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My kitchen tap is a Beige plastic Whale, micro-switched mixer with a curved spout that swivels over the sink.  When the taps are switched off the water oozes from the bottom bit where it swivels and I have a constant puddle along the back of the sink.  It also drips into the cupboard underneath.  Do I need to take the whole tap unit off by unscrewing the four screws on the base plate or can I just get the spout off and fit a new washer.  Access to the underside of the taps is very limited - via a narrow cupboard (about 9" wide) and there seems to be some electric wires or earth wires under there.

Any advice you can give a fairly dexterous, left handed female would be very much appreciated and if I can fix it I needn't spend my hol mopping up!

sounds like a washer or a split spout.the spout screws off.there is a double ring type base at the bottom of the spout.this is the bit that screws off releasing the spout.washer can be bought for £5 for a mixed bag. once the four screws are removed the tap assembly can be lifted up with care and then you can see where the water is coming from.there is a T section that can leak too,this joins the taps together. when refitting the four screws DO NOT over tighten as the holes will enlarge and the tap will be loose.

Michael - thanks for advice, not done repair yet as daughter is taking her cara to scotland today, i can then get mine in the yard and have a go at fixing tap and get the water hooked up to test it.

Mave 

Michael - got the tap off today and fitted new washer.  Had the water on and tested it - hey ho no leaks!

Thanks for your help.

Mave

Quote: Originally posted by mavierave on 12/7/2009

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Michael - got the tap off today and fitted new washer.  Had the water on and tested it - hey ho no leaks!

Thanks for your help.

brilliant result well done

 

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