Ikea Elverdam mixer tap problems on Domsjö sink

Hello again,

I finally had my kitchen installed today, which went smoothly except for a few problems. However, the mixer tap Elverdam is not properly fastened to the sink. The installer (not from Ikea because of the electrical appliances) said that this is often the case with IKEA faucets, that they cannot be mounted securely.

However, after maybe ten uses, the mixer tap wobbles so much that we are afraid it might come off completely. The installer said that this is IKEA’s fault and that I should exchange the thing. I am also missing that installation tool (pipe, similar to a spark plug connector) to tighten it myself.

The installer mentioned something about bending if you tighten it too much... What should I do now? Will it be exchanged? Or are there other ways to secure the thing? Does Ikea have spare parts (tools)? I would prefer to exchange it and invest my money in a faucet from Grohe – at least they look more robust…

Thanks and all the best for May

Saschaline

Hello, first check whether the installer has installed everything exactly according to the assembly instructions. The triangular plastic part should not be necessary for domsjö and only adds extra instability. The pipe wrench is supplied with the faucet. If you don't have it, the installer probably stole it from you. As a replacement part, you can get it at IKEA. The part number is listed in the assembly instructions. Tighten the nut firmly but gently. The nut should not loosen by itself.

Hello Saschaline!

That’s really a crappy situation! Sometimes I just can’t believe the botch jobs some craftsmen do.

To me, it sounds more like your craftsman didn’t feel like installing the mixer tap properly. But he still wanted to get paid for his mess, right? By the way, he is also liable for his work somewhere and must provide a warranty for it. So he won’t get away that easily.

Of course, it’s possible that something was wrong with the mixer tap. But what were you supposed to do with the installed tap in that case? Take the whole kitchen back to Ikea?

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Take the installation manual in hand. On page 6 it’s pretty well illustrated how you should proceed. What I couldn’t find out was whether the "socket wrench" you described is supplied by Ikea or if you have to have your own. But I think it came with the tap. Presumably, the idiot just took that part with him because he wants to charge again when he comes to fix it.

If you have no clue about craftsman work and don’t want to have any, that’s fine; then you probably have to hassle with the craftsman or deal with Ikea.

My opinion: your craftsman did not do his job properly!

I would call the craftsman and give him the choice of two options: either the tap is defective (which I don’t believe), in which case the craftsman is not to blame, but then it was wrong to install it. SO he has to remove the tap at his own expense and you settle it with Ikea. Of course, you would then have to pay for a new installation. I would try to negotiate a goodwill solution with Ikea for that. Or the tap is fine and he did not install it properly, then he must immediately fix it.

In the conversation, I would insist on immediate correction and also inform him that if he does not fix it by [date] May you will commission another professional company to carry out the work as a substitute performance.

Then definitely send a fax with the same content, deadline with date, and otherwise substitute performance, or if no fax machine is available, a registered letter with return receipt. When setting the deadline, never write within 3 days, but always write by [date] May 2012. And verbally and in writing mention deadline setting and otherwise substitute performance.

Substitute performance means you commission another company to properly repair it and he has to pay for it. Look this up on Wikipedia under construction law; I put the link in there for you.

If you don’t feel like talking to the artist, the fax or registered letter will suffice. In no case should you waive your written statement.

The good news: you will get a N-O-N wobbly-doodly tap.
The bad news: you will have to be patient for some time and live with the wobbly-doodly tap.

A third option would be to try yourself or ask neighbors, a friend, or girlfriend to help. Then first get the socket wrench from Ikea. And don’t forget to continue recommending your craftsman!

A fourth option could be: You get the tap again from Ikea, then you have it complete with all parts (including the socket wrench) and hold it under the craftsman’s nose when he is there. He will hardly claim that two parts are defective.

PhotoCat

First of all, many thanks. I already suspected something like that. There are still a few other small issues left in the kitchen, like the crown molding or filler strip, due to missing tools. Then he will just have to take another look when he comes back.

But I took that off him for now under the premise that the fault lies with IKEA (handover protocol). I don't think I can tighten it any further with this socket wrench either - at least it looks similar to the description.

Thanks again

Regards

Saschaline

As far as I can judge from the photos, everything looks very good. I don't think that anything is missing or needs to be followed up now...

As far as I can judge from the photos, everything looks very good. I don't think anything is missing or needs to be tightened...

The only question left is:

"Why is it wobbly?"

Can I get it exchanged now – even without the key tube (and I don't have that little triangle thing anymore either, the installers have it)?

Or how do I get this thing to hold? As it is, it's junk... and in no way properly usable.

Best regards

Saschaline