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How to fix disconnected kitchen tap spout?

Upside3318

I have no plumbing knowledge or expertise. Is this something that I can sort out myself, rather than involving either property managers who I'd reeeeally prefer not to deal with, or plumbers who I can't afford?

My kitchen tap and benchtop dishwasher used to work together perfectly well, until one time recently when the dishwasher was running, I heard an unusual sound, and I came out to find that the spout had come off and there was a nice little fountain over my kitchen sink.

I have been able to put the spout back in its position by hand, and it works fine enough as a kitchen sink tap (for both hot and cold water.) If the dishwasher hose is connected, however — even if the dishwasher is not turned on — the pressure is, for some reason, suddenly too, too much, and the spout pops off again.

I believe there is one seal missing out of the presumably three seals that used to help the tap to stay in place — but it feels like surely this one seal can't have made so much of a difference that it causes an instant fountain?

Please help me to figure out if this is something I should give a go, and if so, what I will need to use. (I can, in theory, bring the spout with me when I leave the house tomorrow, so that means less room for error!)_

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JacobZ

Hi @Upside3318,

As far as I am aware, swivel spouts that use O-rings also use a hidden physical lock such as a small grub screw, a threaded locking collar, or an internal clip to prevent the water pressure from blowing the spout straight up out of the tap body. While it does seem like you could be missing an O-ring, I don't think that is the main cause of your issue.

Can I trouble you to upload a photo of the point where the spout attaches to the tap base?

Does there seem to be a small hole anywhere where a grub screw could be missing?

Anything resembling a nut or threaded locking collar?

If we can identify the method in which it is mechanically locked in place, we could certainly assist with how it might be repaired.

In terms of O-rings, the best thing you can do is take the spout in store with you and have a look at the assorted kits like the https://www.bunnings.com.au/syneco-225-pieces-3-22mm-o-rings-assorted-set_p0328987 or the https://www.bunnings.com.au/kinetic-assorted-sizes-o-ring-kit-43-pack_p4920305 . There should be something in one of these kits that will work. If you grab a team member in the plumbing section, I am sure they'd be happy to help.

Let me know what you find.

Jacob

Upside3318

Thanks, @JacobZ !

Below are some photos of the bit of plumbing where, as the Spice Girls would say, 2 Become 1, between the the wall and the spout. Boy do I wish there was a way to easily change the image size on these posts so it wasn't such a scrolling hassle to see things or get past things!

Yes, I did think it would be unlikely that just one out of 3 O rings being missing would cause such a dramatic result, but it's all I could see as A problem, even if it isn't THE problem.

I have no idea what any of the things you mentioned would look like, but I can't see anything in particular. i poked inside just briefly and i could feel a hole at the back, but my assumption is that that is where the water comes from.

Thank you for your help.

PS Do question post headings on this forum get changed? the heading of this post implies that the dishwasher is disconnecting, but it's not, in fact it is perfectly happy to stay connected via the threading. I don't think I'd have written a misleading title like that, but then again, i was exhausted when I wrote it, so, maybe? Haven't been able to find a way to edit it to fix.

Jason

@Upside3318

We sometimes change titles so they are more descriptive for community members to find relevant discussions when they search. I hope the new title is more accurate.

Large images are the default in discussions as they give other members the most detail to help diagnose a problem. However, you can change the size of uploaded images when editing your post if you wish. Just click on the image and a menu will pop up.

Thanks,

Jason

Noyade

Afternoon @Upside3318

Looking at your photos above there is one looking down on the wall spout connection and there 'appears' to be an opening on the right side - for maybe the grub screw. In the very top photo there 'appears' to be grub screw markings on the right side of the spout. And it looks like it hasn't been making contact with the trenched area for some time?

Have a look at the right side of the wall spout mounting for a hole…

However an amateur plumber is typing this.

Upside3318

Hi @Jason thanks for explaining. yes, the newly edited heading is much more accurate, thank you.

I am having some difficulty navigating the forum —I'm a pretty new/infrequent user. I can't see any way to edit the posts or comments. Or do you just mean editing when initially writing it to post in the first place?

I'm also uncertain if there's a way to reply to specific comments as a thread, or as a quoted comment reference or something — or if it's just a hodge podge of any and every comment below a post.

Thanks for your help!

Upside3318

@Noyade You're a legend. Turns out there is a hole on it, exactly right there and fairly obvious on the opposite side to where I was looking previously.

Below are more pics of the spout where you indicated the markings, as well as an inside and an outside pic of the wall-y bit.

(also a very amateur plumber) :p

( Cc: @JacobZ )

BINGO!

…What now?

JacobZ

Hi @Upside3318,

You can grab an assorted pack of grub screws such as this https://www.bunnings.com.au/pinnacle-m5-m8-black-assorted-grub-screw-set-12-pack_p2420767 , replace the missing o-ring from one of the packs I mentioned above, then reinsert the spout, ensuring it is pressed down as far as it will go.

Once the spout is seated correctly, insert the grub screw that best fits the hole in the spout base and tighten it up using the corresponding allen key.

I'd then suggest testing it to ensure it stays on as intended. If there are any issues, you may need to contact a plumber for assistance as a replacement tap is likely the best solution.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

Jason

Hi again @Upside3318,

Posts can only be edited for the first 24 hours. This is to preserve the integrity of forum discussions.

We also don't have nested comments functionality (replies to specific replies). This is deliberate to encourage everyone to participate as part of a single discussion, and discourage off-topic posts.

Feel free to send me a private message anytime if you need a hand to get the most from the site. I'm happy to help.

All the best,

Jason

Noyade

When you're playing with the grub screws/Allen keys - make sure you put the plugs in the sinks. If you drop the screw - 90% of the time they'll bounce around and drop into the drain.

Best of luck @Upside3318.

Noyade

"Posts can only be edited for the first 24 hours." - @Jason

I didn't know that, but makes sense now. Cheers.

Upside3318

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/159480#Comment_159480

@Noyade I have a rather effective solution for that fiddliness and finickiness and fumbliness.

Say it with me, everyone… "MAGNETS!"

This little guy's goin' nowhere! I love magnets. 😁

Upside3318

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/159476#Comment_159476

Oh dear. I followed your instructions but I am fairly certain that the grub screws are too big. 😞

😭

…the o-ring seems to be okay though.

EricL

Hello @Upside3318

I can only suggest having a look at the Pinnacle M5 - M8 Black Assorted Grub Screw Set - 12 Pack. The smallest size would be the M5 grub screw. I've had a thorough search, and this is the smallest grub screw the store carries.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Upside3318

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/160391#Comment_160391

Hi again @EricL — that's the one I bought from the recommendation earlier :(

EricL

Hello @Upside3318

My apologies, I was under the impression that you had purchased a different set. The only other options I can suggest is to do a bit of research on the internet and see if you can find a smaller set of grub screws or replace the entire spout with a new one such as the Shaw & Mason Chrome Swivel Wall Sink / Spa Spout WELS 3 Star 9L/Min. The store does carry a variety of goose neck type spouts, and I encourage you to visit your local store and see which one suits your needs.

Please note that any changes that involve moving or reconfiguring pipework would be considered regulated plumbing work and would need to be carried out by a licensed plumber. This includes the changing of your spout.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Upside3318

@EricL Yeah unfortunately some real plumbing like that is definitely not something that I'm gonna be able to do. :( Dammit.
I'm not sure how to know how to find or what would be the right thing to find if these grub screws are too large. :(

JacobZ

Hi @Upside3318,

You'd still be looking for a grub screw, but it would be something like an m3 or m4 screw. If you can measure the diameter of the hole in your tap, we could certainly get a better idea of what size the grub screw might be.

Jacob

Noyade

As per @JacobZ's suggestion.

I'd just shop around for blister packs of small bolts and with trial and error possibly one size will fit. They will be Philips head or hexagonal head - and easy to insert. If the fit is correct (possibly 4mm?), then reduce the length (small hacksaw) and reposition. Based on all the above - would it really matter if the head shows?

Just a thought @Upside3318