How to replace this kitchen sink tap?

opps · 3 Mar 2024

YorkshireMidge said:
Good question - given the concern you most often hear about any push fit system is whether the seals will stand the test of time, rather than the body. The only genuine advantage I can think of is if you're using copper pipe, they should preserve earth continuity as the pipes should be earth bonded somewhere in the system. I probably wouldn't use plastic push fit near any sources of significant heat either as that could degrade the plastic body over time. But If I'm brutally honest, I hardly ever use push fit of any kind - I will always solder if I can. Just a personal preference.

Thanks for the reply.

I kinda get the electrical continuity point, but when it comes down to it, surely, these days, often, the conductive qualities are down to the water in the pipes?

Many houses have MDPE pipes that run up to the mains stopcock. From the consumer side of the stopcock, the earthing is potentially flawed given that there might be other plastic pipes.

I am happy to be corrected though.

Bouy · 3 Mar 2024

opps said:
Thanks for the reply.

I kinda get the electrical continuity point, but when it comes down to it, surely, these days, often, the conductive qualities are down to the water in the pipes?

Many houses have MDPE pipes that run up to the mains stopcock. From the consumer side of the stopcock, the earthing is potentially flawed given that there might be other plastic pipes.

I am happy to be corrected though.

Try connecting a battery and a light bulb with a couple of wires, result a bright light. Try doing the same with one of the wires cut and placed in water? Now put cut wires on a piece of copper pipe, notice any difference?

opps · 8 Mar 2024

Bouy said:
Try connecting a battery and a light bulb with a couple of wires, result a bright light. Try doing the same with one of the wires cut and placed in water? Now put cut wires on a piece of copper pipe, notice any difference?

Not sure I follow. Probably my bad...

I would expect that if I cut a cable and attach both sides of the copper cable to a copper pipe, the bulb will be bright.

If, however, I attach one end to a section of copper pipe and that copper pipe is connected to a plastic pipe, which is turn connected to a second bit of copper pipe (to which I attach the other end of the copper cable), if there is no water in the pipe, the bulb will not illuminate.

I have absolutely no idea how conductive "regular" water is.

oldbuffer · 8 Mar 2024

Ordinary tap water is generally a conductor of electricity, but nowhere near as good a conductor as copper.

Bod ... · 9 Mar 2024

HERTS P&D said:
You need a set of these:

Rothenberger Monoblock Tap Spanner Set

If you're installing a new monoblock tap or your existing tap has developed a bit of a wobble, make your life easier with these Rothenberger monoblock tap spanners. When you're working in cramped conditions behind sinks and basins, you'll find these slimline tools will greatly reduce the time...

www.toolstation.com

Andy

She needs a good plumber!

£90 ? 120 Quid, maybe?

Bod ... · 9 Mar 2024

opps said:
Is it true that their box spanners will fit inside each other if you need to extend them?

They are not called Russian dolls for nothing.

evildrome · 10 Mar 2024

OK, I did as I was told. I undid the bolt with the tube spanners and hacksawed the old tap off.

Then I connected up the new one.

All went well.

Before I went the whole hog trying to replace the tap, the wife suggested just changing the cartridge on the old one.

For a laugh I took the screw out and tried to get the shroud off.

It went as well as I expected so it was back to Plan A.

Couldn't even get it off with bearing separators.

denso13 · 10 Mar 2024

evildrome said:
Then I connected up the new one.

Don't put PTFE on threads of compression fittings, ever.

evildrome · 10 Mar 2024

Eeek! Why not?

If its for fluids AND its threaded... PTFE.

denso13 · 10 Mar 2024

evildrome said:
Eeek! Why not?

The olive does the sealing, nothing on the outside does. If anything a few wraps round the olive may help if you are having problems. PTFE on the outside of compression fittings just looks awful and isn't required.

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How to replace this kitchen sink tap?

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