replacing tap washer: tap unit stuck

[savedave]

Hi there,

Can anyone help me with a little problem? I'm trying to change the washers on my bathroom mixer tap. The hot water side seems fine but the cold tap is stuck. I have taken off the tap head but I cannot remove the tap body. Its stuck tight. I've tried so hard with my adjustable spanner that it's starting to chew up the grip part of the tap.

The tap is about eight years old and may never have been opened before. It's possible that lime scale buildup is making it difficult to open, or maybe it was originally fitted too tight.

Any advice on how to deal with this would be appreciated.

Thanks

Dave

 

[kittedup]

Gentle heat with a blow lamp usually works

Ted

 

[savedave]

Thanks. Blow torch. Don't have one of them. Any Other way to apply heat that works/any other tips.

 

[Whitespirit66]

It's possible that lime scale buildup is making it difficult to open, or maybe it was originally fitted too tight.

Usually done up by some gorilla at the factory.

Heat sometimes helps. Occasionally, I have removed them and used a vice.

Top Tip - before fitting these taps when new - crack open the head to make sure not too tight. Saves the type of grief and possible damage that you are experiencing now.

 

[savedave]

Thanks. Would a hair dryer apply enough heat?

 

[Whitespirit66]

Thanks. Would a hair dryer apply enough heat?

No, you need something hotter. A gas torch, low flame, aimed at the head gear after removing top of tap.

If not possible, remove the tap and put it in a vice (protect chrome with cloth) or place tap flat on ground and use a big spanner. Some taps can be very tight.