Replacing broken fresh water tank tap

I have a 1996 A/S Dorset (similar to the symbol I think) the 'handle' of the tap fitted to the under slung fresh water tank used to drain the tank has broken off. Having had a look I find that all of the plastic tap has become brittle.
I have obtained a new tap from a/s for the grand cost of a few quid but all the workshops contacted are quoting around £120 as they tell me I need to drop the tank?  I'm going to have a try at replacing tap myself first.
But my question is the replacement looks to be the same type of plastic, has anyone replaced the tap with a metal version and if so what tap did they use?
Thank for any advice

Colin

I have the same model of van.  And had the same problem.  I bought a replacement tap assy (albeit red) for £6.50.  The red rotating tap part slips out of its sleeve with a little bit of pressure.  I had to cut the old tap out of it's sleeve (I laid under the van to do this in situ, as I didn't want to have to drop the tank) - taking care not to damage the sleeve.  Then slid the new tap into the barrel.  Job done & works a treat!

Thank will have a look at the new tap I've picked up see if I can get it apart

When the waste tap broke on my Clubman, I took the tank off as the tap was well sealed in and took the opportunity to give it a good clean, in my tank there was a nut on the inside of the tank had to put my hand in to get that off replaced tap and put the nut back on, that was the hardest  part, couldn`t be done in my case without taking the tank off. sounds as though yours maybe easier.


Good luck

Margaret

Not sure looking at it don't think I can get to the nut without taking tank off, hoping the tap inner will work

Dencol,

I have the same problem on my 2004 Symbol so will be interested to see what you do to rectify problem.

Good Luck!

I had to replace the tap on my Duetto a couple of years ago. On early Duetto's the tap threaded straight into the tank without the need to drop it but as with all vehicle 'improvements' on later models, the tap is held in by large washer nut inside the tank....so what was a simple 10 minute job now becomes a couple of hours! This is called progress!

I didn't relish the idea of crawling under the van to tackle the job on my own so asked one of the mechanics at the Garage where i have my van MOT'd.

I was glad too as it turned out when he came to undo the tank strap bolts, both just snapped clean off! He replaced it using stainless steel threaded bar and nuts so there won't ever be that problem again.

They charged me £70 for the job.

Bit of an update.  Yes the tap is held in place by a nut inside the tank and no matter how I try I cannot get to this nut without taking the tank off.
Tried to remove the inner part of the tap as suggested but it's not moving so that's a non starter either.
As a bit of a bodge job I've drilled a small hole throught the tap head from where the handle snapped off and threaded a short length of bar through (tapped each end to stop it sliding out). I used a number three drill in an attempt to keep the hole as small as possible yet allowing the bar to be thick enough not to bend. 
Works for now whilst I think of a proper replacement as worried a similar tap will again break at some point, may look for a brass tap replacement of some system of running a hose from the tank to a tap by the edge of the van similar system to the waste tank tap.
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@dencol, couldn't help but be nosey and looked through your photo gallery.......................................................a train set in the garden........WOW!!

PB

Boys toys!  G scale trains roughly 1:22 scale. Also have radio control boats and just finished trike off.  Oh and had a very understanding wife

I like the trebuchet!

[Edit, actually, it probably isn't as it doesn't have a "sling", but it looks good anyway]

I bought my tap from Screw Fix, took the tank off, cleaned it out, had to put hands in to get the nut off the tap from inside, and then replace I did it but as I have small hands, would me more difficult if you have larger hands, fiddly but do-able.

I know its off topic but at least its not about the EU...

Peter

CC has a lot to answer for starting that thread.

Hi this topic has been dealt with in the past see (previous threads) I replaced mine when I had the van with a metal tap fitting from screwfix worked a treat
 
and emptied much faster  the removal of the tank is not that difficult if you can get under the van (I used ramps),
 
I would suggest if you go that way when you remove the inspection covers to get your hands in that when you refit them that you use some sealant on the
 
large "O" rings I didn,t the first time and after fitting filled with water and they leaked so had to do it all again by that time I could do the whole job from start
 
to finish in less than 2 hrs another tip is to soak the threads the night before with penetrating  oil and to lower the tank slowly on a scissor jack.

I hope this is of some help!
Pat

dencol wrote:Boys toys!  G scale trains roughly 1:22 scale. Also have radio control boats and just finished trike off.  Oh and had a very understanding wife

Now you've got ME interested, I make model boats as well.
Biker as well, is that a V-max trike??

Dropping the tank is not very difficult or time consuming.
When out it is satisfying to give it a good clean and replace any taps and connectors , and replace the hanging bolts.
It is also an opportunity to inspect the chassis , floor , and inner sill , and deal with any rust problems ,and waxoil.

Due to disability getting under the van is very difficult and I had hoped I could easily change the tap as dropping the tank is beyond my abilities.  It's also why I was Thinking of a hose extension rather than tap cause even getting under the van to turn tap is difficult.
Looks like I'm at some point going to have to bite the bullet and have the tank dropped.  
Oh and yes it's a 1200cc v-max and fitted back axle from MGB sports makes for an 'interesting' ride.

The fresh water drain tap on my Fiat Ducato Harmony appeared to be dripping from the flange that sits against the tank. I tried to nip it up but it seems the thread in the inner nut is partial stripped and wont seal. I removed the tap after draining and tried various sealants but to no avail so as a temporary measure made up a plate to go inside and lock a plate on the outside with a bit of rubber in between. I do not want to have to drop the tank so have decided to either tap the hole out to 1 1/4" bsp, screw a bush in and screw the tap into the bush or find a suitable plastic adhesive. Can any one recommend a good one. Thank you.

Hi Guys - I purchased a replacement tap from my local home brew shop - took it and my Symbol to my local garage - they put van on vehicle lift - then unscrew access gland in base of water tank and unscrewed and removed old tap - they then somehow glued tap fixing nut inside tank and fitted new tap - now its easy to unscrew tap if required. Total garage cost £20.00