Hot tap in bath won't come on

[Bratters]

Help!

The hot tap in our bath won't come on. You can turn it a bit (maybe one complete turn), then it seems to jam. No water comes out. Sometimes you can turn it on more than that, and maybe get a trickle of water, sometimes not.

Is it possible to replace just the 'inner' part, i.e. the actual tap mechanism? Or do I have to replace the whole thing, i.e. including the visible parts (in which case I'll obviously need to replace the pair). Is it worth trying to clean it, remove limescale, or whatever?

Thanks for any help.

 

[AMEdinburgh]

From a DIYer not a plumber

Firstly, you'll need to turn off your hot water to the tap. There may be an isolator in the pipe under the bath or somewhere else nearby or you might have to drain down the hot system

Assuming you have a traditional type of tap, you should be able to unscrew a small screw and take off the top of the tap. revealing the shaft. Then you have to unscrew the decorative cover, covering the tap mechaism itself. Be careful using any hard tools or you'll spoil the finish. Those whip like things that are sold for releasing jars are good, as they are kind to the surface or alternatively can wrap some insulating tape on the cover then reverse the tape and keep wrapping tightly to have the sticky side outermost and this will give the grip to unscrew it by hand.

Once off, you will see the tap mechanism and a suitable spanner will release it low down where it meets the main casting You might need only need to change the rubber washer (usually 3/4" size ) but look down where the washer sits to see if the seat area is nice and smooth. If not you can lightly dress it with a special but inexpensive tool that screws in where you have released the tap mechanism and a couple of turns of the abrasive wheel to clear any pitting / debris and you're set.

Then reassemble the tap into the casting which will probably require some PTFE tape on the threads unless there is a rubber washer. At that point, you can temporarily fit the tap top and put the water back on to see if it works OK. If you're fine, take the top back off and screw on the decorative cover, only lightly finger tight so you can get it off next time. Refit the top and screw and you're set.

If the tap mechanism has itself failed you can take the little gland nut off the top and release the shaft and clean everything up but if the tap is in poor condition, you might be better seeing if you can replace that bit which may be possible, without having to change anything else.

Hopefully the experts will give you more guidance.

 

[lagunaglen]

Tap revivers, from screwfix, £6.99 /pair.
Instructions supplied, you will need 3/4" ones for a bath.
Just as easy as replacing a washer and a long term repair.