Problem with Swirl High Neck Monobloc Mixer Tap

[Trackystemon]

I recently bought the tap from Screwfix which I got a plumber to fit. Initially it dripped so I got the plumber back - we never understood why it dripped but it is ok after he fitted new washers. The next thing that happened was that the cold tap unscrewed causing water to gush out. By 'unscrewed' I mean the handle and spindle with a screw thread (but no washer) at the end came out of its hole. I screwed it back in again but it happened again. I think my wife was turning it off too tightly because the surplus water dripping out of the high neck annoyed her, but she has weak wrists so couldn't have put great force on it.

I cannot keep calling the plumber out because I bought the tap so it is my responsibility to sort it out. Does it sound like a faulty tap or do they do that if turned off tightly?

I hate the tap actually, the hot water squirts out in such a fine fast jet that if it hits anything it showers the user with water - is there anything that can be done about that does anybody know?

Peter

 

[easyt]

If it were me I would contact screwfix, take it back as faulty and fit an alternative as you obviously don't like it. Perhaps your plumber of local supplier could suggest a better choice. Just a thought,

 

[Trackystemon]

Thank you but I want to avoid having to pay again for fitting. I thought Swirl might compensate me but I couldn't find their phone number. I doubt if Screwfix would compensate me.

Peter

 

[easyt]

Your contract is with screwfix. If it doesn't work properly take it back. They will return it to swirl. If you doan't like it though. Speak to scewfix on the phone. Tell them it's faulty and you want to bring it back for a refund; but find an alternative that you might like. Would you fit a replacement yourself or would you have a plumber do it? If the latter then you could return it after the new one replaces it. If you contact Swirl they will probably want it returning before they replace/refund. Also you have no contract with them and they are likely to want to replace instead of refund. You don't want to be without a tap for a week.

 

[easyt]

Think about it. Don't know the costs. You paid Screwfix £150 (say) - they paid Swirl £100 (say). Swirl would only refund £100 if at all, or replace out of good will (or guarantee ?)

 

[REDSAW]

dont tell me , its a lever tap?.

 

[Gray0689]

If there to much pressure if your plumber has put on ballofix just reduce the flow from there

 

[Trackystemon]

Thank you for all your suggestions and help. My original post was to try and find out if anybody had come across this fault before (whether it was fixable), or knew why the hot water came out so fast. The last reply hit the nail on the head - there is too much pressure, combined with a possibly faulty tap. That explains why the bathroom tap had to be replaced recently and why the cistern inlet is permanently hissing. But I still think the tap, which I understand is a good brand, should have withstood the pressure. It is described as a Premium High Neck Monobloc Mixer Tap and has very good reviews. Nothing in the description about the pressure it is guaranteed to withstand though - my pressure was measured today by the plumber at about 9. I will contact Screwfix tomorrow. Apparently Swirl is a Screwfix brand. And no it isn't a lever tap.
Thanks again.
Peter

 

[dontknowitall]

If pressure is around 9 bar then I'd fit a pressure reducing valve as high water pressure causes all sorts of problems all round the house. Costs around £40 for the part and can be fitted in around 15 minutes. A much better pressure is 2-3 bar - you rarely need any more than this.

 

[Trackystemon]

Yes that sounds like a good idea, getting a pressure reducing valve fitted, I'll have it done. Thank you.

Peter