Tap Problem

Miser_maz

The cold water tap in the bathroom basin has been a bit stiff for a while. However its now got to the stage that it will turn only slightly, which limits the water to little more than a trickle.

I'm not a DIY man at all, and will most likely need to call a plumber. Just looking to know if anyone knows about these things and how much would this cost to fix.

Take_it_like_a_man,_sonny

It could be the spindle that moves the washer plunger is stuck. To solve this, take the tap handle off, usually a screw holds this on. When free, there may be a cover over the tap. Remove this. If you have to use pliers or other, use card on the teeth to prevent damage.

Spray with wd40, to loosen. Levee for ten minutes. If not free, repeat three times. Use tap handle to free.

If still not fixed, turn off water supply, drain system. Use 11/16 spanner, and unlock tap, clean as necessary. Replace washer as required.

Mr_Ted

All depends on the age and type of tap?

If its an old style glanded tap then the bonnet/body of the tap needs to be removed, stripped and greased(silicon or vasaline rather than WD40) and then reassembled!

If its a modern glandless tap then it could be the threaded spindle of the inner washer assembly jamming, as they tend to do this as the washer itself gets worn or compressed, stripping, rewashering and reassembling is usually all that is needed.

If you google "water tap components" there are diagrams of all options!

Should only take 30 minutes or an hour maximum to repair!

Dont forget to turn the water off if you do it!

Jonesya

If it's a standard tap gland you can get replacements for a fiver, probably easier to change the cartridge rather than trying to restore it:

http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/plumbing/washers-tap-replacements/taps/PlumbSure-Tap-glands-8mm-Spline-and-Threaded-Collar-11478001

keystone

Advice to change washers is a little premature if we don't know yet whether the tap has a conventional headgear or a ceramic disc catridge.

Cheers

cyclonebri1

Given the original post I'd call a plumber, sorry OP.;)

ListysDad

Assuming it's a conventional tap (nods to Keystone) it's more than likely due to water getting past the main O ring into the threaded part of the jumper. This is due to crap taps (everyone's now the same tho) and begger all tolerance to wear. A decent tap should be designed so the O ring isn't exposed even when there is no washer left but to save money it's all now down to a gnats cok.

The washer gets worn/compressed and the o ring slips past the end and water goes up into the threaded section. Of course water doesn't compress so you can open or close it properly. If you strip it (most washers turn at least once), clean the inside where the O ring sits and lube with SILICONE grease (petroleum jelly will destroy the EPDM O ring) it will last a fair while longer.

Just my two penneth.