Loose tap in bathroom

Ingwe

Ingwe

Joined
Feb 22, 2016
Posts
4,226
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Location
York
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41,744
MH
Bailey 620 Approach
Exp
Since 2015
While cleaning the van, noticed that the tap, which moves so that the spout can be positioned, is quite loose. I looked underneath the basin and there is a bolt that seems to hold the bade of the tap in place. Trouble is that the gap between the basin and the bolt is too narrow to allow access with a spanner.

How can this tap be tightened? Taking out the basin seems a bit drastic. 🤔
 
I use a deep socket on a flexi shaft

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Clivefog said:
Socket on an extension?
Click to expand...
It would need an open spanner on an extension unless I can remove the supply pipe first before using a socket on an extension. Struggling a bit to visualise how I’d do it.
 
Can you get a pic of under the tap?

Is it a big nut that goes around the body of the tap, so has the two pipes through the centre of the nut?
 
RustyRuss said:
You need one of these, excellent piece of kit!
Click to expand...
This looks like it may be the tool of choice but I need a good read of the instructions to see how to use it! Looks quite tricky. The two pictures below seem to be the most likely.
IMG_1637.jpeg
 
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I have a similar loose movable tap that I found, despite looking impossible, I could get my hand onto the nut and tighten. I just can’t just tighten it enough to make it fast.
 
Same here, big nut that holds tap in place, got it hand tight then got a long slotted screw driver and hit the nut with the screwy with palm of my hand just enough to give it that little bit more seems to have done the trick for now.

Hope this helps

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Landy Andy said:
Can you get a pic of under the tap?

Is it a big nut that goes around the body of the tap, so has the two pipes through the centre of the nut?
Click to expand...
IMG_4882.jpeg

IMG_4880.jpeg
 
Lizbiebrowne said:
I have a similar loose movable tap that I found, despite looking impossible, I could get my hand onto the nut and tighten. I just can’t just tighten it enough to make it fast.
Click to expand...
This describes perfectly what I can do. Can reach up with hand but can’t get to properly tighten with my fingers. A crappy, lightweight little basin and poorly designed so access is difficult with the basin in situ.
 
Looking again at the picture, a socket that fits onto a screw driver handle with or without a ratchet thingy looks like it might be able to get over the nut.
 
Ingwe said:
Don’t think I have the clearance.
Click to expand...
That type of fitting is standardly done up with the box sockets that are listed in the Screwfix link in post 4.

It’s a standard kitchen monoblock type, not a motorhome style fitting.

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Either a box spanner or a socket on an extension from the photo it looks fairly easy 10 or 12 mm
 
Frank w said:
well done sir, looks a like a must have tool.

one winging it's way to chez moi.
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When you get it, please report back on how easy it was to use. The instructions on the Amazon posting look Double Dutch to me. But I’m not great technically. 🙂
 
pagey said:
Either a box spanner or a socket on an extension from the photo it looks fairly easy 10 or 12 mm
Click to expand...
Will be going to Screwfix as soon as we’re back in May for the box spanner in post #4.

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Ingwe said:
When you get it, please report back on how easy it was to use. The instructions on the Amazon posting look Double Dutch to me. But I’m not great technically. 🙂
Click to expand...

oh I'll never use it, just sit in my tool box forever:LOL:

actually all taps are tight, but I'll give a go and feed back

Frank
 
IF the centre nut clamps the C shaped peice then i think youll find its an 11mm nut.
I managed it with a tubular spanner under our kitchen sink, a perisher to get at, needed a torch and a mirror.
Check thesizes in the screwfix kit to confirm it
Mike S
 
Mike800966 said:
IF the centre nut clamps the C shaped peice then i think youll find its an 11mm nut.
I managed it with a tubular spanner under our kitchen sink, a perisher to get at, needed a torch and a mirror.
Check thesizes in the screwfix kit to confirm it
Mike S
Click to expand...
Just checked and it includes a 11mm socket. From their (Screwfix’s) ad:

PRODUCT CONTENTS​

3 x spanners (8 x 9, 10 x 11 and 12 x 13mm) and tommy bar.

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If it's screwed to a bit of worktop I'd first loosen it off lift it slightly and get a bit of silicone under the bottom of the tap before fixing it down. You don't want water seeping under the tap and making the worktop soft around the tap hole.
 
One of my previous existences was a job as a kitchen fitter, I always used Ronseal wet rot wood hardener around any holes I’d cut into laminated or solid wood worktops, never had a problem with them “blowing”. Also used it on but n scribe joints before final assembly and glueing. Apply it with a disposable brush! Interestingly we have a sink/bathroom cabinet at home in our wet room, I used a series of cotton buds to apply it to the edges of the cabinet two years ago and the cabinet and drawers are as good as new.
 
Gonna wait til I get the right tool from Screwfix. After all, DIY with the wrong tool can lead to poor results. 😉🙂

1713188631091.png
 
By way of update, bought the tap spanner set suggested by Claret in post #4. Worked well despite the cramped access. Have tightened both taps now. Thanks all for the help offered.
 
Glad you got it done, space is tight.

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