Hot bath tap and cold sink tap stopped working

[ukboxer]

Hi,

The hot tap for the bath and the cold tap for the sink have both stopped working. They both turn fully but only a tiny drip comes out. They are both situated in the same room. I would understand more if it was say both the hot taps that had stopped but one of each makes no sense to me.. HELP

 

[dextrous]

Assuming all other taps work, I suspect it's just a freaky coincidence and both need new washers.

 

[ukboxer]

Hi Dextrous,

Thank you for your reply. I have been able to undo the plastic handles of the taps but taking off the small circular cover and un-screwing the screw. Ive been unable to turn the actual tap screw to get to the washers, I dont want to force it as im also having trouble turning the stop-cocks too. Is there anything I can do to loosen these? I dont really want to flood the house lol

 

[ukboxer]

Oh and yes all the other taps work just fine

 

[dextrous]

Have you actually pulled the handles off? If so there should be a larger nut that will require a spanner.

But, before you do this, can you advise what sort of system you have - in particular whether the water is mains (combi) or gravity fed (via a cylinder via a tank in the loft)?

In any case, you need to turn off the supply to the taps - there may be isolator valves under the sink, or you'll have to turn off the mains it it's mains fed, or you'll have to shove a stopper into the outlet of the cold water tank (if there's not a gate valve on it if you're lucky). Depends what you've got.

 

[tincup]

Hi
Could be an air lock.

HTH

 

[ukboxer]

Hi, Yes the handles are off and the larger nut is visable but is extremely stiff, so much so that it feels like it may snap in half if i turn them any harder.

As for the system, the hot water comes from a combi boiler on the same level (i live in a flat) and there is a cold tank in the loft for the cold water so i presume the sink cold will be from there.

Also ive found all the stop-cocks but again they hardly budge and I dont want to break them, well not tonight anyway! Is there anything to help loosen the larger nut? Like WD40?

Would I be better off replacing the entire tap mechanism rather than just the washers? Or will that become a huge job?

Thanks again for your replies