Leaky bathroom sink pipe

[OscarZee]

The pipe to the bathroom cold water tap started leaking - how do I proceed? The basin wrench is too big for the brass nut which holds the tap stem. And it's awkward to get another tool at the right angle to turn it. I tried twisting by hand but that made it worse so I had to cut the feed off.

 

[RBG]

You need a tap spanner set that is like a ratchet with the thinner spanner attachment. They aren't cheap though. Google "tap spanner tool" and have a look if it would fit in your situation. Should do

 

[OscarZee]

You need a tap spanner set that is like a ratchet with the thinner spanner attachment. They aren't cheap though. Google "tap spanner tool" and have a look if it would fit in your situation. Should do

I see some which aren't too costly on Toolstation. I'll get one and give it a go. Thanks!

Edit: Not sure what size I need. I can get a set I suppose, but how best to measure nut size? I don't have calipers but I'm sure I could improvise something. I may figure it out but suggestions are welcome please.

 

[RBG]

I see some which aren't too costly on Toolstation. I'll get one and give it a go. Thanks!

Edit: Not sure what size I need. I can get a set I suppose, but how best to measure nut size? I don't have calipers but I'm sure I could improvise something. I may figure it out but suggestions are welcome please.

Normally Tap backnut (1/2" and 3/4") and connector (15 and 22 mm). Basins are the 1/2 inch and 15mm. Baths are the 3/4 inch and 22mm. Set has both.

 

[OscarZee]

Normally Tap backnut (1/2" and 3/4") and connector (15 and 22 mm). Basins are the 1/2 inch and 15mm. Baths are the 3/4 inch and 22mm. Set has both.

I may be in luck as I'm almost certain I have these in the house somewhere. Whilst I'm looking for them, can I just check on what I have to do? I was thinking I would hold the tap and turn the spanner, but the spanner won't work like that, will it? So do I need to take off the tap and pass the spanner through the hole? Seems obvious but I may as well ask to be safe. Cheers.

 

[RBG]

The jaw shaped “C” shaped spanner goes on to the the brass looking tap connector nut. Undo this to disconnect connector / pipe work from tap. If you want to remove the tap use the socket style tool onto the black plastic backing nut that is up on to the tap under the basin. Undo this fully while holding tap from above.

All done under basin.

Turn water off to tap first.

 

[OscarZee]

The jaw shaped “C” shaped spanner goes on to the the brass looking tap connector nut. Undo this to disconnect connector / pipe work from tap. If you want to remove the tap use the socket style tool onto the black plastic backing nut that is up on to the tap under the basin. Undo this fully while holding tap from above.

All done under basin.

Turn water off to tap first.

Ah. I seem to have been looking at the wrong tools. I don't suppose you can post a link to a site that sells what I need - just so I can be sure of getting the right tool? I see some adjustable ones on one site, and on Amazon this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DJ32X...ve=22374&creativeASIN=B0DJ32XFSB&linkCode=df0

 

[ShaunCorbs]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amtech-C2700-Fixed-Basin-Wrench/dp/B0017VW0JU/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=37HATROJB1ANS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._hUTmPy1rY104aESslyKQM1i2SeQpNMvUon72YsbEGFNCfpJjjBEmdo20SCwfqcJfmdUHNasHK8dU4t7i1AvPf1P-8E0PXXz0HRVBfL_CAXrEHb_v-pbLR1wAnHsMTqmiaa6pzs8QkMM8UX4qRPL31-oAjqa4E2Dud_Nt2MkbQx241WzEqQw-ELay5KS7yBzV3jkOlxMvKsf5eiJbUVQNQ.wqDZW9jfwiFAVkSdrKPzlyyFEq-mznGcA-NCxKiG-K0&dib_tag=se&keywords=basin+wrench&qid=1748686674&sprefix=basin+wrench%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-4

Amazon.co.uk

 

[RBG]

Ah. I seem to have been looking at the wrong tools. I don't suppose you can post a link to a site that sells what I need - just so I can be sure of getting the right tool? I see some adjustable ones on one site, and on Amazon this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DJ32X...ve=22374&creativeASIN=B0DJ32XFSB&linkCode=df0

I haven't used those so don't know. Have a look at reviews..some suggest can't use in tight space / basins but haven't read further so don't know
This is the one that I have but then i use it a lot obviously and got years ago for cheaper than that.....

Amazon.co.uk

 

[OscarZee]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amtech-C2700-Fixed-Basin-Wrench/dp/B0017VW0JU/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=37HATROJB1ANS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._hUTmPy1rY104aESslyKQM1i2SeQpNMvUon72YsbEGFNCfpJjjBEmdo20SCwfqcJfmdUHNasHK8dU4t7i1AvPf1P-8E0PXXz0HRVBfL_CAXrEHb_v-pbLR1wAnHsMTqmiaa6pzs8QkMM8UX4qRPL31-oAjqa4E2Dud_Nt2MkbQx241WzEqQw-ELay5KS7yBzV3jkOlxMvKsf5eiJbUVQNQ.wqDZW9jfwiFAVkSdrKPzlyyFEq-mznGcA-NCxKiG-K0&dib_tag=se&keywords=basin+wrench&qid=1748686674&sprefix=basin+wrench%2Caps%2C79&sr=8-4

Amazon.co.uk

This appears to be the same as the one I have. Can I get a smaller one? This is too big.

 

[OscarZee]

I haven't used those so don't know. Have a look at reviews..some suggest can't use in tight space / basins but haven't read further so don't know
This is the one that I have but then i use it a lot obviously and got years ago for cheaper than that.....

Amazon.co.uk

I just need the C shaped thingy which I have seen some of so maybe one of those adjustable ones I see will work, rather than getting a fill set. But I still need to look through some old tool bags - might find something in there that can do the job. A smaller basin wrench would be ideal.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

This appears to be the same as the one I have. Can I get a smaller one? This is too big.

Either end is too small ?

You got a bit of plate to take the difference up eg like a shim etc ?

 

[OscarZee]

Either end is too small ?

You got a bit of plate to take the difference up eg like a shim etc ?

Yes but I will double check anyway. Shim - did occur to me. Sure I can find some suitable metal bits once I start looking. I may even find a better tool. Yeah, no rush to go out and buy anything new unless needed I suppose.

 

[OscarZee]

Sorry, need some more advice please. I did make a shim for the basin wrench and it fitted well enough to turn the connector, but after three attempts at getting it tight enough there is still a small leak. I was thinking it may have got gunged up over the years and may need a clean. Should I screw the connector away from the sink so I can spray some WD40 on the pipes/connector and try again? Would plumbers tape be of any use?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

You will need to change the fibre / rubber washer it’s a 1/2 eg

HEP2O 15mm Tap FLAT Washers Pack of 20 Part No HX58/15 | eBay UK

We are constantly adding to our range and striving to be your go to outlet for spares and accessories.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[RBG]

The washer will definitely need changing.

 

[william_1996]

The pipe to the bathroom cold water tap started leaking - how do I proceed? The basin wrench is too big for the brass nut which holds the tap stem. And it's awkward to get another tool at the right angle to turn it. I tried twisting by hand but that made it worse so I had to cut the feed off.

Tough spot! If the basin wrench is too big, try a mini tap spanner or a crowfoot wrench those work better in tight spaces. A bit of WD-40 might help loosen it too. Good call shutting off the feed before it got worse. Let me know how it goes!

 

[OscarZee]

So how do I change the washer? How do I get it on? Do I have to take off the tap to get to it?

 

[RBG]

Make sure water is turned off. Undo the nut you have been tightening up completely. You may find there is a bit of give in it when undone sufficient enough to get the old one out and slide a new one in. It depends if you have the room to get your hand in such that you can swop it out? You may not I think as you had the problem in getting a tool on it. Hard to tell from pic. Maybe you can. If you can't get enough access to it to replace then yes make room by moving tap. But the tool to get on the black back nut maybe fouled by the copper pipe.