the stem but is part of the cap that appears to thread into the valve body (valve body with the large flats on it) then one could use a pipe wrench or locking pliers to unscrew the cap and the valve stem from the valve body. Use a large wrench on the large flats to counter-hold the valve body in place.
    – Jim Stewart
    Commented Feb 3, 2017 at 16:07
  • @JimStewart, thanks. I tried but it didn't seem to work. Next I'm going to try unscrewing the whole thing, but only when I've got time to run to the store if it goes wrong!
    – Benjol
    Commented Feb 13, 2017 at 5:45
  • I suppose it is possible that the cap is pressed into the main part of the valve body rather than screwed and not removable. Is this an inexpensive faucet? If so, it might not be repairable.
    – Jim Stewart
    Commented Feb 13, 2017 at 17:45
  • If you try unscrewing the whole thing, you might have to disconnect the supply line from the bottom because it might twist the supply line. It may not be that way though so you would have to examine it underneath to see how it is connected. Good luck. I think it might be time for a replacement.
    – Jim Stewart
    Commented Feb 13, 2017 at 20:20

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

enter image description here This was the culprit. It had a leak in, and for some reason was effectively syphoning all of the water out of the spout. Which explained the gurgling.

Before discovering this, I did change the washers. As @JimStewart said in his comments, the whole of the brass thing unscrewed and the washer/plunger was underneath.

Improve this answer
3
  • Where does that part go? It's not visible in the pictures.
    – Johnny
    Commented Jun 14, 2017 at 7:23
  • @Johnny, it screws on the spout so that you can point the water in the direction you want. Also reduces flow (I think) and creates a cleaner jet of water.
    – Benjol
    Commented Jun 14, 2017 at 12:31
  • Ugh, "jet of water". Good job this isn't English.SE :)
    – Benjol
    Commented Jun 15, 2017 at 5:16

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.