Simon
Free Member
- Aug 29, 2014
- 287
- 426
- Funster No
- 33,102
- MH
- Swift Kontiki 600
- Exp
- First year under our belt!
One of the kitchen taps failed while we were out and about, so I had a Google and only found people saying that you can't repair them, or they'll break if you try. Not true!
First, turn off the power to the taps!
I discovered that I didn't really need to remove the mixer tap from the kitchen unit but I took them off because I assumed the switch was underneath somewhere. It's not, it's just under the tap head. Removing the taps is a good idea anyway because if you find you need more wire for some reason, it's trapped by the fixing nut and hoses underneath the unit unless you loosen them off. That and old taps get really minging underneath so it's good to give it all a clean. The hose clips can be loosened by a 7mm socket on a long extension, or with a long screwdriver. The hoses can then be carefully persuaded downwards by carefully inserting a flat screwdriver in the gap and twisting it. When the hose has moved, unscrew the tap nut as much as you can and do it again until the hose comes off.
The tap top is easily removed by wedging a 1cm or so wide flat screwdriver under it and twisting slightly, then hold that edge up and move the screwdriver round to the other side and do the same. Eventually the top will pop off and the switch is underneath. Take careful note of the position of the tap head; it has to go back on the same way or it won't actuate the new switch.
RS components sell the switches for our taps - it came to £8 something for 6 (just in case) delivered. Part number 741-0937, SPDT Spring Lever with Molded Spring Cam Microswitch, 2 A
Cut off the old one, solder on the new one, pop it into place, press the tap head back on, done. Actually, I did have to trim away some tiny pieces of plastic at the base of the contacts of the new switches so they'd fit properly, but that was a simple job.
First, turn off the power to the taps!
I discovered that I didn't really need to remove the mixer tap from the kitchen unit but I took them off because I assumed the switch was underneath somewhere. It's not, it's just under the tap head. Removing the taps is a good idea anyway because if you find you need more wire for some reason, it's trapped by the fixing nut and hoses underneath the unit unless you loosen them off. That and old taps get really minging underneath so it's good to give it all a clean. The hose clips can be loosened by a 7mm socket on a long extension, or with a long screwdriver. The hoses can then be carefully persuaded downwards by carefully inserting a flat screwdriver in the gap and twisting it. When the hose has moved, unscrew the tap nut as much as you can and do it again until the hose comes off.
The tap top is easily removed by wedging a 1cm or so wide flat screwdriver under it and twisting slightly, then hold that edge up and move the screwdriver round to the other side and do the same. Eventually the top will pop off and the switch is underneath. Take careful note of the position of the tap head; it has to go back on the same way or it won't actuate the new switch.
RS components sell the switches for our taps - it came to £8 something for 6 (just in case) delivered. Part number 741-0937, SPDT Spring Lever with Molded Spring Cam Microswitch, 2 A
Cut off the old one, solder on the new one, pop it into place, press the tap head back on, done. Actually, I did have to trim away some tiny pieces of plastic at the base of the contacts of the new switches so they'd fit properly, but that was a simple job.
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