single lever tap

beepalm · Dec 10, 2010

have a Nabis single lever tap in my bathroom hand basin but it is getting very difficult to move it either to hot and cold or up and down. I took the small screw cover off which is in the tap pillar but could not see a screw there to remove - I was then going to take the top of the tap off to see what was causing this stiffness. Should there be a screw there or does anyone think it could be an allen key which is needed? Any help gratefully received thanks.

dontknowitall · Dec 10, 2010

A picture might help. Usually on taps there is a small cover which you lift off with a Stanley knife or small screwdriver. Underneath there's sometimes a screw to undo the handle and then you can attack the main part of the tap. Some taps do have a tiny grub screw (removed using an allen key).

In the main you should look for a removable cover or small handle that unscrews off then continue from there. Look for joins in the chrome and see how it might be fitted together.

Plumbstar Tom · Dec 10, 2010

fitting instructions? or were they thrown away?

once you have the tap apart you will need to remove, regrease and reassemble the cartridge

Should be fine then

beepalm · Dec 10, 2010

thanks v. much to you both for such speedy replies - you are stars!! I have removed the small cover but will try the allen key now. The tap was fitted by a "rogue" who left nothing behind, apart from a smell!! Thanks again.

Plumbstar Tom · Dec 10, 2010

maybe a torch will help but i would expect from that cover cap it will be a small allen key

doubtful a cover cap is not covering anything

if all else fails send a pic through

beepalm · Dec 11, 2010

Thanks Tom I have successfully removed the top of the tap - it was a small screw which was deeply inset - what happens next! I presume I have to remove something else called the cartridge - could you talk me thru that? I will try and attach a picture. Thanks.

dontknowitall · Dec 11, 2010

From the top to the chrome is the cartridge. Turn the water off (might be an isolation valve under the basin). Then out with a spanner and undo it (brass nut shaped part), then find a replacement and fit.

Sounds easy. First trouble might be removing it without damage. Might be safer to remove from the basin first but hopefully you won't need to do this as tap is not too old. It'll take an effort though as they're fixed quite well at the manufacturer. Finding a replacement won't be easy. Take the part to a plumbing merchant and then another merchant and then another ...!

When you replace make sure the pipe connection to the tap is water tight as well.

Good luck - and if you manage it you'll make the local plumbers happy as finding replacements can be a right menace!!