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How to fix mixer tap with restricted water flow?

My mixer tap’s water flow is restricted. I’ve cleaned the filter and spout and also checked the hoses and our pipes. I have now replaced the cartridge, with no luck.

When taking the cartridge out, I noticed where the cartridge connects to the rest of the tap, one of the three holes appears blocked. I turned the water back on without the cartridge in, and the hot and cold water flowed freely through the other two holes respectively. Should this third hold look like the other two holes? Please see pic.

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Mcl1. It's fabulous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about taps.

Quick question, have you removed the aerator from the tip of the spout and checked that it's not partially blocked? The aerator being blocked would be the more likely culprit than there being some issue with the body of the tap.

I believe the third hole should be open and similar to the others, and it is where water travels to the spout. It looks to be at least partially blocked in the image. Any idea what the blockage might be? Is it soft, and can you pick it out?

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Mcl1

Thanks Mitchell for your response.

Yes, I have removed the aerator which didn’t solve the problem. I’ve also taken a better picture - to me it seems like what is in the third hole is meant to be there… what are your thoughts?

JacobZ

Hi @Mcl1,

I can't say I'm sure what it is, but it does look like it is supposed to be there.

Considering the water flows freely from these holes, which would likely be directly connected to the hoses beneath, and you've replaced the mixer cartridge and checked the aerator, it sounds like the issue is somewhere within the spout.

Do you know what the make and model of your tap is? We might be able to look up the drawings to see if they can shed some light.

Could you maybe try putting a Hole Cleaning Brush or some wire up the spout to see if there is something like limescale buildup in the spout?

If so, then you might need to remove the tap body and soak it with CLR then flush it with water to clear the spout.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

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