Leaking Mixer Tap - how to get access.

[kevenh]

Any Compass Avantgarde owners worked out how to access the sink area from underneath?

We’ve a leaking tap.
Luckily only if we’ve ran water. Well, so far the water around the doorstep is only obvious after running water!
At least we can use the sink as the leak is not from the waste pipe.

Later I’ll add pics of the task ahead for a wider audience

 

[kevenh]

So this is our kitchen area layout.
The fridge is under the sink.
From outside, with the fridge screens/vents removed we can see water leaving the under sink area but not from where.

Back inside, through the cutlery draw we can see dampness but views of the tap area are blocked.

It looks like we need to remove woodwork & or the fridge to see better and resolve the leak.

 

[Eggs]

Can you get at it through the top vent?

 

[chocky]

Fridge will have to come out for access. Not too difficult. Whatever you do don't leave it as it will rust out the back of the fridge. Had that happen to me. Worse off to the tune of £500+ and still had to take out the fridge.

 

[kevenh]

Can you get at it through the top vent?

Sorry, our posts crossed.
The vent just shows the wet woodwork at the rear of the sink.
I when back home I’ll call our local dealer (Webbs) or a mobile service agent.

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[kevenh]

I like the sound of simple, but I don’t do much DIY.
Even if the fridge came out with fixtures & fittings in one I’d worry about making things worse.

& mrskevenh would be happier with the dealer repair.
Hmm! That didn’t take long for me to delegate…

edit: tbf it’s now def. not a task I can look at on a campsite as I’ve confirmed there’s no secret ez access

 

[kevenh]

We're back home.
We limped a long with no further use of the sink's mixer tap.
Using the shower also caused the water to leak from the mixer tap thought
That'll be because they share the same pump - we have one pump & micro switches for turning that on as past of the taps.

I'll try remember to update this thread with the final outcome.

 

[Wagoneer]

When I had a similar problem, I was able to remove the sink. This gave excellent access to the underside of the tap.

 

[kevenh]

When I had a similar problem, I was able to remove the sink. This gave excellent access to the underside of the tap.

Hmm, I'm sure I noticed that our sink is embedded into the top cover - but I will double check that.
Or see if the top is easy to remove.

 

[Slopey]

Same issue here in a Drifter 410. The Tap back nut is impossible to remove as it's behind the (siliconed in) sink which will be a nightmare to remove. Need to find a large enough box spanner to take it out - have one coming from Amazon which if it fits, will be a lifesaver, otherwise I'll buy a replacement then 3D print a custom box spanner to try :/

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[Slopey]

Good news, box spanner fits, so all good to go. I've bought a Whale Elite replacement tap, but it seems the pipes go directly into the back of the tap - I think I'll probably add tails with in-line connectors to make it easier to fit.

 

[kevenh]

Fridge will have to come out for access. Not too difficult. Whatever you do don't leave it as it will rust out the back of the fridge. Had that happen to me. Worse off to the tune of £500+ and still had to take out the fridge.

I've rang round or used online contact forms for three local motorhome repair people.
I've had feedback from one who hopes to get the leak fixed before our next late June trip.

Our fridge, is it an easy job to remove? Don't answer that - yet!! I may have a Dometic RM 6270 L manual.
If it's only a use manual I'll be back.

Held in by screws fitted from the inside is my current working hypothesis.

 

[Campervan_man]

I've just swapped a tap on a similar caravan layout.
Pulled the fridge forward 150MM for access without disconnecting anything.
4 screws hold the fridge in place { inside the fridge }.
Swapped the tap.
Water leak tested.
Refitted the fridge.

 

[TheBig1]

As above, release the fridge and pull forwards and you can access through the top vent. Simple if you have an older design van with a removable sink. The screws are under black plastic covers and take screw out of waste. Makes an hour and a half job 10 minutes. But the designers never have to repair faults as the vans age

 

[kevenh]

I've just swapped a tap on a similar caravan layout.
Pulled the fridge forward 150MM for access without disconnecting anything.
4 screws hold the fridge in place { inside the fridge }.
Swapped the tap.
Water leak tested.
Refitted the fridge.

Can’t believe I was steadily getting wound up by the scope of this task - when a year ago I downloaded the fridges user AND installation guide.
Yes, four screws secure the fridge. Then hopefully there’ll be access via the cleared away vents, or similar.

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[TheBig1]

Whilst the fridge is accessible, take the opportunity to clean ash and rust from the burner and brush through the chimney with a long bottle brush. Otherwise the moving it about can cause issues

 

[kevenh]

Dropped off Harvey (prob. NOT the last Motorhome with that name) at Webbs yesterday. Collected today. Frost damaged tap replaced.

 

[Mkgolder]

What was the cost sir?

 

[Mkgolder]

What was the cost sir?

 

[kevenh]

What was the cost sir?

Off top of my head, £160 for a Motorhome centre to replace tap. Parts + labour.
I used Webbs on the A4 near Padworth (between Reading & Newbury).

I couldn’t do the repair myself. I couldn’t see how to access the tap without removing the fridge

Edit. I’ll check the price & update if way off actual costs

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