Plumbing ............ clutching at straws

[Phil Pascoe]

The bath hot tap is leaking badly. I've changed the ¼ turn insert, but the leak is still there. I suspect the taps were fitted with flexible hoses before the bath was in situ, so even if possible it's going to be an absolute pig to change the tap. A single tap, not a mixer. Any ideas?

 

[Amplidyne]

You sure it's the right cartridge? A new unit? It has to be exactly the right one. Have a look to see how the seat is where the bottom of the cartridge seats on the tap as well.
That's about the end of my knowledge about ceramic cartridges though!
Otherwise just isolate the water and disconnect the flex. Crow's foot spanner / wrench to undo the tap nut. Make sure that when you replace the flex, you don't twist it. If it's a compression type fitting, use a bit of PTFE tape, just round the olive if you're reusing it. Thread tape on any threaded connections, to seal the thread, but not on the threads of compression fittings.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

It's the correct cartridge. Everything is clean. The problem being the access to the underside of the tap is virtually non existent - I might be able to get a crow's foot on it but I doubt I can get my hand there as well - the taps were undoubtedly put in place before the bath was installed. My wife says just get someone in to do it, but I have long arms - if I can't reach it it's unlikely anyone else will be able to. I really don't want the bath coming out. I'll try to get my hand in there tomorrow.

 

[Terry - Somerset]

I suspect a plumber will have the right tools to do the job - for instance you can get a crows foot spanner with a 1/2" drive specifically intended (I assume) for accessing tap back nuts with limited clearance.

 

[Spectric]

I suspect a plumber will have the right tools to do the job

That is the secret to most jobs, having the right tools is essential and a plumber will have something like this

if you have a socket set then you could buy the sockets & crows feet on there own.

 

[gregmcateer]

Wot spectric said - if you were closer, I'd lend you our set - game changer, but big investment for one tap

 

[Phil Pascoe]

It's not so much the limited access that's the problem, it's the actual reach. The crow's foot for a socket set is a good idea, though.
I'll take the bath panel off later and see how far in I can reach.

 

[Bingy man]

I’ve yet to find a tap or taps that can’t be undone since i brought a tap ex kit back nerrad tools ( no affiliate) just top quality kit .Not much it can’t cope with. They are a bit pricey but worth the investment after struggling to undo certain tap nuts . There is an additional kit that further enhances your ability to undo those difficult connections etc ..
Nerrad Tools Tapex Tap Wrench Kit 18 piece Nttapexkit1
£159.95
Free delivery
Plumb2u
(3
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Nerrad Tapex 12 Piece Expansion Kit Nttapexkit2
£119.99
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Plumb2u

 

[graduate_owner]

Even at over £100 it is probably worth getting the right tool for the job because it will still be cheaper than paying a plumber. Plus you will always have the tool for future use, or you could sell it on to recoup some of the outlay. And you will have the satisfaction of having done the job yourself. Why do people get involved in DIY anyway? For me it is 1. the satisfaction of doing the job 2. not having to wait for a tradesman to show up - or not and 3. to save money.

K

 

[Spectric]

It's not so much the limited access that's the problem, it's the actual reach.

A big part of this problem, like it or not is getting old. We have to accept that what we could do in our younger days like forcing our bodies into tight awkward positions to do something like your bath tap do become really difficult. I find a lot of the time I try to design out these issues so that I can still do the task but no mater how many weetabix we eat it will not improve our stamina.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Panic over. I've taken the panel off and I can just reach the tap. Thanks, everyone for the ideas - I'll probably get a set of spanners - probably make the job a bit easier.

 

[Sideways]

I’ve yet to find a tap or taps that can’t be undone since i brought a tap ex kit back nerrad tools ( no affiliate) just top quality kit .Not much it can’t cope with. They are a bit pricey but worth the investment after struggling to undo certain tap nuts . There is an additional kit that further enhances your ability to undo those difficult connections etc ..
Nerrad Tools Tapex Tap Wrench Kit 18 piece Nttapexkit1
£159.95
Free delivery
Plumb2u
(3
https://www.googleadservices.com/pa...862skKeLAxU6WUEAHTrdCJsQwg8oAHoECAsQDA&adurl=
Nerrad Tapex 12 Piece Expansion Kit Nttapexkit2
£119.99
Free delivery
Plumb2u

Appreciate the recommendations here. I had a similar job to Phil's to do on a tap that had been in place for 20+ years and WOULD not come apart. After ripping the brass to shreds I gave up and replaced the taps but had to deal with the same awful access. Old cast pipe spanner is junk, the T bar with a serrated claw little better and non of my crowsfoot spanners were big enough. That Nerrad set might well have helped.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Even at over £100 it is probably worth getting the right tool for the job because it will still be cheaper than paying a plumber.

K

My wife is quite good now. Some years ago she queried what I was about to spend and I said do you want me to spend £100 on a tool or £100 to pay someone to do a job I can do perfectly well but can't because I haven't the correct tool? Well, she said, put like that you'd better buy the tool. She's been fine with money spent on tools since.