Changing tap washer

[NBee]

...yes really!

I've done this before, I'm not a complete novice...

However, after I've taken the cap off the tap, and removed the small screw in the top, nothing moves. I believe I should just be able to take the tap head away to expose the insides... but it's stuck firm.

Am I missing something? Do I wrench it?


Thanks.

 

[spraggo]

Use patients and gentle persuasion.

 

[Burnerman]

Get some WD40 in there, leave it a while and it should come free......some reckon that pouring boiling water on first helps to make things expand.
This is assuming that the tap top hasn't got a screwed on bezel, of course - only a pic would help us identify this type.
John

 

[NBee]

Here's a quick picture, if I've done it right.

Untitled

• NBee
• 14 Dec 2010
• 1

Does the top part come off separately from the lower part?

 

[kirkgas]

try pouring boiling then cold water over it, it doesnt work every time but it can loosen the head enough to get it off

 

[Burnerman]

Yep, that crossed head pulls off (eventually) and the bezel below it will be screwed in place.
Wrap the bezel with masking tape to prevent damage if you reach for the pliers....
John

 

[NBee]

Right, this problem is more complex than I originally thought.

Firstly, I couldn't change the washer... there was a small screw holding it in place, and as soon as I put a screwdriver to it, it corroded into nothing. So there's no way the washer is coming out. Anyway, it looked in absolutely perfect condition.

The problem I have, is that barely no water is coming out of the taps. The cold tap has been like it for some time, and now the hot tap has done the same thing. I turn the tap on, and the water dribbles out.

Now I know the pressure to the taps is fine, so what would cause this? Is it just a case of cheap rubbish taps which need replacing?

 

[Burnerman]

Before you junk the entire set up, B&Q do replacement tap heads that look very similar, if you're interested. Just fitted a pair for someone last week.
John

 

[NBee]

Oh right, you mean the whole inside section, with the washer and everything?

Do you think this would solve the issue?

 

[Burnerman]

Yep, thats basically it....out with the old tap insert, and in with the new.
I've fitted quite a few in my time, and can't remember any particular problems apart from one bath tap which was an oddball size.
Obviously I can't speak for your situation though!
If you do go for these, turn them on before you screw them in.
John

 

[NBee]

Thanks for your help John, and everyone