Can't get tap valve off to change washer

nkkingston

We've had a dripping tap since we moved in to our new house, and I thought, hey, changing a washer! That's a good entry level DIY job for a new home owner. Let's get on that.

I got the tap off easily enough, but for the life of me I can't get the valve to unscrew. I've tried hot water and WD40 (not at the same time), and we're using an adjustable wrench so it fit tightly around the nut, but no luck so far. This is as far as we've got. (as you can see, the WD40 has been liberally applied not just to the valve, but also to half the sink!)

Has anyone got any tips for how we might get this off? I feel like calling a plumber for a washer is overkill.

d0nkeyk0ng

I had to do similar recently. I had problems. Firstly, an adjustable wrench is rubbish. A spanner is better. A ratchet and socket even better. I found the wrench just kept slipping. Secondly, brute force and make sure you're applying it in the correct direction. At one point I had to use my bodyweight (90kg) for that nut to open. Thirdly, that looks like a ceramic cartridge that needs replacing, not just a washer. Once you undo it, take it with you to B&Q or wherever to get the same size/type.

nkkingston

I figured we'd have to replace the whole thing once we got it off. It's looking a bit battered after our efforts!

Newbie question: how do you know which is the right direction to apply pressure? With it not moving at all, I've just guessed that it wants to be turned towards me, but I've tried the other way too.

d0nkeyk0ng

Anticlockwise

Chanes

nkkingston wrote: »

I figured we'd have to replace the whole thing once we got it off. It's looking a bit battered after our efforts!

Newbie question: how do you know which is the right direction to apply pressure? With it not moving at all, I've just guessed that it wants to be turned towards me, but I've tried the other way too.

I remember it as righty tighty, lefty loosey. I have no idea which programme I heard that.

nkkingston

Good, so it's the same as everything else! I had a moment of panic that tap valves might be some special thing

Le_Kirk

Chanes wrote: »

I remember it as righty tighty, lefty loosey. I have no idea which programme I heard that.

.......... or Clockwise to Close

If it is a ceramic cartridge, it may not unscrew, it might slide out but you will have a locking screw somewhere on the body. Had a devil of a job recently removing one, couldn't find the locking screw. Went on Auntie Google and looked at various images of taps until I found the one I wanted and then went on that site and found an exploded view.

nkkingston

I've had a google but I don't know if I'm finding the same thing. Do you still have the link?

Le_Kirk

Here is one link..... and here's another one.