my kitchen mixer tap leaks from around the base of the swivel spout. I cannot find a way of getting this off so as to check if a seal has gone. Can you advise how I can remove and repair this spout

Allan Edge, December 2007

I just tried turning my spout to in-line position with tap and wrestled it free. Note that you have to get a bit rough with it to wrestle it free.

Thanks for this tip. Saves me time and money.

Bidean, February 2010

plumber just came round yesterday as we wanted a quote for a new shower...anyway asked him to fix dripping kitchen taps and he said that it probably needed a new o ring at bottom of spout. He looked for the little screw at the back and said oh there isn't one. Then he said if there is no screw you normally just turn the spout in line with one of the taps and it comes off. Have just tried this and it works. Didn't have to turn water off but taps were turned off (Beware, yours could be different!). A little bit of water came out when i took the spout off. God knows where the o ring goes though! hope this helps

Wanda, December 2007

Usually there is a small grub screw (usually an allen type) at the back of the spout. If you can remove this the spout can then be wrestled clear to reveal a perished 'O' ring seal which is your problem - but best of luck getting a replacement! If there is definitely no grub screw visible then the whole assembly will have to come off for dismantling - but this is most unusual.

John, December 2007