Tool for removing cartridge?

[Rob Eveleigh]

Hello all. I can’t stand my dripping tap any longer so trying to replace a cartridge. It’s a mono block mixer tap in the kitchen.

I can take the headgear off no problem but the cartridge is recessed inside the tap housing - can’t a spanner to it, and it doesn’t look like there’s enough clearance between the cartridge and inner wall of the tap housing to fit a socket wrench.

Is there a specific tool for this job that I don’t know about, or is it a case of in built obsolescence?

Thanks in advance.


Rob

 

[Aire]

Any pics of the tap?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Box spanner normally

 

[Welder]

Hello all. I can’t stand my dripping tap any longer so trying to replace a cartridge. It’s a mono block mixer tap in the kitchen.

I can take the headgear off no problem but the cartridge is recessed inside the tap housing - can’t a spanner to it, and it doesn’t look like there’s enough clearance between the cartridge and inner wall of the tap housing to fit a socket wrench.

Is there a specific tool for this job that I don’t know about, or is it a case of in built obsolescence?

Thanks in advance.


Rob

Offset ring spanner, deep socket or 'box' spanner. Normally it's 17mm.
You'll then need to source replacement cartridges. Seek help here for replacements.

 

[JCplumb]

You say monobloc. Is it a monobloc with only one combined cartridge, or is it a mixer with a separate cartridge each for hot and cold?

 

[Harvest Fields]

Normally as above a box spanner may work. But need a picture really.

 

[Burger]

If you can’t take a pic of tap, any idea on make and model?

 

[Stigster]

If you can’t take a pic of tap, any idea on make and model?

I advised a fix on a tap for a colleague recently where he explained what I think is the same problem. I suggested that the shroud around the cartridge unscrewed to gain access. He insisted it was welded or one piece and the shrouds could not be removed. He showed me a picture and I was still sure the shrouds would unscrew. Armed with new confidence he had a go and they did screw off. Then he could remove the cartridge with an adjustable spanner.

Just saying in case this one is the same style.

 

[Rob Eveleigh]

Thanks everyone for your replies. Here's a pic of the cartridge inside the tap. As you can see, it's inset quite far into the housing. I bought a set of box spanners but there isn't enough clearance between the outside of the cartridge and the inner surface of the housing to get one in there. Offset spanner - no chance. I'm at a loss!

 

[Aire]

Sorry but can we get a pic of the tap head on too please, it's hard to tell whether or not there is a removable shroud

 

[ShaunCorbs]

How close is the box spanner had to grind / trim the sides before now

 

[Welder]

We use thin wall deep sockets 3/8 drive

 

[Rob Eveleigh]

How close is the box spanner had to grind / trim the sides before now

Just checked this set of spanners - 17mm is too big, 15mm is too small. Guess which one is missing. FFS. Why!!! Gah!

 

[Burger]

Sorry but can we get a pic of the tap head on too please, it's hard to tell whether or not there is a removable shroud

I have seen this type before, and there was no removable shroud, luckily for me I replaced the tap. 😎

 

[Harvest Fields]

I have seen this type before, and there was no removable shroud, luckily for me I replaced the tap. 😎

Had a few with no shroud. But they have all been mini cartridges.

 

[Aire]

Try one of these

https://www.toolstop.co.uk/sealey-ak6557-spark-plug-socket-16mm-3-8-sq-drive-thin-wall-p56598

 

[Rob Eveleigh]

Had a few with no shroud. But they have all been mini cartridges.

Does it look like there's no way to remove this one? The housing looks it has a thread on the inside, so I'm assume someone screwed the cartridge in there.

 

[Burger]

Does it look like there's no way to remove this one? The housing looks it has a thread on the inside, so I'm assume someone screwed the cartridge in there.

Craig Watson said have you got a picture of the tap from standing in front to see if there is a removable shroud.

 

[Rob Eveleigh]

Hi again. Here’s a pic of the tap from the front.

Cheers all.

 

[Welder]

The shrouds will def unscrew. They may well be gunked up so it may be a struggle but they will remove.

 

[Rob Eveleigh]

The shrouds will def unscrew. They may well be gunked up so it may be a struggle but they will remove.

What are the shrouds? The horizontal bits?

 

[Welder]

The big chrome horizontal parts

 

[Burger]

These shrouds

 

[Harvest Fields]

They may be held in place with a grub screw and you will need an alum key to undo.

 

[Welder]

They may be held in place with a grub screw and you will need an alum key to undo.

Sorry HF but they won't be. They will simply unscrew.
Obvs once you've taken the handles off! 😉