whale mixer tap small leak

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Unscrew lever, loosen hidden alan grub screw and pull off top.  Unscrew domed cap and remove.  Pull out cartridge.  If its not the cartridge leaking you'll need to replace the tap.

We had the same problem with our Whale mixer tap.  It was the swivel joint that leaked, not the cartridge, and the tap was replaced under dealer warranty.

Kemerton-bath wrote:We had the same problem with our Whale mixer tap.  It was the swivel joint that leaked, not the cartridge, and the tap was replaced under dealer warranty.

Same problem with mine, photo is of the tap that was replaced.

Peter Brown refers to an Allen Key to undo the grub screw behind the lever. On mine it is a small tamperproof TORX head grub screw. I am interested that Whale have sent you replacement seals. I had asked for O rings when I had the same leak and was told they were not available. The seals are actually a semi hard plastic and seem to get coated with lime scale which causes the leak. Cleaning the seals with vinegar or citric acid stops the leak until scale builds up again.
PS Because the grub screw is so far recessed I had to buy a set of Torx Screwdrivers - about £11 from Amazon (Draper)

When I need to undo some Torx security screws on a washing machine  I bought a set of extended Torx bits. £3.

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If I recall it is T10 tamperproof that you may need. You can also get Allen keys I think which could be better.

I have a comet tap that is leaking at the base but it looks similar to this I see what looks like a black rubber seal at the base. I am hopeful I can get at the seal without removing the tap as it seems to be built into the sink cupboard.

Interesting that Whale sent you new seals. Some years ago they sent me a complete new tap. At the time I cleaned up the existing seals and all was well. This year it started to leak so badly that we had to switch the pump off when not in use. This time it was the cartridge which I was able to replace from the new tap.  Replacing the complete tap is not as difficult a job as it first appears provided that you have a suitable length and size box spanner to remove and replace the nut which holds the crescent shaped clamp (not shown in any of the pictures) that clamps the tap body to the sink surround. But it's still an awkward job so easier to use the existing body if the condition of the seals allows.  Replacing the cartridge was perfect solution for me - in fact I suspect that I should have done that when it first started to weep slightly.

i followed the excellent instructions given by babian to take the tap apart but the main body that is supposed to unscrew by hand wont move, even with a pair of mole grips it wouldnt move - as i say mine says comet on the top but it looks identical - any thoughts ?