Fit new mixer tap to a ceramic sink

[elevonic]

Hi, our existing mixer tap is leaking. I have bought a replacement as I couldn't see a way of dismantling the existing one to change the ceramic washers (if at all possible). The sink it's going on is a 1.5 bowl ceramic. Is it possible to change the tap without removing the sink, or will it be better to remove it? Thanks in advance.
(have now found a way of getting the cartridges out but they are dearer than the new tap!)

 

[Goldberg]

It's usually possible to change the taps without removing the sink.

However, it can be an extremely awkward task, and may need a selection of basin wrenches and box spanners that you don't have. Almost always the pipework needs altering to suit the position, or gauge, or length, of the new tap tails.

The awkwardness of the job and the need for knowledge and tools is what leads most people to engage someone who does this kind of job professionally.

 

[elevonic]

The plumbing wont be a problem, its just the lack of access to remove/fit new, and the unusual tooling required! It looks like the sink has been siliconed onto the worktop, no fixing clips to be seen.

 

[BingoBongo]

what about the waste

is it a pop up type?

 

[Goldberg]

Why is there no access?

 

[elevonic]

Its a 1.5 bowl sink, the tap is more or less behind the junction of the 2 bowls making access very difficult, you can't see anything.

 

[Goldberg]

1. Empty the cupboard.
2. Remove the shelf.
3. Shine a torch at the tap mounting.
4. Undo it using the correct tool.

 

[elevonic]

They say sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but lets see if I can match your level of it.

Are you an aforementioned "professional", complete with your own selection of specialist tooling? Maybe you hoped I would bow down to your superior knowledge, marvel at your collection of basin wrenches and box spanners and beg you to end my diy hell?

Maybe not, maybe you are just someone who knows a little bit more than someone on a particular subject and therefore thinks that gives you the right to feel smug.

I suggest you carry out the following easy to do steps, no special tools or skills required:-

1/ Step down from your pedestal
2/ Extract your head from your lower orifice

 

[tommybanana]

In support of elevonic.


Bought a new mixer tap at IKEA.

Pipe tails and the rest were exactly the same AND had flexible tap connectors so no need to move anything.

The IKEA instructions DIDNT say you needed a box spanner. After an unpleasant WTF half an hour under the sink I found this thread via google.

Rather than pay a plumber - say £75? -to come out because he owns a box spanner, I bought a set at machine mart for £4.99

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/mono-tap-back-nut-box-spanner

and lo the job was done in a jiffy.

AND now I can feel superior because I own box spanners!

Goldberg - I guess this is what leads people interested in DIY look up stuff on the internet!

 

[Alz0r]

They say sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but lets see if I can match your level of it.

Are you an aforementioned "professional", complete with your own selection of specialist tooling? Maybe you hoped I would bow down to your superior knowledge, marvel at your collection of basin wrenches and box spanners and beg you to end my diy hell?

Maybe not, maybe you are just someone who knows a little bit more than someone on a particular subject and therefore thinks that gives you the right to feel smug.

I suggest you carry out the following easy to do steps, no special tools or skills required:-

1/ Step down from your pedestal
2/ Extract your head from your lower orifice

I didn't think his repsonse was particularly sarcy, I thought it was pretty concise!