new mixer tap dribbling?

I had the same annoying problem with a new Homebase Monobloc Swan neck Kitchen tap - a residue of water continuing to flow after turning it off.

I contacted Hombase's suppliers who told me that it was capillary action,drawing the residue of water out and quite normal for this type of tap, but why in this age of technology should we have to put up with that ?

Fortunately, I was given a refund by Homebase when I was eventually able to take it back after paying a plumber £40.00 to fit a new and slightly different unit bought this time from B&Q. What do you know ? - same problem.

I noticed that my bathroom tap of similar design -only with a slightly lower swan neck - did not dribble and turned off immediately.

In both of my present taps, there is a small plastic aerator in a screw-on piece on the spout end of the tap. This gives a smoother flow with less splashing.

Comparing the two, the problem Kitchen tap had much larger holes in a different type of aerator and didn't stop the flow immediately.

As the two happened to be interchangeable, I spoke nicely to an assistant at the store who let me change my Kitchen tap aerator for a a similar one to that which was in my bathroom tap.

Problem solved. No more dribbles. Of course this may not work where a tap has no spout fixing for an aerator. It depends on the tap design.

Hope this helps.

Bob
November 2010

TO STOP THE TAP FROM EMPTYING ITSELF A FINE MESH DISC FOUND FROM ANY PLUMBING SHOP, CAN BE APPLIED TO THE NOZZLE.

MARK
January 2009

Similar problem here. Tap bought from Screwfix (same parent co. as B&Q)Drips -and a very springy shut off point on both hot and cold tap. After months of turning it off tighter and tighter, in order to stop the drips, it now sticks when you try to turn it on again. After a turn and a half it suddenly comes on full blast. There is no way of getting a trickle any more.

I came here looking for an answer too. Plumbers say that these types washers can't be changed. I am not sure that they are telling the truth, perhaps they just can't be bothered to try. It is driving me nuts.

parsley
May 2008

Similar problem here. Tap bought from Screwfix (same parent co. as B&Q)Drips -and a very springy shut off point on both hot and cold tap. After months of turning it off tighter and tighter, in order to stop the drips, it now sticks when you try to turn it on again. After a turn and a half it suddenly comes on full blast. There is no way of getting a trickle any more.

I came here looking for an answer too. Plumbers say that these types washers can't be changed. I am not sure that they are telling the truth, perhaps they just can't be bothered to try.

parsley
May 2008

Thanks for your replies. It is definately more than just residue water dribbling out when tap is turned off. We have a tap in utility room which although addmittedly not as high does stop immediately it is turned off so I do think there is something wrong with this new tap.Maybe we can check the valves and washers somehow. Unfortunately it has been installed into a granite worktop and the thought of having it all dismantled is not great so maybe it`s just something we`ll have to live with.

maggie
April 2008

if as john said it does shut off it could well be normalif itis high or long spout after all there is water in there as it shuts off and it has to empty but beware if you call him back expect to be charged for the following reasons,
the plumber did not manufacture the tap so he is not responsible for any defect (if defective) and this might surprise you although my experience of b&q ferunds is generally good they will not be liable either as most goods are covered by manufacturers warranty so if it is faulty b and q would be within their rights to tell you to deal with the manufacturer as b and q are a reseller and most warranties for goods lie with manufacturer not as commonly misunderstood the retailer unless you have a specific insurance for that item if it is faulty xchange or refund probaply wont be an issue anyway but check if your plumber will charge you to remove and refit have you a contact for the manufacturer they could tell you if its faulty hope this helps

bluebird4211
April 2008

If the flow does indeed stop it shows that the valves are working ok - maybe its a tap with a high spout thats just emptying itself? If it continues to dribble though thats a bit of a different matter - probably some debris in the tap valve inserts.

John
April 2008