Maintaining Taps and Brassware

Taps and waste fittings get a lot of use and have moving parts which require maintenance if they are to keep working well. Waste fittings in particular seem to suffer abuse with the pop up and clicker varieties being particularly prone to seizing up. This problem can easily be avoided if the fitting is cleaned regularly and lubricated once in a while, (yes - lubricated!).

Wastes Taps

Bath and Basin Wastes

(most of these options will also apply to bidet wastes)

Clicker Waste (spring waste)

The clicker is quite a simple mechanism and is frequently used for bath and basin applications. The actual plug is screwed onto a brass fitting which springs from the down, sealed, position to the up, open, position. To operate one simply presses the plug closed, then a second press releases it and it springs back to open. The seal is made with a rubber type washer underneath the domed plug pressing against the outer flange. It is very easy to dismantle the assembly for cleaning and maintenance. The domed plug can unscrew from the brass spring fitting which in turn can unscrew from the main body of the waste fitting. In the case of a bath waste sometimes the whole spring/dome assembly simply pulls out, and the brass spring fitting has a sieve attached to the bottom end for catching hairs and other debris draining from the bath.

All bath and basin waste fittings will become coated with hairs, soap scum, oils and other debris which has been washed off. They need to be rinsed and cleaned regularly to protect the the waste fitting from blockages and to maintain adequate drainage. This can be done by rubbing the components with fingers or a cloth under a running tap. The brass spring fitting needs to be lubricated to ensure smooth operation. WD40 is ideal, just spray some onto the fitting and operate the spring between finger and thumb several times to work the oil in. Then the main body of the waste fitting needs to be cleaned to remove any deposits and hair. I have always found a wooden skewer ideal for this job, but if the clean-up has been left too long a piece of fairly stiff wire with one end bend back to form a hook will be ideal for removing those stubborn bits. Finally rub around the rubber seal on the plug with a tissue or soft cloth to ensure it is clean and making a good seal. Once these tasks are complete the fitting can be screwed back together, not too tightly, just enough torque to prevent the fitting coming apart as the plug is operated.

Although not really part of the mechanisms, the overflow outlet, if there is one, needs to be kept clear. Fill the bath or basin up and allow water to run down the overflow for a few minutes. If it seems blocked or slow it might be necessary to push a piece if wire down to remove any build up of scum.