How do I free stuck tap?

georgiac

I know this is going to sound pathetic - but here goes!

My bathroom sink taps are probably 35 years old.

They are the mixer kind where the two taps are at either end of the sink and the water comes ou of the centre.

All the gubbins are underneath the sink.

The problem is pretty straightforward, the tap leaks and needs a washer changing.

BUT - the cold tap is stuck solid and after tasking out the small screw I can't remove it to change the washer.

I've had a couple of DIY people try but without success.

Does anyone have any trade secrets as to how to get it off?

Thanks

ps. when I did a search on here the last thing I found was

"Replace taps = not rocket science... Any chimp with a spanner can do it."

So I am expecting a bit of abuse for this one! Tough skin, I can take it!

tigeress289

Other than turning off the supplies and striping the complete assembly out to repair. I would say that there is a fair risk you could damage the sink. I suspect that you what to remove the tap head to be able to get to the valve. The screw you have rounded off is in the tap head? The age of the taps is of concern as breaking the seal is going to be hard. You can drill the screw out and retap it but then getting the head off could cause problems if stuck tight. You could damage the sink trying. Consider replacing the mixer completely as this could avoid future problems. Sorry may not be what you wanted. Is there a chance you could take a photo and load it?

ormus

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/taps/index.htm

try here for some good advice on changing taps etc...

georgiac

tigeress289 wrote: »

Other than turning off the supplies and striping the complete assembly out to repair. I would say that there is a fair risk you could damage the sink. I suspect that you what to remove the tap head to be able to get to the valve. The screw you have rounded off is in the tap head? The age of the taps is of concern as breaking the seal is going to be hard. You can drill the screw out and retap it but then getting the head off could cause problems if stuck tight. You could damage the sink trying. Consider replacing the mixer completely as this could avoid future problems. Sorry may not be what you wanted. Is there a chance you could take a photo and load it?

Hi, sorry, the screw is not the problem. I have managed to take it out ( it was in the side of the tap head - and once removed the tap head should just come off easily)

The problem is inside the tap has either corroded or has a load of gunk in it which means that no amount of persuausion is working to lift off the tap itself.

Sorry if I didn't explain myself very clearly.

Thanks

London50

Possible stupid question but have you tried spraying the corroded/gunked up thread area with something like WD40, let it soak in and then try again {it could take a few treatments}

happybiker

No, you haven't explained very clearly at all. Is it the problem that you can't pull off the tap thumpiece ( or tap head , handle etc) Cross head thumbpieces usually have a screw in the side so I presume it's one of those?

Remove the side screw and turn the tap handle anti clockwise so the tap is fully open. Get a thick jawed adjustable spanner and put it onto the tap spindle between the handle and chrome cover. It should fill the gap completely. Close the spanner jaws lightly round the spindle and hold the spanner in place , then turn the handle clockwise to shut off the tap. It will be stiff to turn but The spanner jaws will act as a wedge and the handle should jack itself off. Before taking the chrome cover off, wrap a rag soaked in boiling water round it. This will expand the cover and make it easier to remove.

tigeress289

That is what I thought in relation to you damaging the sink. If you use a basin spanner. You can put one end under the tap head and gently hit the upper part. However, this is where you can damage the sink as you really need it to be two handed. WD40 sometimes works but the best result doing it that way is to just leave it to soak in as long as possible. Another trick is to heat it up but you need to make sure you know what you are doing. That is why I suggested removing the unit, to be able to put real pressure on the joint. It will save damaging the sink.

geordie458

http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.565498.cm_scid.KeywordSearch

http://www.qvcuk.com/ukqic/qvcapp.aspx?view=2&app=detail&params=item^565497,navlist^565497*562993*,cm_scid^dtlr


Saw these tools the other day on telly.

tigeress289

That is more for helping take the body out but I dont think many plumbers have it in there tool kit. I still say take the tap off to remove it safely.