Change washer

miche66

Does anyone know how to undo this tap please? It's no longer turning off properly and can be easily left running if not careful.
Problem is, I can't work out how to undo the tap and I can't find anything on Google!

Any advice would be gratefully received!

QrizB

Usually:

- prise off the silver cover on top of the knob. The blue ring will probably come with it.

- undo the screw that this reveals.

- lift off the knob.

This will reveal the brass tap body that can be unscrewed using a large enough spanner. Grip the spout in your other hand to stop the tap twisting and risking damage to the supply pipe.

miche66

Thank you - I tried that and nothing budged. I will use a bit more force, its obviously a very old tap!

WIAWSNB

What won't budge - the chrome handle, or the actual brass body underneath? 
This is one of these jobs that'a good/mildly challenging DIY jobbie, but often rendered a 'mare by the brass body being tight.
This leads to the issue as described by QB - you accidentally turn the whole tap in the process. If this happens, you may need to retighten the tap using the large nut under the sink, and you'll also have to check the supply pipe connection isn't dripping.
If you think you can, then seriously consider fully removing the tap first - it's not a lot of extra work, and you'll be able to refurb it far more easily. (But you'll need more tools, so perhaps only do so in the event you do accidentally loosen the tap...)
Alternatively, there's a cracking tool that cracks the joint - a sleeve slips over the tap spout, and another goes on the tap nut - a screw then pulls them together. The brass section moves, with no risk of ditto to the tap body. But they are around £30, I think. (You could buy and sell on for £20, I'm sure.)

grumpy_codger

WIAWSNB said:

What won't budge - the chrome handle, or the actual brass body underneath? 
...

I think it was the plastic cap at the top of the handle. If so, it's worth (repeatedly) spaying/wetting with some limescale remover.

WIAWSNB

To remove the plastic cap at the top, all you need to do is shout at it.

Or, prise it off where the coloured ring is, carefully using a sharp blade. Get the tip of the blade slightly pushed in between the blue ring and the chrome, at around 45 degrees, and lever it up. Or even between the chrome handle and the blue ring.