How to remove stuck wall tap spindle?

joeloke

Hi

I've been trying to remove our laundry tap, but it won't budge at all. I'm using a pipe wrench (to grip on the spindle body) and have already tried WD40, but it's still stuck solid. I've already turned the stem to release tension. I don't dare to turn too hard because the pipes in the wall are old and I certainly don't want to fracture them. How much force can old copper pipes take? Would it be a good idea to tap the pipe wrench with a hammer? Are there other ways?



Any advice appreciated.

diamond_dave

Firstly,why are you trying to remove the body do you want to renew the washer or the tap itself? If you really do need to remove the body of the tap, try using a little heat first then tighten it slightly to break the"seal" then undo it. Failing that, you are going yo have to cut a larger hole in the wall and get a stillsons to hold the tap, whilst undoing the body.

joeloke

diamond_dave wrote: »

Firstly,why are you trying to remove the body do you want to renew the washer or the tap itself?

I'm trying to replace the washer. The big square nut on the spindle is too close to the wall, so I'm using a pipe wrench on the body.

If you really do need to remove the body of the tap, try using a little heat first then tighten it slightly to break the"seal" then undo it.

It's actually the cold water tap. I don't have a gas torch, but could heating the spindle with a lighter do?

Jackmydad

I think you're going to have a job to shift that. Which I know is no help.
I'd be careful how much turning pressure I put on that without supporting it from behind.
Lighter's not going to do much. Try a "freezer spray" something like
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/paints-body-repair/rust-removal-treatment/halfords-shock-unlock-spray-400ml-2017
And a "crow's foot" type basin wrench if it'll fit that bigger square.

Jackmydad

Thinking about it I reckon a standard basin wrench will be too big for that.
It's the type of thing you want though.

diamond_dave

Have you got an appropriate sized socket? Try using this and tighten it first before trying to undo it. Lighter will not work,but a heat gun might work can u borrow one?

Ganga

Might be worth taking a couple of tiles of the wall to give better access,then if not able to repair the tap can be replaced.

diamond_dave

Just to add should you manage to undo said tap, don't forget that it will be full of water and this will soak the wall behind the tiles.Beware.