The Home Improvements Thread (3)

Need to replace cartridge on my basin mixer. Removed the handle but need suggestions on how to remove the ring surrounding the cartridge and also cleaning out all the limescale build-up.

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SHL said:
Need to replace cartridge on my basin mixer. Removed the handle but need suggestions on how to remove the ring surrounding the cartridge and also cleaning out all the limescale build-up.

View attachment 1922705
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The ring has threads and can be unscrewed.

The cartridge is usually removed with an Allen key. Look for a opening were the screw could be
 
SHL said:
Need to replace cartridge on my basin mixer. Removed the handle but need suggestions on how to remove the ring surrounding the cartridge and also cleaning out all the limescale build-up.

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That outer ring threads on/off, it shouldn't really be tight, but a pair of water pump pliers with some insulation tape so it doesn't scratch will help you in a bind.
 
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I just had my patio redone. We used old bricks so that's not a problem but youtube told me to tap a few bricks and these spaces appeared. Shall I tell the contractor to come back and add more sand?

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Did your contractor just sweep sand over the bricks or did they put one of those vibrating machine things on (don't know what it is called) ?

When I had paving done they used some vibrating machine and it helps the sand get into all the cracks - a broom wouldn't work nearly as well
 
ny152 said:
Did your contractor just sweep sand over the bricks or did they put one of those vibrating machine things on (don't know what it is called) ?

When I had paving done they used some vibrating machine and it helps the sand get into all the cracks - a broom wouldn't work nearly as well
Click to expand...
Vibration Plate Compactor

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maumau said:
I just had my patio redone. We used old bricks so that's not a problem but youtube told me to tap a few bricks and these spaces appeared. Shall I tell the contractor to come back and add more sand?

View attachment 1922780
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Just sweep it, it's absolutely fine. The sand should be very fine and dry, the sand above is just settling or may have been slightly wet. Just give it a brush and it'll fill the gaps and find its happy place. You can see the guy has used a dry mix of sand and cement, but the gaps are too small in this type of paving so it will crack, not a train smash.... just keep sweeping to get rid of the bigger clumpier pieces.
 
ny152 said:
Did your contractor just sweep sand over the bricks or did they put one of those vibrating machine things on (don't know what it is called) ?

When I had paving done they used some vibrating machine and it helps the sand get into all the cracks - a broom wouldn't work nearly as well
Click to expand...

A machine is what it would've liked but no, they just swept and they were in a huge rush.

Doesn't seem right to have all that empty space underneath.
 
maumau said:
I just had my patio redone. We used old bricks so that's not a problem but youtube told me to tap a few bricks and these spaces appeared. Shall I tell the contractor to come back and add more sand?

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Sorry it looks like a terrible job was done here. Who can leave a job looking like this my greatness
 
Steamy Tom said:
Sorry it looks like a terrible job was done here. Who can leave a job looking like this my greatness
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Agreed, we've called him back to fix it and I will stand there while they work. Pretty shoddy.

Side note: If the area was bigger, more important (insert reason here) I would have hired somebody to remove the existing grout with a pressure cleaner and filled with something called Romex - that stuff appeals to me but only read up on it after the fact.

romex.co.za

ROMEX® D1 Paving Grouting - Superior Strength - Romex SA

ROMEX® D1 paving grouting is the strongest paving grout that is easy to install. Suitable for heavy traffic. Contact us today for expert advice.
romex.co.za romex.co.za
 
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SHL said:
Yes but I need to remove the outer ring which I'm currently struggling with.
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Sorry for delayed response , another way to help unscrew this , is to wrap a rubber or two around it, and that giving you the grip would allow you to unscrew them.

I used this trick to undo mines.

Did you manage to solve your problem in any case?
 
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TedLasso said:
Sorry for delayed response , another way to help unscrew this , is to wrap a rubber or two around it, and that giving you the grip would allow you to unscrew them.

I used this trick to undo mines.

Did you manage to solve your problem in any case?
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Not yet. I'll try the rubber band or rubber tape and post an update. I think that calcium and limescale buildup on the inside of the ring is making it difficult to turn so going to clean that out properly first.
 
SHL said:
Not yet. I'll try the rubber band or rubber tape and post an update. I think that calcium and limescale buildup on the inside of the ring is making it difficult to turn so going to clean that out properly first.
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Maybe tap lightly (anticlockwise) with a blunt chisel to loosen it?
 
Success 🙌
Used some rubber tape around the O ring and managed to get it loose. Thanks for all the suggestions. Now to order the replacement cartridge.

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Steamy Tom said:
Nice. Cartridge is available at most large hardware or plumbing stores, unless you plan to buy online.
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SHL said:
Success 🙌
Used some rubber tape around the O ring and managed to get it loose. Thanks for all the suggestions. Now to order the replacement cartridge.

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Good one. Go to Plumblink with your existing one as they are some small differences in them. So you want to be sure you buy the right one.
 
TedLasso said:
Good one. Go to Plumblink with your existing one as they are some small differences in them. So you want to be sure you buy the right one.
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The hardware store nearby only have the 40mm and 25mm long foot. I need a 35mm short. Plumblink has the one I need so will buy 2 or 3 for future use.

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