The kitchen tap broke last night.

Q. Must be fixed today.

How long will it take?

A. Between 10 minutes and 3 days depending on where the mechanism has broken and what shops are open and have stocks.

 

20 minutes later it is solved with a new lever. I think this qualifies as Art as well as plumbing.

So it is just the handle broken.

 

A smaller pair of mole grips would be a closer match to the other handle.

5 minutes ago, ProDave said:

smaller pair of mole grips would be a closer match to the other handle.

 

That would be tidier but not a statement.

 

You don't know where my smaller molegrips are do you?

 

The fixing screw was loose but won't tighten again. It's all soaking in vinegar to lose the lime crud...not a problem you get in N Highland.

 

I'm told the very nice sink came with the tap for a very cheap cost..much the same as a branded tap would cost on its own.

Duchamp eat your heart out. You'll be duct taping fruit to things next...

An elegant solution my friend, where would we be without mole grips??

1 hour ago, saveasteading said:

A. Between 10 minutes and 3 days depending on where the mechanism has broken and what shops are open

On Christmas Eve 🤷‍♂️, you should be able to replace just the cartridge (measure the gland height)

https://www.toolstation.com/made4trade-14-turn-ceramic-tap-glands/p66307

2 hours ago, joe90 said:

where would we be without mole grips??

 

Without moles.

2 hours ago, joe90 said:

replace just the cartridge 

Thanks but the plumbing is working fine, it's the lever that came loose. I may need a new screw if the thread is damaged, and /or or have to glue it back on.

1 hour ago, saveasteading said:

the thread is damaged,

Was thinking the thread in the valve was stripped and these valves are cheap enough. 

11 hours ago, saveasteading said:

glue it back on

Superglue, sets when wet.

Never let it be said that I don't take advice. 

Smaller mole grips fitted.

 

Anyway it's sorted now.

 

The lever and screw lost their lime buildup in the vinegar. The screw and washer lost their chrome too, and seem to be made of copper.

The screw went back in nicely but didn't sort the handle....it seems the serrations have worn or rotted off.

So I've epoxied it on , and it seems OK. 

The 3 days estimate was correct, but it was a half hour twice and no cost.

I seriously expect the hot side to fail soon.

 

1 hour ago, saveasteading said:

it seems the serrations have worn or rotted off.

Yes the screws become loose and then the serrations get rubbed off.