Any Plumbers here?

[Myriad2112]

I have a dripping bath tap that has stopped dripping and started running. As they are so old and worn, I bought some replcements and called a plumber out who told me that the taps are too close to the wall to get to. He gave up and left. Is there a way of getting to them when you only have a couple of inches to move around in or do I have to buy a new bathroom? any advice welcome :-)

[dennisb66]

I'm only a DIY plumber,cannot understand a pro.plumber giving up on the job.Yes some bath taps can be difficult yet with the right tools always possible.My advice is try another plumber.

[Myriad2112]

Thanks Dennis, I'll take your advice.

[The Builder]

I couldn't agree more with Dennis. It can be a difficult job to replace them. He just couldn't be bothered. Even if they're old, they probably only need a new washer and re-seating.
Not difficult at all. :o)

[Myriad2112]

Thanks Mr Builder, it's one of those really old two into one affairs that's leaking from the shower part as well as the taps. There is just enough room to get one arm underneath but not as far as the hot tap. Is it possible to replace just the taps from the top do you think?

[joggerjayne]

I presume the wall was there when they were put on !!

[Myriad2112]

Yes Jayne it's an outside wall but I think the sink and loo went in after the bath leaving a tiny space

[The Builder]

I sympathise Myriad. Replacement involves getting onto the backnut that holds the tap onto the bath. Can't be done from above. A decent plumber would get onto the backnut with a tap spanner of some sort.......... even if he can't actually get his hand right up to the tap ............. if you know what I mean :o)

Sounds like you have an old shower/mixer, so it's not just the tap washers but whatever else is inside ........... "O" rings maybe.

Nothing else for it. Decent plumber needed. A good one would soon have the job done.

[The Builder]

Hi Doc............ Myriad, there's the voice of bitter experience lol

[Myriad2112]

Thank you both, I was begining to think I was going to have to buy a whole new bathroom ....... I feel better now

[scotman]

I have a similar problem.
The bath is right into a corner and the toilet is up against the same wall as the tap end of the bath and very close to it.
Without the toilet it is probably possible but with it there it is impossible to get close enough. It would require someone with arms about 4 feet long and more than one elbow joint to get in.
Good luck.

[scotman]

Further to this; I have watched a video clip on how to fix dripping taps. It was obviously American.
The thing is, the tap that was being used to demo the technique had replaceable seats that screwed in. I have never even heard of this in UK. Any plumbers or other experts know of this?

[AlBags]

Yep .. We don't use them here : )

[Myriad2112]

All done by a man from down the road who isn't even a plumber.... mind you it still cost me £120.00 but the absence of drip, drip, drip makes it worth every penny.