Tap stuck cartridge blow torch TIP

[dcawkwell]

Well got called out to a hot kitchen tap (not a mixer) driven from a combi boiler although that bit isn't relevant.

Anyway removed the head and tried the socket on it.

This sucker wasn't for moving. It was just rounding the
nut off.

Looking like it would have even possibly needed the sink out to
replace the taps it didn't look good.

With the water off and the hot pipe drained,
applied blow torch to the tap just where the spout leaves the main body both sides. Just enough to get it nice and hot.

Switched the water back on and hey presto. Tap working as good as new.

Worth a try if you have the same problems.

 

[Dan Robinson]

A cordless impact Wrench is handy for stuff like that.

Had a customer in Henley. Bathroom company had made a pig's ear of an install and needed to change the bath mixer cartridge.

I was there to fix the UFH and the lady just burst into tears because some Gibbon from the shop had come round with his boss and they were scratching each others a7ses working out how to get the cartridge out.

It was a great moment. Walked into the bathroom - ignored the two idiots. Looked at the taps for a few moments. Turned round and walked out to the van. Came back with socket set and Impact Driver (DeWalt).

Whizz Whizz.


Handed the tap to the boss guy and walked out without saying a word.


Didn't even charge them as the look on their faces was priceless.



Out of interest DC - did the heat discolour the chrome - or did you keep the flame moving?

 

[dcawkwell]

A cordless impact Wrench is handy for stuff like that.

Had a customer in Henley. Bathroom company had made a pig's ear of an install and needed to change the bath mixer cartridge.

I was there to fix the UFH and the lady just burst into tears because some Gibbon from the shop had come round with his boss and they were scratching each others a7ses working out how to get the cartridge out.

It was a great moment. Walked into the bathroom - ignored the two idiots. Looked at the taps for a few moments. Turned round and walked out to the van. Came back with socket set and Impact Driver (DeWalt).

Whizz Whizz.


Handed the tap to the boss guy and walked out without saying a word.


Didn't even charge them as the look on their faces was priceless.



Out of interest DC - did the heat discolour the chrome - or did you keep the flame moving?

It was a stainless steel finish. Older style tap. Wouldn't have tried
it on something newer. Didn't even mark it and my blow torch is
a brazing torch so would have got it pretty hot.