Tap Stem Rotation Reversal

[morningcloud]

Hi Guys

I’ve just bought a monobloc tap with a swivel spout and quarter turn levers.

Unfortunately, when the tap is off the levers are in a different position to other taps in the house ie. all the other taps are off when the levers are pointing vertically up.

The one I’ve just fitted when the lever is pointing vertically up the tap is fully on, it’s a two lever type tap if I swop the cartridges over will that cure the problem?

Thanks to anyone who can help

 

[Riley]

Just remove the handles and then put them back on the spindle in the position you want

 

[JCplumb]

If the OP does that they'll have to push the levers away (towards the wall) to turn the taps on, I think they want it so that it's up for off and forwards for on.
The solution is to swap the tap cartridges over, i.e. take the cart out of the hot and put it in the cold side and vice versa, then refit the handles pointing upwards when the valves are closed.

 

[Riley]

Sorry misread. Yes agreed

 

[Welder]

Hi Guys

I’ve just bought a monobloc tap with a swivel spout and quarter turn levers.

Unfortunately, when the tap is off the levers are in a different position to other taps in the house ie. all the other taps are off when the levers are pointing vertically up.

The one I’ve just fitted when the lever is pointing vertically up the tap is fully on, it’s a two lever type tap if I swop the cartridges over will that cure the problem?

Thanks to anyone who can help

View attachment 37692
View attachment 37693

You have two options.
1 - Just swap the cartridges round.
2 - Turn the tap 180 degs and reposition the handles as there is no back or front to these.

 

[Allgoode]

Sometimes there is a cheeky little grub screw on the collar of the lock ring on tap which is visible if you turn through 180 degree's.
not always the case but worth checking.
Agree with comments above about swapping the ceramic cartridges, usually sorts out issue.
Cheers,
Andy

 

[morningcloud]

Hi Guys

Thanks for getting back to me, JCplumb and Riley yes that’s exactly what I wanted levers pointing up for off and pulling them towards me for on.

Yorkshire, I'll go with your first option, if I did the second one ie. turn the tap through 180 degs it would mean the levers would be pointing towards the wall in order to turn them off and as Allgoode said, right enough there’s a grub screw in the back off the tap I assume it runs in a groove in the swivel spout to make sure it doesn’t work its way out when being constantly swivelled.

I’ve taken the valves out and swapped them around and sure enough the problem is solved, I noticed a blue seal on the bottom of one valve and a red one on the other, I assume it doesn’t make any difference what seal goes on what valve besides once they are assembled again the two seals in question cant be seen, it just makes me wonder why they bother to colour code them?

Thanks once again fellas for taking the time to reply

Clive

 

[Best]

I find it strange that many taps come this way - with the levers forward for off.
I swap the works before I fit the tap so that you pull the levers forward for on and just nudge the levers away from you for off, just same as hospital taps.

 

[JCplumb]

The red and blue make no difference whatsoever, just colours to indicate the direction of turn and have nothing to do with temperature.
My guess is that it's down for off because the valves can wear and become loose enough to not stay closed if up is the closed position especially if there's vibration.

 

[morningcloud]

Hi JCplumb

I knew someone out there would know the reason for the colour coded seals, so you’ve more or less confirmed my thoughts basically their just seals end of story.

Anyway, my levers are now up for off which matches the rest of the taps throughout the house, it does save having to tell guests which way to turn the taps off, especially for the guys who have gone to spend a penny and end up with front of their trousers wet because they’ve turned the tap fully on by mistake.

It won’t be the first time I’ve had to stand in front of a radiator and swear blind I’m just looking out of the window.


Thanks again

Clive