Noisy basin mixer tap

[dave0102]

Hi guys,

I'm new here, and I hope someone can help as this is driving me insane

We've recently had a new bathroom suite fitted. As part of the new suite we've got a new basin that has a mixer tap. The mixer tap is extremely noisy when the tap is fully opened and even louder when half opened, for both hot and cold. I've been looking around and this seems to be quite a common problem with cheap taps. We have isolator valves on each input pipe, and I have tried adjusting the valve to lower the flow but the tap is still extremely noisy.

Would someone be able to recommend a decent replacement quiet mixer tap? Or any other tips on how to reduce the noise, I've looked at Pressure Reducing Valves but I'm not sure if this is the right way to go.

We have a mains fed combi boiler, and the pressure shows as 1.5. The tap is fed from two plastic pipes that connect to copper isolator valves and the connect to the tap.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Charnwood]

The 1.5 bar pressure shown on your boiler is the pressure in your heating system, not mains/cold/hot tap pressure.

Bristan, Deva, Grohe and Pegler are respected tap brands.

 

[duffin]

the 1.5 displayed on your boiler is heating circuit, not hot water. and try a bristan mixer.

 

[dave0102]

Thanks for the reply's, I will have a look at those makes now

 

[JohnD]

if yours is a flashy, sorry, i mean stylish, Italian import, it might have tails the size of pencils and tiny restrictive internal waterways.

UK designed taps are usually built to accomodate our lower pressure, with wider waterways. I have always been very happy with Bristan taps. If you look online you will find discount suppliers.

 

[Whitespirit66]

Get yourself a Grohe. Quality taps that are worlds apart from the unbranded Chinese tat that's out there.

Bit pricier, but will last. If in the future it goes wrong, you will always get spares. Cheaper in the long run.

Got one of these in my bathroom and very happy with it.

http://www.tapoutlet.co.uk/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/6666.html?source=gba_6666

Bristan are good too.

 

[JohnD]

yes, that supplier has good products at good prices, they do sell the other good brands as well

BTW pop-up wastes always eventually leak IME

 

[Whitespirit66]

BTW pop-up wastes always eventually leak IME

Yes, pop-up wastes a pain. Slow to drain too. Used the swivel type instead on my basin.

 

[dave0102]

Thanks again for all of your help, it's sounding like a new tap is the way to go. Can I ask a couple more questions, before I test people's patience

Is the size of the base of the tap standard for most taps, or does it vary between basin sizes?

The basin is housed in a vanity unit\cupbord type thing, do you think I will be able to change the tap without disturbing the unit? I've checked and the gap does seem big enough to get a spanner\grips in, but I'm not sure if a tap can be changed in restricted space.

Is there anything to watch out for when changing a tap (apart from leaks ). I'm quite good with DIY, but I will get a plumber if its not as easy as it looks.

Thanks

 

[Whitespirit66]

Thanks again for all of your help, it's sounding like a new tap is the way to go. Can I ask a couple more questions, before I test people's patience

Is the size of the base of the tap standard for most taps, or does it vary between basin sizes?

The basin is housed in a vanity unit\cupbord type thing, do you think I will be able to change the tap without disturbing the unit? I've checked and the gap does seem big enough to get a spanner\grips in, but I'm not sure if a tap can be changed in restricted space.

Is there anything to watch out for when changing a tap (apart from leaks ). I'm quite good with DIY, but I will get a plumber if its not as easy as it looks.

Thanks

Basin monobloc mixer taps don't vary too much in base size and should fit your basin. You can always contact the maufacturers for dimensions to check. The hole in the basin that the tap passes through will be standard size.

One of these will help you undo the fixing nut underneath.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0006JJS1C/?tag=hydra0b-21&hvadid=9556681509&ref=asc_df_B0006JJS1C

If you're using flexi tap tails, make sure the o ring is in place, don't over-tighten where the tail screws into the base of the tap. Also make sure the flexi tails aren't twisted or kinked with tap installed.

 

[SheriDS]

I bought a cheap basin mixer tap, which I returned because the water flow was noisy when it was fully on and even noisier when half on. I then purchased a brand new UK Bristan basin mixer tap, whose tails have larger bore sizes - but the water flow is still just as noisy! I have a combi boiler, which I believe produces high pressure water and which means I get a really good shower from a standard deck mounted mixer tap/shower. This bath tap does NOT make a noise. But noisy mono taps seem to be a very common problem, judging by the number of posts citing it on the net. But so far, I have not found a solution?

 

[leakydave]

Are the isolation valves to your tap fully open or are they only open a small amount? Opening them a small amount can cause a lot of noise.

 

[SheriDS]

Hi leakydave. I believe the isolation valves are fully open? The are the type with a straight slots, which are both straight, in line with the copper pipes...

 

[Madrab]

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