Bath Tap

[ImLostAgain]

My nephews' cold water bath tap is running at a trickle. He hasn't used the bath for quite a while since having a shower fitted. All othe other taps in his flat are fine. I don't know much about his flat except it is on the ground floor and his water tank is in the bathroom. He's not very handy (more academic) so would he be best off paying for a plumber or is it a relatively easy job for him to attempt?

[woofgang]

Depends on why its only trickling. Does he know where his stopcock is and does it work?

[ImLostAgain]

Yes his stopcock is under the kitchen sink and it does work.

[The Builder]

Depending on the type of tap...

If it's a traditional tap-washer type, then after a period of non-use, the washer can be stuck down.

Or... is it a modern cartridge tap?
Are they single or mixer taps?
Any idea of age or make/model?

[SparklyKid]

Does it trickle when on of off ?

if "OFF" needs new washer

if "ON" might need new valve assembly. They sometimes stick ifr not been been fully opened for a while.

If a tap is only opened a quarter of a turn rather than fully opened, the inside sliding part of the valve can stick, so the tap will not fully open.

[ImLostAgain]

Ooh now your asking. They are single taps which you just turn ie, not a lever type. Age? I have no idea. If I remember correctly he had a new washer put in the bathroom basin tap and it was a cartridge type. That's the best I can do.

[ImLostAgain]

Sorry for the delay in replying. I'm actually phoning him at work to answer these questions.
SparklyKid, it only trickles when turned on and I believe it doesn't turn very far.

[The Builder]

Sounds like a new cartridge is needed.

I think Sparkles would agree that it's not a difficult job. He'll have have done even more than I have ;o)

But, as an academic, I don't think he would like to get involved. It really wouldn't take a plumber very long.

[SparklyKid]

Hi Builder. Our shower is fed from the bath mixer tap via flexible hose. I have changed the valve numerous times because after a while of only opening it a quarter turn, it will not open any more. Almost impossible to free up the old valve. There will be loads of youtube vids showing the procedure.

On a single tap the problem is keeping the tap from moving whilst the valve is unscrewed. I use two spanners held against the tap body to stop it turning. The valves can be quite hard to undue. A short sharp twack with a small hammer often helps.

[ImLostAgain]

Ok, thanks all for your advice. I'll pass it on.

[The Builder]

Yep, two spanners, a lot of grunting, and sometimes a good whack.

Probably wise to get someone in if you haven't done this before.

[ImLostAgain]

:) Oh I think it's a certainty that he'll get someone in.
Thanks again.