tap tails so corroded I can't unscrew

HawkEye244 · 22 May 2021

Hi everyone,
I'm hoping I can get some help for this tap.
I would like to unscrew both tails as they are badly corroded and replace them but the damage is so bad they don't budge.
I can't get a spanner down there either, so what can I do?
I would like to keep the tap as it's a bath store one and very expensive and also operates the basin waste.
Thanks for any help.

Elkato531 · 23 May 2021

Buy a new tap, it's knackered. It may have been expensive but that's not always a good indication of quality, especially from Bathstore.

HERTS P&D · 23 May 2021

Yep, a very expensive tap shouldn't look like that. Replace it!

Andy

mattylad · 23 May 2021

OR, before then - spray lots of wd40 into the area where the tail meets the tap and leave it an hour, top up when needed.

Put a pair of nuts on the threaded bar, tighten them together and unthread the bar with a spanner.
Use pipe grips on what you can get to wiggling them both directions to loosen.

If you do manage it you will obviously need 2 new tails and investigate why they are so corroded - sort that out too.

HawkEye244 · 23 May 2021

Thanks for your views.
Any idea about whether the lever waste contributed to the rust on the tails ?
I will go for a clicker waste option on the new tap but only if it makes a difference in the future ?
I don't think there was a slow leak on this tap so the small hole in the back of the tap seems to be the only culprit here ?
I just don't understand why this happened.
One of the tails was so corroded it actually exploded and extensive water damage everywhere ...

Nige F · 23 May 2021

Funny enough my neighbour's tap tail to WC did the same yesterday. I keep a stopcock key in our porch

Didn't notice water had sprayed right up to ceiling until it dripped on my head

HawkEye244 · 24 May 2021

Hi again guys,
Feel like I should take some advice as I've gone out and bought a new tap.
However, the tails are not the right length and I'm curious to know if there is any solution that means I can use the existing tails as if I don't I'm worried it may void the 10 year guarantee?
No matter which configuration I use the tails are kinking.
Secondly, angled isolation valves are not common.
Screwfix don't sell them and toolstation don't have any in stock, pretty much nationwide.
Would appreciate some thoughts as I'm a bit stuck now.
p.s. the brass fitting is a compression adapter which helps marry the tail to the pipe to give a snugger fit:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/tesla-br...g-flexible-tap-connectors-15mm-x-2-pack/2665r

On the bright side fitting the waste was a breeze.
Really like using plumbers mate instead of silicone as it's so much easier a job. I hate that silicone.

HERTS P&D · 24 May 2021

You can normally 'loop' the flex, the hot will need a 90 degree joint a bit of pipe.

Andy

HawkEye244 · 24 May 2021

Really have tried looping and a lot of tinkering later, it's a miserable experience.
Even if I get them on with the least amount of kinking once I tighten the nut they instantly start kinking.
I can stick a pipe of plastic pipe in the hot but it won't look very tidy - in fact I'd go one further and say it would look quite ****.

Donald_diy · 24 May 2021

can you spend some more cash (seems your a landlord) purchase a short section of 15mm chrome pipe with some associated fittings and have all the connections tidied under the bowl out of user eye sight

why do you find it difficult to appoint a qualified (yes they exist)a plumber, why are you so tight.

HawkEye244 · 24 May 2021

Further photos guys:

Thanks to your advice about the looping Andy. What do you think? Is it passable?

Here's my solution to the angle:

Thoughts?

Thread here so it won't work with a normal isolation valve.
Any suggestions?
Many thanks

HERTS P&D · 24 May 2021

The cold pipe on the left could do with an extra piece of pipe added to make more of a loop.

The hot outlet of the right could do with a street elbow with a nut and olive and a piece of pipe going up.

Andy

HawkEye244 · 24 May 2021

Thanks for the tips Andy.
I'm a little confused with the street valve because the pipe coming through the wall is threaded as per the photo but the ends on the isolation valve are both male.

I have a service valve which has a female end but the arrow is going in the wrong direction?
Any further help?

HERTS P&D · 24 May 2021

This part into the wall fitting:

https://www.toolstation.com/made4tr...MIy_3ayNri8AIVze3mCh0i8gb7EAQYASABEgKIhPD_BwE

Then a piece of pipe, then an isolation valve.

Can you solder?

Andy

HawkEye244 · 24 May 2021

But the hot pipe is threaded at the end and those fittings aren't?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/compression-adapting-female-coupler-15mm-x/93992

This?

I can't solder

diynot

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tap tails so corroded I can't unscrew

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