My kitchen sink has a swivel spout to direct water to any part of the basin. It leaks from the swivel joint so I suspect the O rings have either perished or been unseated due to calcium deposits due to hard water. I can find no way of removing the swivel neck to gain access to the rings. There are no hidden screws, bolts, etc. I've tried tugging hard upwards in the hope that it is held in by some kind of clip mechanism - but no luck. Any ideas?

 

Not enough info. What make & model faucet? If possible, post a picture, or link to a picture of the faucet in question.

 

Thanks for the speedy reply! My posting rules says I cannot post attachments otherwise I'de send an actual picture. The nearest type of thing is found at http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=13082&ts=30419
The leak comes from the base of the swivel outlet between the hot and cold controls, at the join.

 

Sorry, that one doesn't ring any bells, and nothing on the page give any indication of who made it. A brand name might be helpful.

No hidden screw in back? Underneath? Can you turn the spout 180°?

 

This type of tap (faucet) is very common here in the UK and made by many manufacturers. It definately has no hidden access points externally and yes, it can even turn 360 degrees if there is sufficient space between it and the wall.
Usually the assembly can be pulled out vertically as it is held in place with one or two rubber O rings and a stiff plastic O ring. There are corresponding grooves on the inside of the unit which match up with grooves on the spout inside the swivel area to accomodate the O rings and they hold it in place. If one can get out the spout, one changes the O rings, smear them all with petroleum jelly, and then push the assembly back in place, the O rings effectively lock it in place until they deteriorate due to use or calcium deposits.
Unfortunately, with the one I am working on, I can't get it to dismantle so was looking to see if anyone else had experienced similar difficulty. If the worst comes to the worst, I'll just replace the whole unit.
Thank you for your interest, it seems we have different types of plumbing over here!