Changing a Leaking Ceramic Tap Cartridge

westv

We have leaking tap in the bathroom. I managed to work out the correct cartridge and how to disconnect the water. However I'm finding it impossible to unscrew the old cartridge. I've used WD40 and brute force but it won't budge. I'm also trying to make sure I don't damage the rest of the tap.
Any other ideas would welcome.

thescouselander

Are you sure it's not a left hand thread?

Le_Kirk

I had a similar problem a year or so ago in my son's house. I used a combination of web sites this one and another one.

westv

Le_Kirk wrote: »

I had a similar problem a year or so ago in my son's house. I used a combination of web sites this one and another one.

Many thanks for that but don't they just tell me what I already know? The cartridge I need (which I have already) and the way to change them? I was looking for ideas as to how to remove a very stubborn cartridge.

westv

thescouselander wrote: »

Are you sure it's not a left hand thread?

How likely is that though? The taps are from a major manufacturer (Ideal Standard).

Norman_Castle

westv wrote: »

How likely is that though? The taps are from a major manufacturer (Ideal Standard).

A left hand thread will be used where needed. The maker is irrelevant. Look at the thread on the replacement to find out.

westv

Norman_Castle wrote: »

A left hand thread will be used where needed. The maker is irrelevant. Look at the thread on the replacement to find out.

ok. I just assumed the industry standard would be right handed.

patman99

I have yet to come across a left hand thread on a tap, but that's not to say they don't exist.

Are you confident that a previous owner of the house has not had issues with the same tap and has glued the cartrideg in ?.

I do know from experience that sometimes the cartridge can become almost impossible to undo because it has been in the tap for many years and corrosion has set in. I had one such tap that took a long handled wrench and a club hammer to remove so I do have sympathy with you on this one.

I would advise caution if you are trying to remove the cartridge from a tap attached to a ceramic sink or basin as you can easily crack the sink/basin if you are not careful.

westv

patman99 wrote: »

I have yet to come across a left hand thread on a tap, but that's not to say they don't exist.

Are you confident that a previous owner of the house has not had issues with the same tap and has glued the cartrideg in ?.

I do know from experience that sometimes the cartridge can become almost impossible to undo because it has been in the tap for many years and corrosion has set in. I had one such tap that took a long handled wrench and a club hammer to remove so I do have sympathy with you on this one.

I would advise caution if you are trying to remove the cartridge from a tap attached to a ceramic sink or basin as you can easily crack the sink/basin if you are not careful.

As far as I know the tap was fitted about 8 years ago. From what you say it sounds like a new set of taps might be needed!

patman99

If you can remove the tap and have access to a vice, then you can grip the tap in the vice (wrap the tap in a cloth to prevent damage) and use extra force to release the cartridge.

westv

Afraid I don't have a vice.

Aren't these cartridges supposed to last forever without needing replacing?! Or maybe 8 years is a very long time in plumbing terms?