Kitchen sink mixer tap leaking...

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josephhinvest

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# 68542 24-Sep-2010 11:08

Hi,

My kitchen sink mixer tap (faucet I guess) has developed a leak.
Mixer is similarto this.
tap

The leak occurs when the long "output" arm is swiveled, water leaks from above the arm join.
It also leaks after the water is turned off, when the handle in the centre "warm" position. This leaks water from the join below the handle. When it's off and in the "hot" position, it doesn't leak.

So,
Is it possible to repair? Is it worth the callout cost of a plumber?
Bunnings sell the one in photo for $230, this is actually a little cheaper than I expected. So perhaps easier to just replace with shiny new unit. Should I attempt to install myself?
I am a reasonably competent handyman, but I as this is critical household infrastructure, perhaps better left to a professional. Thoughts?

And finally, and recommendations for good plumber in west Auckland?

Thanks,

Cheers,
Joseph.

allan

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# 383978 24-Sep-2010 11:12

We had exactly the same problem and after seeing it disassembled at a recent Home Show, I decided it was much easier to call a plumber.

Stu

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# 383979 24-Sep-2010 11:12

We had the same problem and I just bought one from Mega and replaced it myself. Worked out cheaper than replacing the ceramic cartridge and a whole heap cheaper than calling out a plumber.

graemeh

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# 383980 24-Sep-2010 11:14

Probably just cheaper to replace it as you probably need two visits from the plumber at $65+GST an hour or so.

$230 is WAY too much for what you are getting. I bought an Englefield tap and it was only around $110. They had another similar model with a different handle for $125.

The tap I bought can be found here http://www.englefield.co.nz/catalog/product.jsp?product=118623

There are also installation instructions there which you may find useful even if you don't buy this particular tap.

If you're replacing a modern mixer tap then it is really easy to do it yourself or you could call a plumber to do it for you. Just make sure that you flush the tap before fitting the filter screen and either use thread tape or fittings with washers. Also check for leaks around the joins after you've done the work.

To do it yourself if you've never done it before you're probably looking at 45 mins. A plumber would probably take 20.

Nety

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# 384025 24-Sep-2010 13:07

Be aware that the tap you get needs to match your water pressures. If you have low pressure hot water you need a different tap then if you have high pressure etc.

Depending how it is plumbed it can be very quick to replace. Ours has two flexible hoses that come of it and just screw on to the fixed pipe work.

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graemeh

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# 384046 24-Sep-2010 13:47

Good point about the water pressure. Some are high pressure only, some are low pressure only and some come with kits that allow you to use either.

Your best bet is to buy it from a plumbing wholesaler, they will know which ones work best (i.e. they sell them and never see or hear about them again).

josephhinvest

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# 384050 24-Sep-2010 13:49

Thanks for your replies everyone.

@ allan - yes I agree, I will likely replace it, I don't think I'll attempt to repair it.
@ BigHammer - indeed, graemeh has linked to much cheaper mixer than I was looking at, if I can replace it, will certainly be cheaper than calling out a plumber
@ graemeh - thanks for the link and info, I certainly will shop around. I am leaning towards replacing myself, I'm competent with tools and I'll read the instructions! And yes, thread tape indeed. Thanks.
@ Nety - thanks, I will confirm the mixer is appropriate. We have high pressure hot water (gas, awesome). Yes existing mixer has the two flexible hoses, I was not sure whether this is part of the mixer, or separate hoses. They do indeed just screw into the fixed pipes. Now just need to work out how to turn off the hot water!

Thanks again for your help.

Cheers,
Joseph

Stu

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# 384055 24-Sep-2010 13:53

Just turn the water off at the gate and cut the power to your gas water heater.

jonherries

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# 384091 24-Sep-2010 15:00

Have fun. I did one of these a wee while ago, and somewhat unsurprisingly plumbing seems to be going the same way as othe "trades", where you can swap out the parts relatively easily, and there is no skilled repair work required (note in plumbing with copper there is still the art of braising ?sp which looks v. hard).

I think from memory our replacement didn't come with the fleixble braided pipes, we replaced an existing mixer so just reused what was there.

So I am sure you will be fine, but also useful might be a small amount of silicon sealant around the inside base of the mounting hole, although it will come with a rubber gasket for mounting.

And of course the obligatory glass of water on completion of the job.

Jon