Help with Supataps

davetrousers

I have got Supataps in my bathroom (yes I know they are old and horrible but I'm decorating the lounge atm). The trouble is I need to change a washer but cannot unscrew the retaining nut. Apparently it's a left hand thread but I can't move it either way to undo it.

Has someone with arms the size of a gorilla overtightened it? Any suggestions on how I can undo the retaining nut?

Thanks

latecomer

Its probably just tight after a long time. Have you tried applying pressure to it (in the clockwise direction if its a left hand thread) and gently tapping it with a hammer? You could also try applying a little heat to it and then doing the same.

davetrousers

Thanks, the trouble is that to undo the retaining nut by turning it clockwise, the tap body turns as well and it is difficult to hold the body of the tap. Might try getting the blow torch on it and tapping (which will probably develop to hitting) with a hammer!

latecomer

Have your tried tighening the tap from underneath to prevent it from turning?

davetrousers

latecomer wrote: »

Have your tried tightening the tap from underneath to prevent it from turning?

Could you elaborate please.

adaze

There might be a nut on the underneath (i.e. the side of the tap, under the sink, that the water pipe enters) that you can hold with a wrench and then screw the retaining nut without the tap spinning. Have you tried some WD40 in there?

27col

I don't think that holding the retaining nut underneath is going to be much help, even if you could reach it. I think that the only feasible way would be to hold the tap body above the sink using a Mole grip, padded to prevent scratching the tap. If the tap is already loose in the sink, then you are going to have to have a go at tightening up the retaining nut from below. Best of luck with that. Any plumber will tell you that it can be a nightmare trying to do up or undo the nut under the back of the sink. Even using the special spanners that you can get for just such a job.