Thread: Question for Handyman/ plumber types.

On the O rings, Im guessing they come in different sizes? I found some, put them on and now cant fit the spout back into the hole . Thought I could have impressed the better half before she got back home. The o rings I took off were much thinner than the ones I put on,

Regards

Stevo

And MOST important -

Turn the water off at the mains before you start to take a tap apart!

John

Originally Posted by JDNSW

And MOST important -

Turn the water off at the mains before you start to take a tap apart!

John

yep, forgot that bit.But he would have worked it out sooner or later.

Stevo - if you haven't already been to Bunnings - for those type of taps, you can buy ceramic inserts. These replace the old style tap plunger and washer arrangement with a ceramic valve which operates through only 90 degrees from fully closed to fully open. They do not get "tight" when you close them - simply turn until they stop solid - very smooth and light action. One of their claims to fame is that they will never wear out, so no more leaks, replacing washers etc. Also, if you change the tap handles at the same time from the conventional style you have there to short levers, they are very easy to use for us older people with arthritis, alzhymers etc.

I changed all our kitchen taps, bath & washbasins and showers over to this system ages ago, and have never had any problems with them. (SWMBO was VERY impressed if you are looking for brownie points).

Originally Posted by BMKal

Stevo - if you haven't already been to Bunnings - for those type of taps, you can buy ceramic inserts. These replace the old style tap plunger and washer arrangement with a ceramic valve which operates through only 90 degrees from fully closed to fully open. They do not get "tight" when you close them - simply turn until they stop solid - very smooth and light action. One of their claims to fame is that they will never wear out, so no more leaks, replacing washers etc. Also, if you change the tap handles at the same time from the conventional style you have there to short levers, they are very easy to use for us older people with arthritis, alzhymers etc.

I changed all our kitchen taps, bath & washbasins and showers over to this system ages ago, and have never had any problems with them. (SWMBO was VERY impressed if you are looking for brownie points).

they in fact do wear out and then drip at the end of the handles turn and you have to back the handle off a tad each time you use the tap, as well as the fact that when you have to replace the washer assemblage you have to buy a kit that a lot more expensive then the humble tap washer, I hate them.But having said that, they are nice to use and great for the eldely and infirm, just a bugger to service.

Thanks again for the advice, got some o rings that fit and spout is working again....now SWMBO can get in and do the dishes . Going to have a crack at the taps tomorrow.........and remember to turn off the mains ,

Regards

Stevo

Once you have turned off the main stop cock or check under the sink sometimes there are cutoff valves in line with the pipes or flexis going to the taps. Then open up the taps to releave the pressure, it will stop you getting sprayed with water when you start to disassemble the taps.

When you turn the water back on after your repairs, turn a tap on slowly to allow any air in the system to be pushed out, you might get a bit of spluttering while the air gets pushed out but soon it should clear.

PTFE tape or teflon tape is the white stuff that you found around the base of your spout where the O-rings are. That stuff is usually used on threaded parts to take up any space between the threads that might allow a leak. In you case it was used to try and stop a leak by taking up a bit of space around the the O-rings.