Tue, 20 Oct 2026 10:41:47 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18493&Focus=311733#Comment_311733 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18493&Focus=311733#Comment_311733 Sun, 18 Oct 2026 16:08:19 +0100 Rex
Have a kitchen tap that no longer rotates. Figured it was an easy fix to dismantle and clean the calcium build-up, but not so....

Had hoped not to remove it, but could not separate from and thought it may dismantle from below.

I have achieved nothing... I'm assuming that the top part (red arrow) unscrews from the base (green arrow) but it will not move. Probably 'welded' with calcium. Have soaked with vinegar, given a shot of silicone lube spry and although the neck now turns, it is still too tight.

How do the two parts separate? Or more usefully, how are they held together?

Thanks and toodle pip]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18493&Focus=311738#Comment_311738 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18493&Focus=311738#Comment_311738 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 11:16:31 +0100 build4less
On most single lever kitchen taps the swivel spout doesn't screw into the base at all. It sits on a couple of O rings and is held down by something small: a grub screw at the back or underneath the spout collar (usually 2 or 2.5mm Allen key, sometimes hidden under a little cap), a circlip under a decorative shroud, or a shroud ring that unscrews by hand. Once that's off, the spout pulls straight up with a twist and a firm wiggle. If you've been trying to unscrew it, that may be why nothing has moved.

If you can, get the make and model from the box or underside and search for its exploded diagram, as that will show you exactly what holds it.

Turn the water off first. For the scale, a hot citric acid solution or kettle descaler on a cloth wrapped round the joint works far better than vinegar, left an hour or two. Wrap the chrome in tape and use a strap wrench or rubber gloves rather than grips.

When it comes apart, fit new O rings and use a WRAS approved silicone grease rather than spray lube, which can swell the rubber and won't last. If the O rings are badly worn, a replacement spout or cartridge kit is often cheap if the brand is known.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18493&Focus=311739#Comment_311739 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18493&Focus=311739#Comment_311739 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 17:48:57 +0100 Rex
There was a small screw on the base which I removed but could not get any movement. I did not remove the flexi hoses and they could also have been holding things together.

No name on the base and no exploded drawings; that is what I have been searching for. However, it is one of Ikea's finest and not so expensive.

The small screw and hoses are attached to the whatever inside the rotating neck. Once the valve has been removed, the red arrowed collar has to be screwed to something, otherwise it is just floating and would pull off.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18493&Focus=311740#Comment_311740 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18493&Focus=311740#Comment_311740 Tue, 20 Oct 2026 09:23:53 +0100 build4less
Thanks Rex. You're right that the collar has to be screwed to something. On most budget single lever mixers it threads onto the brass body that the cartridge sits in, and the spout just sits over that on O rings. If it won't turn, scale has usually locked the thread. Wrap it in a cloth soaked in citric acid or kettle descaler for an hour or two, then try again with a strap wrench or rubber jar gripper so you don't mark the chrome, turning anticlockwise looking down from above.

If it still won't budge, it's far easier to isolate the water, undo the flexis and take the whole tap off the worktop. On the bench you can soak the top half in a tub and get proper leverage without twisting the base.

Ikea normally put the assembly instructions on the product page, so searching the tap name may bring up a PDF with a better drawing. The article number should be on the box or your receipt if you don't know the name. Worth checking whether it's still under guarantee too, as a replacement part may be easier than a fight with a seized collar.]]>