How to fix tap with worn shower seat?

[Matty1]

I am having problems with a tap in the shower. The flow on the shower itself is fine - the leak comes out of the tap itself which I'm guessing is because the tap has to be spun around so many times that its essentially falling through the back of itself. 

The seat has been re-done many times to the point where its beyond the reach of the tap.

Do I have any good options? Would a ceramic spindle be able to go deeper than the washer spindle? Are different brands of the old washer spindles more likely to be able to do the same? 

Would some kind of spindle extender be of use? Obviously i don't need much extension - perhaps a couple of mm? Apparently the copper extenders can be trimmed - is that right? Is it true that ceramic spindles can be adjusted to reach the seat? (struggled to very this on-line)

Thanks in advance

[Matty1]

Hi Jacob - so are you saying that none of the ceramic spindles available would be suited to the job? I was under the impression that it was simply a matter of finding the right spindle but was that not the case? I told the guy at bunnings i had a deep seat and showed him my current spindle but he didn't see it as an issue..

[Matty1]

Hi Jacob - could you please explain what you mean by this sentence?

If it is simply sitting too deep in the wall, you may need to speak with a plumber so it can be extended to a usable depth.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Matty1,

You've said that the issue is because your seat is too deep for a standard spindle to reach. If that is the case, then it seems likely you'll need either a deep seat spindle or the seat needs to be adjusted so that a standard spindle can reach it.

I can't see your old spindle or the seat, which is making it difficult for me to completely understand the issue you're having.

If you can upload some photos of your old spindle and the pipework that you are trying to attach it to, this would greatly help me to help you.

Let me know if you need a hand uploading images, I'm happy to help if required.

My colleague @EricL, who has lots of experience with this kind of issue will also be online shortly to help.

Jacob

[EricL]

Hello @Matty1 

Since you've mentioned that you have done a bit of reseating on the spindle base and the seat has gone a bit lower, it might be necessary to install new seats. This can be done using a Doust Plumbing Tap Total Repair Kit. This kit will bring the seat back to its original height using a replacement seat set. In essence you should be able to use standard height spindles along with the ceramic sets.

But just to be sure, can you please post a photo of your current spindle. Once we see what kind of spindle you have we'll be able to tell if you need a deep seat set or if a standard height set will work for you.

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

Eric

[Matty1]

Hi Eric - I could upload a photo if you like but as I said in another post its just the one that comes with the estilo wall top assembly I got from you guys - https://media.bunnings.com.au/api/public/content/05b6221a4eb74d208b363f8cf0f438f3?v=f437540f&t=w700d...

[EricL]

Hello @Matty1 

I've placed an image below which should help with your decision making when it comes to spindles. Generally speaking, the standard spindle is technically the same height as a ceramic spindle. The only reason it will not fit properly is that the seat has been damaged, or it has been reseated too deeply. This is the part where you'll need to use the Doust Plumbing Tap Total Repair Kit to repair the seat of the spindle base. Please note that the locking sleeve of the ceramic spindle must be removed before installation.

The spindle with the extended bottom is called the deep seat spindle. It's the tallest of the bunch in the display, it will not fit a standard spindle body, it needs to be installed in a spindle base that is designed for deep seat spindles. If you are thinking of using a deep seat spindle in a standard kitchen brass body, it will not fit properly and it will not seat properly either. The last two images are of a ceramic spindle, one has the locking sleeve attached; the other one is the spindle itself without the locking spindle.

When installing the ceramic spindle, the locking sleeve must be removed first and the ceramic spindle body screwed in until it meets up with the spindle seat at the bottom of the body. There must be some screwing threads left on the surface so that the locking sleeve can be attached again. 

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

Eric

[Noyade]

Hi @Matty1 

I was made acutely aware by another member on this site that this forum is based on opinions.

This was after I inappropriately openly 'disagreed' with something.

I thought a lot about this after that - they were absolutely right.

Two pages in and we're really not getting this solved mate - my humble opinion is you now seek the services of a licensed plumber.

Cheers.