Dripping Tap

Cordie

Hi

I have a dripping tap in the basin of the upstairs bathroom, it was put in by the council about 25 years ago so it would be a very basic model. I've attempted to unscrew it to change the washer and failed and was wondering if all taps unscrew and the only reason I'm failing is I am not strong enough.

missprice

there are videos on youtube to show you how to fix a tap washer and yes you may not be strong enough
although it pains me to say this I had to call in a strong person to do my cold tap (I managed the hot tap for some reason but the cold tap defeated me)
he came with two massive stilsons and did in seconds
please remember to turn off the water first or you will end up with a wet mess:)

Cordie

Thank you missprice I've looked at some videos and seen the programme Superscrimpers on channel 4 that's what gave me the confidence to try to solve the problem myself. Unfortunately I'm failing at the first hurdle because I can't unscrew the tap.

WestonDave

May not be helpful but I spent ages trying to undo a tap once only to realise that under a cap on the grip part was a little screw which enabled you to take the grip off and get to the bit where the washer is.

Alternatively if you are sure you are unscrewing the right part, sometimes it helps to try tightening it slightly before then trying again to undo it - that sometimes breaks the "grip" within the screw thread and allows it to move. You may have to move it back and forth a few times before it unscrews fully.

Cordie

Thanks WestonDave I did think of the screw and spent ages prising off the button at the top of the tap that indicates whether its the hot or cold tap, just to find there was nothing under it.

I'll try your other suggestion on my next attempt.

southcoastrgi

you need to support the tap body so it doesn't turn when you try to undo the nut or it will start leaking from underneath