What can I do to stop my tap spraying everywhere?

[LauraArnold]

I have just moved into a new house, and the kitchen tap sprays everywhere. I have just looked under the tap head, and it seems yo be missing a part (see pictures, where there is an empty thread).

I have been looking at aerators online, but they do not seem to be large enough. The diameter of the empty thread is approx 38mm. 

I would appreciate any help on how I should proceed! I'm happy to provide further information.

  

 

[EricL]

Hello @LauraArnold 

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

Do you still need the plastic blue and white fitting attached to your tap? If you don't then odds are one of these aerators will fit your kitchen tap, the FIX-A-TAP WELS 5 Star 6L/min 13mm 1/2" Male Swivel Aerator or the EnduraSeal Chrome Female Multi-Function Swivel Aerator WELS 5 Star 6L/min. If you still need the plastic fitting, I suggest bringing it with you to test the brass fittings at the plumbing aisle and possibly combine it with an aerator.   

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[LauraArnold]

Hi EricL, 

Thanks for your speedy and helpful reply! I definitely do not need the blue and white plastic fitting. Only problem is I don't know how to remove it: the white plastic part spins round and round with no purchase, and it blocks the blue plastic part. Do you have any suggestions how I could remove it?

- Laura 

[EricL]

Hello @LauraArnold 

I propose using a teaspoon or a large flat butterknife with a round front and slotting it into the cross space of the blue fitting. Please make sure to wear rubber gloves for safety. Once you have a good fitting turn the spoon or knife anticlockwise to loosen the part. Another method you can try is to use long nose pliers and try to grab the side of the blue wheel. When you get a good purchase turn it anticlockwise to loosen it up. 

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing this device removed from your tap.

Eric

[LauraArnold]

Oh my gosh, the teaspoon trick worked like a charm!! I've now removed the white and blue plastic parts. 

Now I see I need a male aerator. It is now looking more like a standard size. I will pop by Bunnings in the next few days to choose the right one.

Thank you so much for your help with this, Eric! I really appreciate it 😊🙏

  

[Bruciiii]

Hi Laura! I'm so glad I found your thread! I'm in the exact same predicament! What are the odds!

I just moved into my new home and our tap has the EXACT same problem!

Just wondering if you remember what size aerator you purchased (I'm not too sure how long ago this thread was created).

I'm still shocked that there was someone out there with the same problem! Hahaha

I also used the teaspoon method and WOW it came straight out. Thanks EricL

Thanks in advance Laura!

 

[EricL]

Hello @Bruciiii 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us.

It's good to hear that you've managed to remove the blue plastic fitting on your tap. Let me tag @LauraArnold to make them aware of your questions. Looking at the picture you posted, it appears to be a standard kitchen sink mixer. I propose using the FIX-A-TAP WELS 5 Star 6L/min 13mm 1/2" Male Swivel Aerator or the EnduraSeal Chrome Female Multi-Function Swivel Aerator WELS 5 Star 6L/min. They should fit onto the tip of your mixer spout. Please remember to install the black rubber O ring that comes with the aerator kit.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric