Mixer tap removal question for kitchen sink mixer All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[Labi]

I haven't found a way to remove the dripping cold tap from my kitchen sink mixer. Tried prising off the blue plastic cap without success. Also tried pulling the tap assembly off the mixer unit but it doesn't budge.
The tap swivels up and down on the main unit to operate, without any apparent nuts or screws to engage with.
The spout, I believe can be twisted out of the mixer body after removing the small grub screw at the back but that doesn't release the tap head - does it...? Thanks for any advice.

[stoneyboy]

Hi labi,
Lever out the blue cap and there should be a screw underneath it. If there is no screw the levers should prise off.
Regards S

[Labi]

Hi Stoneyboy
Thanks for your reply.
Blue cap is almost flush with tap head and doesn't lever out. I could try drilling through it(?) to see if there is a screw beneath.
Have already put max force into literally trying to pull/force the tap unit away from the main body - without success. Not sure how to "prise" it off...?
Labi.

[stoneyboy]

Hi labi,
Use a panel pin and drive it in the edge of the plastic cap only enough to enable you to lever the cap out, you may have to use 2 panel pins on opposite sides of the blue plug. Alternatively drive a narrow screw through the centre of the blue plug, this may remove the plug.
Regards S

[Labi]

Thanks for the tip re panel pins. Actually, I already went ahead and drilled it out and revealed the screw - finally!
Since then, I've tried to free the exposed part, but it's not budging with my oversized adjustable spanner (not an ideal fit!). Should I even be concentrating on that nut closest to the main tap body... or the part further away with the knurled end...?
One small step at a time....!
Please see pic which may help. TVM.

[stoneyboy]

Hi labi,
You need to undo ceramic disk cartridge using the larger nut. They are generally very tight so try using the spout to hold onto while you loosen the cartridge. Use a ring spanner fitted so it is close to the spout and looking at the cartridge end the spanner is about 1 o'clock.
Regards S

[Labi]

Eureka! I have successfully removed and replaced the leaking cartridge after finding an appropriate spanner to free it.
The tap lever now works in the opposite direction because the new cartridge - without me realising - was already in the 'on' position when I fitted it! Meanwhile, the tap head is now on so tight it's difficult to remove again to alter the setting. Never mind - I can live with it!!
Thanks Stoneyboy for your patient guidance.
Thumbs Up!!