Tap Problem

M0T · 2 May 2008 at 16:44

We have had a new bathroom fitted by a local guy (suite was bought from B&Q) and we are having a problem with the taps.

The ones we have on the bath are these (but with a shower mixer):

The flow from them is absolutely terrible. It took nearly 30 minutes to fill the bath, whereas with the old taps it took 10. I noticed this when the guy was still doing it and he checked the ball valves and they were all fully open (and I saw them). The tap doesn't have an aerator fitted, so I am at a loss to explain the poor flow. Any ideas?

RobH · 2 May 2008 at 16:53

If they were fitted with flexible hoses which they probably were, have you checked that there isn't a kink in them? Sometimes tightening the hoses causes them to twist which may cause a kink.

SourChipmunk · 2 May 2008 at 16:56

I'd be willing to bet a chunk of iron made it's way into the valve stem. Very common with a new tap. Did the plumber run the water through the pipes for a few seconds before installing the tap?

M0T · 2 May 2008 at 16:58

Raist said:
I'd be willing to bet a chunk of iron made it's way into the valve stem. Very common with a new tap. Did the plumber run the water through the pipes for a few seconds before installing the tap?

No idea - I wasn't in. What would be involved in checking this out?

SourChipmunk · 2 May 2008 at 17:05

You'd have to figure out how to get to the valve stem through the handle. The handle will probably come off with some kind of set-screw in the back. After that's pulled, the stem should be clearly visible and easy to remove and clean. Perhaps the tap assembly came with some instructions for assembly?

Be sure to cover your drain with a cloth else you might drop parts in. And pay close attention to how the parts fit when you remove them.

Easier: call the plumber back.

M0T · 2 May 2008 at 17:43

Right I did what you said and there was no rubbish in there. What I did do was turn off the hot (and then the cold) leaving the cold feed (and then the hot feed) connected. What I discovered was once the on off tap mechanism was loosened to the point of being bypassed the flow rate increased hugely for both hot and cold water.

I opened the tap mechanism and found nothing wrong with it, but it seems quite restrictive. What can I do about this?

SourChipmunk · 2 May 2008 at 18:06

Sorry about that. Sounds like it's just a low-flow tap, which means there's not much you can do about it. Other than replace it.

M0T · 3 May 2008 at 15:26

Its odd because I have the original brochure here which says it doesn't need a pump, but it obviously does. The only hope is if I can find a cartridge valve that is less restrictive to replace the one in there. But its something I am having a lot of trouble finding online.

ScoobyDoo · 3 May 2008 at 17:11

As its a mixer valve what system are you running a combi boiler or have you got a cold water tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder?.

Mixer valves/taps require different pressures to operate, does it say in the manual what .bar pressure it requires to operate?. It sounds to me that the pressure isnt high enough to get the required flow.

M0T · 3 May 2008 at 17:15

We have a cold water tank in the loft and a hot water cylinder.

From the brochure it says:

"All taps are suitable for both low pressure (minimum 0.5 bar) and high pressure systems"