How to fix a mixer spout to a basin tap held on just by one washer?

[JonathanEClarke]

How can I fix a mixer spout to a basin tap held on just by one washer? The spout (before curling forwards then down to face the basin) joins a small threaded pipe which comes vertically out of the horizontal body connecting hot and cold inlets/taps. There is no grub screw or lock nut - it is just apparently held on by the friction of one washer - but I've bought a new washer which is decidedly less squashed and more pliable than the one that came out but, putting it at the bottom of the thread of that small length of pipe coming out of the tap assembly, the spout won't bite onto its thread and the washer just holds on enough for maybe quarter of the available flow before flying off again.

[EricL]

Hello @JonathanEClarke 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your tap.

I propose trying this technique, turn off the mains water supply to your house and remove the entire tap body from the wall. Place the O ring onto the threaded section and apply Kinetic 15g Tap Lubricant on the O ring and threaded section of the tap body. Place the spout over the threaded section and press firmly and screw the spout back onto the body of the tap. You should be able to feel the threaded section lock onto one another. 

Once the spout is secure re-install the tap body to the wall and test for leaks.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric 

[JonathanEClarke]

Hi, Eric!

Thank you for your advice! Unfortunately, I have tried without the lubricant and it just gets pushed down to the bottom of threaded section of the tap body; also, however, there is no feeling of the threaded sections locking into one another and I think that this is the problem - that the threads have worn thin. Both parts still have thread - it's just they don't lock into each other. Leaving off the washer even doesn't allow them to start locking into each other - so I think it's probably time for a new tap unit. If there are any possible solutions, then please let me know. One person has suggested putting plumbers' tape on one or both threads to thicken them out, which I haven't tried.

Also, looking at the photos again, is it possible that enough of the thread has actually broken off the spout to the extent that the tap body's thread can't reach the remainder and that this is the problem? 

Thank you again for your advice!

Jonathan

[EricL]

Hello @JonathanEClarke 

The closest equivalent I can suggest is the Quoss Chrome Reno Transformer Liberty II Flick Mixer With 1/2" Male Fittings or the Quoss Chrome Reno Transformer Cobra Flex Single Flix Mixer With 1/2" Female Fittings WELS 3 Star 8L/.... Both items will need to be specially ordered at the special orders desk. Other than these two tap sets, I can only suggest having your plumbing upgraded to take single taps and spouts separately as seen in this configuration - EZYFIX Classic Retrofit Wall Sink / Laundry Set WELS 4 Star 7.5L/min Chrome.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric