Mixer tap conundrum

[Roger465]

This is the existing trap - I've dunged it out, and would like to re-use it, unless you chaps tell me different... I've shown the waste pipe that goes into the ground too.

I'm assuming I'll need new washers top & bottom - can you buy them separately?

 

[Roger465]

Ah - actually, I think it's one of these

In which case, they do seal kits - but there are 32mm and 40mm versions... does that refer to the outside diameter of the grey waste pipe, or something else (that seems to be more like 34mm, but hey, it's close...)?

 

[terryplumb]

Its the 32 mm kit ( or new trap ) for basins. Sinks ,baths and showers are the bigger size.

 

[echoes]

No harm at all reusing the trap. If the washers are in good nick you can just clean them up.

 

[Roger465]

OK… further down the line. Got my new mixer tap and set of trap seals today, so got stuck in.

The good news… made up some little copper pipes as suggested, and fastened it all up with compression joints – turned the hot & cold on, and all joints dry as a bone

The not so good… I took the existing trap to bits, cleaned everything till you could drink your coffee out of it, fitted all new seals, and put it all on, together with the new trap in the sink (I got the little “captive” type for simplicity).

Poured a glass of water into the sink, and a great deal of it came straight through. It SEEMS to be leaking from every single joint, but that might just be water from the trap, as there was a lot of it and it probably got everywhere.

Dried everything and watched, and could see water seeping round the threads of the bottom of the trap. Tightened the big nut up a bit, but still leaking. Now, according to my naïve mind, it can only get there if there’s a leak between the top of the trap and the inside of the basin, as that’s where the water is. The big rubber washer actually in the basin SEEMS to be in place OK. And no, there hasn’t been any going through the overflow – I only chucked a glassful in the basin.

Is this common, or have I done something stupid? I expect somebody will say “put a bit of silicone on it”, and I will if I have to – but, as I'm trying to learn to do things right here, I’d prefer to find out WHY it’s leaking. Any ideas please?

The water is appearing (in volume) where the red arrow points. A couple of pics of the sink waste hole too.

 

[Madrab]

Nope, it's leaking down past between the washer/big nut and the threads. Don't worry about it, it's a typical place to leak.

2 options -

1. Buy what's called a basin mate and use the big bung washer to fill the gap in between the neck of the basin and the threaded shank on the waste, as you tighten the nut it squeezes the bung into the gap and tight against both sides.
2. With the basin upside down and the waste held centrally, fill the gap between the basin and body of the waste with just enough silicone to fill and be just proud of the gap, not too much, then fit the washer and then the nut and nip it up.

 

[Roger465]

Nope, it's leaking down past between the washer/big nut and the threads. Don't worry about it, it's a typical place to leak.

Thanks Rob, but... help me here.. the bottom of the threaded portion of the waste is where the water comes out, and that's way below where the leak is? Unless - is it first coming through the overflow slots into the space immediately above the bottom washer/big nut?

**EDIT - no, I didn't word that well. What I meant to say was that the "intended" water obviously drains out from the very bottom - clearly the "problem" water is coming from somewhere else.

And I can't understand how it gets to the bottom washer in the first place...

 

[Madrab]

The big black nut and the washer is what holds the waste into the basin. The leak is coming from the bottom of the nut at the washer and/or at the join with threads?

The slots in the slotted waste allow water to run out to the gap between the body of the waste and the throat/overflow section of the basin, doesn't just run from the overflow to the waste. That water then runs down past the usually badly designed washer and the black nut. You can see the gap that I mean when the basin is upside down before you put the washer and nut on. You need to plug that gap from the basin waste edge tight to the threads, the washers supplied usually aren't design for the job, a failing of the waste manufacturers tbh, some do supply a domed washer that can helps but not always, depends on the size of the gap.

That's why you can now buy a basin mate either that or use some silicone to plug that gap.

 

[Roger465]

The slots in the slotted waste allow water to run out to the gap between the body of the waste and the throat/overflow section of the basin, doesn't just run from the overflow to the waste. That water then runs down past the usually badly designed washer and the black nut.

Cheers Rob, I'd just got there myself!

So glad it's not just me. I'll get a basin mate tomorrow

 

[Roger465]

Well, worked first time quite a squeeze getting it on, but I guess that's why it works...

Pretty much finished now; cabinet siliconed back to the wall, everything tests OK

Thanks again chaps. Now, who can tell me how to fix the door regulator on my little MG

 

[denso13]

Now, who can tell me how to fix the door regulator on my little MG

Bead of silicone and you're good to go!

 

[Roger465]

One final question... I have a cold water tank (so low pressure)... should I remove the plastic diffuser thingy from the outlet of the tap to increase the flow? The tap is definitely documented as being suitable for low pressure - ta

PS having sorted the crapper and basin now, and provided you all with endless entertainment, next on the list is my corner jacuzzi bath... get a few beers in and watch for my next thread

 

[dilalio]

One final question... I have a cold water tank (so low pressure)... should I remove the plastic diffuser thingy from the outlet of the tap to increase the flow? The tap is definitely documented as being suitable for low pressure - ta

PS having sorted the crapper and basin now, and provided you all with endless entertainment, next on the list is my corner jacuzzi bath... get a few beers in and watch for my next thread

I do like your approach Roger... Very humbling and disarming

 

[Roger465]

I do like your approach Roger... Very humbling and disarming

Hey, as long as it keeps the advice flooding in

No, hang on a minute... with my track record with plumbing, that was an unfortunate turn of phrase...

I'm much more smug when it comes to fixing computers

 

[dilalio]

I'm much more smug when it comes to fixing computers

I can do that too