The tap on my bath moves

[EvilRoySlade]

Hi All,

A couple of months ago i noticed that when i started to run a bath the tap would move when i turned it on or off. At the time it didn't seem like a problem but now it is so lose it feel's like the tap is going to come off every time i run a bath.

I'm a total novice at all things DIY so any advice on how to fix it would be great. I'm worried that if i try and fix it i'm going to flood the house. Will i need to turn the water off first?

Thanks in advance guys/girls

 

[ChrisR]

You need to do up the nut which is on the underside of the bath. So first you have to have access, then you'll need a Basin Spanner (They don't call them bath spanners for some reason!). You can get one of those in a DIY shed - but don't get the one which is made from a flat piece of metal just punched with holes. You need either the cast iron one or one with a springy jaw.

 

[EvilRoySlade]

Wow, thanks for the quick reply. Do you think i will need to turn the water off first? i.e is there a chance of a flood if i do this?

Cheers again

 

[ChrisR]

Might be prudent but you aren't (shouldn't be) turning anything which can leak. Just be sure to get the right nut the right direction! The tap tail is a long threaded bit. It has one nut right against the underside of the bath to hold the tap still. The "tap connector" nut is at the bottom end of the threaded bit. If you undid that one you'd get wet.

If the upper nut is plastic and split or chewed you'll have to replace it - which WOULD mean undoing the lower one.

 

[EvilRoySlade]

Cool,

Thanks again