Washerless Faucets-possible To Repair?

[cm-happy]

I have a few single lever washerless faucets. The ones that swing left or right for temperature control. They leak and don't shut off completely. Can they be repaired or do I have to purchase replacements? If can be repaired is this somthing a home handyman can tackle or best left to a plumber?

[Crossy]

I had one of these in Belgium, it leaked like a sieve

Took the beast apart, it was full of crunchy bits (limescale I assume), cleaned it all out, put it back together and to my amazement it worked and no longer dribbled

I suspect that if a good clear out doesn't fix it the only solution will be replacement

[chownah]

Seems like the premium models are made so that they can be reamed out with special reamers to re establish the seals....I don't have any experience with this it just seems like I've seen a mention of these reaming tools....but not sure.

Chownah

Quick edit: Sure enough check out this website:

http://www.homeabc.net/Maintenance-Repairs...ce-Repairs.html

Chownah

[sweetchariot]

Do you mean taps?

[Crossy]

Do you mean taps?

Is that 'tap' as in 'tap and die' or 'tap' as in 'faucet'??

BTW, yes it's a tap

[jaiyenyen]

The TAP'S ( I'm originally from England) Probably just need taking apart, cleaning, and 'O' rings replaced.

BTW remember to use silicone grease before re-assembly.

Regards Jaiyenyen (Ex - Plumber)

[Crossy]

The TAP'S ( I'm originally from England) Probably just need taking apart, cleaning, and 'O' rings replaced.

BTW remember to use silicone grease before re-assembly.

Regards Jaiyenyen (Ex - Plumber)

These are WASHERLESS devices, no rubber bits to fail.

Edit OOPS, just re-read that you said O rings

[cm-happy]

YUP!!

English TAP = American Faucet

[Crossy]

YUP!!

English TAP = American Faucet :D

I went off on a Google chase to find out why (for a change) the US term for this device is LONGER than the UK English term.

Turns out that it comes from "faucet and spigot" which is the device used for tapping wooden beer barrels, a much more important function than simply controlling water flow

[jaiyenyen]

The TAP'S ( I'm originally from England) Probably just need taking apart, cleaning, and 'O' rings replaced.

BTW remember to use silicone grease before re-assembly.

Regards Jaiyenyen (Ex - Plumber)

These are WASHERLESS devices, no rubber bits to fail.

Edit OOPS, just re-read that you said O rings

Hi Crossy,

The 1/4 turn taps I have had experience with in England controlled the water with either, two ceramic disc's or two small 'O' ring's. I'm not sure about the tap's over here, I've not had to take one apart yet.

I've not seen any spares for the ceramic disc type of tap, so if a clean up won't solve the problem.......... I would have to utter those immortal words " Sorry madam, I'm afraid it's beyond repair, I will have to replace the whole thing. It won't be cheap !!!!!!!!!!!!"

[dr_Pat_Pong]

YUP!!

English TAP = American Faucet

Tap is so much easier to say.