Basin Tap Hammering

[SirBodgeAlot]

Hi All,

Just replaced hot and cold taps on really old basin, but new cold tap does odd things -

a) When turned on to low flow it lets water out then stops water flow on its own accord,

b) On certain settings and when turning off it hammers

On closer inspection, the new tap, which is a shroud type from B & Q (Plumb Sure quartz chrome) has a circlip holding the spindle in the body of the tap, but there seems to be some "float" i.e. the spindle can be pulled up and down and hence the valve moves up and down i.e. water pressure can move the valve when not fully shut tight.

I've proved this is the problem by pressing down on the tap when the hammering occurrs and this stops it. (i.e. it isn't loose pipework making the noise)

Question is - is the tap faulty or is the pressure excessive in the mains possibly? (cold tap is connected directly to mains, hot is from tank)

We do also get problems with the washing machine connections leaking when a nearby tap is shut off - you get a small squirt which is cured by tightening the connection again.

No other cold taps in the house do this sort of thing (they are all very old)

Any help appreciated, thanks.

 

[cider]

duff tap

 

[SirBodgeAlot]

duff tap

Thanks Cider, looked at a tap at a commercial clients site today and it too has "float" i.e. you can reduce the water flow by pushing down on the stem, but it works fine with much higher pressure water with no hammering at all.

Trip back to B & Q I guess, but first I'll have to clean all the mastic off the bottom! Doh!

 

[cider]

dont bother if its duff its there fault not yours, present a bill to them from a plumber for changing it and they may pay

 

[SirBodgeAlot]

dont bother if its duff its there fault not yours, present a bill to them from a plumber for changing it and they may pay

Ok, I'll give it a go! Thanks again.

 

[SirBodgeAlot]

dont bother if its duff its there fault not yours, present a bill to them from a plumber for changing it and they may pay

Replaced tap, like for like, no more hammering!

Thanks again.

Didn't try hitting them with a plumber's bill, the lady on returns was too nice, and I couldn't get into irrate customer mode!