Sorting (Ideal Standard) mixer tap leaking

[discobob]

Hi all,

first post so so please be gentle!!

Our tap in the bathroom was dripping from the nozzle. I went to isolate it so I could get the cartridge out so I could get the right one and water started pouring out of the screw which did stop when I opened it up again. Because of the way the pipes/valves are plumbed in I decided to get a plumber out to sort the valves and the tap as if I messed it up I would be in a right state. as I said, it was an appointment and not a call out - and he didn't turn up for the first one - he forgot about it.

So so I arrived home shortly after he arrived to find him done - he had replaced the isolation valves, and had took the tap apart and he was told me I needed a new tap as I wouldn't be able to get a replacement cartridge for the tap. 🙁

so anyway, identified the cartridge (the tap isn't shown on the Ideal's site) and reassembled the tap. I turned the cold feed on for water to come pouring out from underneath the sink from the base of the tap.

i removed the cartridge and held my finger over the hole inside the body to block the water and it was still coming from the base. The pipes to the tap aren't the flexible ones and just spin in the base (don't unscrew).

So so any help and advise you could give would be appreciated as we are loath to replace the tap as it matches the bath!!!

 

[discobob]

Sorry - the title should read Sottini - damn autocorrect

 

[discobob]

Well, answered my own question as to what is wrong. I did say to the plumber on the phone he would have to lift the tap to replace the isolation valves. He didn't and forced the pipes up which has broke the plastic loose inside the body and the seal between the pipes etc...

So now we will end up with mismatching taps unless we fork out not only for a new basin mixer but also a bath mixer - as these are not made any more

And it cost me £70 for the pleasure of this.

Just in case you think I am being a know it all - we have the copper tails coming out of the floor behind the basin pedestal only with an inch and a half or so, then the isolation valve, then chrome 15mm up to meet the rigid pipes from the tap so it was rigid all the way from the floor to the tap. I know from myself removing the tap that it hadn't been released since the original installation 6 years ago.

Would really love to hear from a decent reliable plumber around Chester/NE Wales area? Anybody??