Fixing a dripping kitchen mixer tap

[browndee17]

Hello all,

Quick question regarding fixing a dripping kitchen mixer tap. I have found a few DIY videos showing how to do this but I am having trouble taking the cover of the tap off initially. Most guides seem to suggest that there should be a screw underneath the tap but there isn't one. Others say to remove the cap with a flat knife or screwdriver but that doesn't seem to work. As you can see in the photos, the gap for doing that is very narrow so the screwdriver/knife can't properly get in.

Does anyone have any ideas? There may be a very simple solution to this!

Thanks very much!

 

[CBW]

Right at the end of the tap there appears to be a disc, that looks like it might unscrew, revealing the cartridge screw to disassemble.

 

[browndee17]

Right at the end of the tap there appears to be a disc, that looks like it might unscrew, revealing the cartridge screw to disassemble.

yes there is but no way to unscrew it. It won't twist either. Attached a better pic here.

 

[CBW]

yes there is but no way to unscrew it. It won't twist either. Attached a better pic here.

Perhaps the long stem handle unscrews then?

 

[conny]

As @CBW says, try unscrewing the handle bar. There may be a locking screw inside which will allow you to remove the lower shroud by sliding it off. Once it's off you should be able to see the securing screw to remove the valve.
Don't forget to turn off the supply to the tap before starting though!

 

[CBW]

Hard to tell, but is this (arrowed below), a cover cap hiding a grub screw?

 

[browndee17]

As @CBW says, try unscrewing the handle bar. There may be a locking screw inside which will allow you to remove the lower shroud by sliding it off. Once it's off you should be able to see the securing screw to remove the valve.
Don't forget to turn off the supply to the tap before starting though

i have found one screw at the back of the tap. See attached. Would this be the correct place to unscrew?

 

[browndee17]

Hard to tell, but is this (arrowed below), a cover cap hiding a grub screw?

nothing there no, thanks though!

 

[CBW]

i have found one screw at the back of the tap. See attached. Would this be the correct place to unscrew?

No, that’ll be for the spout

 

[browndee17]

No, that’ll be for the spout

Ok. that's the only screw I can see. The only option I can see would be to slide the cap off, near where the arrow is pointing, but as I said the gap for this is very narrow. And a knife/flat screwdriver doesn't seem to work. And ideas what tool might work for this?

 

[conny]

Either the end cap will tap off, (where you have put the arrow), or the upright lever will unscrew to reveal a locking screw inside.
To try the end cap, get a small, but stiff, scraper or palette knife and hold it firmly against the little groove. Give it a sharp tap with a mallet or small hammer. I would suggest doing it at the back so, if it marks the tap, the mark will be out of sight.
To remove the upright handle you may need a pair of pipe pliers or a small stilson wrench and a bit of padding to prevent marking. A small piece of rubber or similar wrapped around the stem should do it. Grip the stem near the base if possible to stop bending.
If neither of these work, or you are too scared to try, then you have two alternatives.
Call a plumber or buy a new set of taps.

 

[Mike13]

sometimes, especially in hard water areas the limescale will sieze the threads. Try a gentle limescale remover, an aggressive one might cause the chrome to come off. or even plusgas