Issues Changing Tap Washer

[fouxdafafa]

Finally got round to looking at the dripping cold tap in our bathroom, assuming the washer needs replacing. Should be an easy job, I've looked up videos etc. I screwed the "C" off, undid the screw underneath, pulled the cross-head off and went to remove the shroud (I think it's called that).

First problem, when I unscrewed the shroud the headgear unscrewed with it. Not the end of the world I suppose, but any suggestions how to remove the shroud from the headgear?

Second problem. I was expecting to find a grub screw holding the washer in place but the screw (or whatever it is) has no slot for flathead or philips screwdriver so I can't see how to unscrew it. Any suggestion?

Third - inside the tap, the bit that the washer screws down onto has a slightly raised rim. Not sure if it's rubber or what. Is that normal?

Greatly appreciate any help. Thanks.

 

[Nige F]

Second problem. I was expecting to find a grub screw holding the washer in place but the screw (or whatever it is) has no slot for flathead or philips screwdriver so I can't see how to unscrew it. Any suggestion?

Third - inside the tap, the bit that the washer screws down onto has a slightly raised rim. Not sure if it's rubber or what. Is that normal?

Greatly appreciate any help. Thanks.

You don`t unscrew just prise the washer off . Could be a washer with a rim - to match the seating ( which could be concave ) from a 1980`s tap - You can get packs of various washers for pennies from a DIY shed

 

[fouxdafafa]

You don`t unscrew just prise the washer off . Could be a washer with a rim - to match the seating ( which could be concave ) from a 1980`s tap - You can get packs of various washers for pennies from a DIY shed

Ah yes. Thanks for that. All the examples I watched had a little screw.

I must admit I didn't spend too much time investigating once I had it all apart because I knew I was at the point of no return, so I just re-assembled it quickly. The tap doesn't have an isolation valve so I can only isolate it by using the stopcock (which doesn't completely turn off, by the way), so unless I can do the job in one go the other "users" will get annoyed.

The house was built in the middle 90s so the taps won't be that old. They're brass effect, old style. I guess what I meant was that the seat has a raised lip around it and I'm not sure whether it's rubber or what.

Any suggestion how to remove the shroud from the headgear when they've come off together?

 

[Nige F]

I guess what I meant was that the seat has a raised lip around it and I'm not sure whether it's rubber or what.

Any suggestion how to remove the shroud from the headgear when they've come off together?

I know what you mean now that`s a brass seat - lip is part of it . Not sure why the shroud shouldn`t come off with the head removed

 

[fouxdafafa]

Thanks. I've never seen inside a tap before so wasn't sure.

I guess the shroud is seized onto the headgear. Maybe some penetrating oil. WD-40?

 

[Burnerman]

The shroud shouldn't have been tightened so much (or the tap insert was left slack!).
You need to grip the tap insert, whilst trying to unscrew the shroud - which may mean you have to squeeze the threads in a vice, using timber for protection. Carefully does it.......!
John

 

[joe-90]

It's not usually the washer, it's the tracking across the seat. It'll need re-seating. Is it worth messing around with the old one? I'd change the taps personally.