How to change a tap washer?

[zenwood]

I thought I knew how to change a washer when a tap starts dripping, but I'm stymied here at step no. 1: I can't get the tap off. I undid the little ('hot') nut that holds the tap on, but the tap still won't come off, no matter how hard I pull.

Any suggestions?

[Andy Mac]

Hi Zenwood,
I had the same problem just yesterday! Worked out that I didn't need to, just open the tap to full flow (with the mains off obviously!! ) to allow space underneath; undo that shroud directly below to access the main nut. When you undo that the whole top assembly will come off as one, and thereby allowing you to pull out the washer.
Do you have a tap reseating tool? Well worth doing if you can.

Cheers,

[E. maculata]

G'day Zenwood, have you read the book "Zen and the art of plumbing"?.
Seriously quick spray with inox or the like, then whilst pulling (on tap Al ) gently tap the shaft with something with a little bit of weight, tack hammer or long pin punch come to mind, carefull not damage the thread, although if you do a file can often restore it. Hope it helps.

[DanP]

Zen,

There will be a build up of corrosion between the spindle and handle. You will need to loosen it to get it off. Try some CRC/WD40 to lubricate it and then persuade it with light taps with a small hammer. Probably wouldn't hurt to give it a spray and then tap it ON (if there is any room to go that way) this will give you a little bit of play and then you can work it back and forth with copious amounts of CRC. It will eventually loosen.

Dan

[Dean]

Some older tap handles may have a little grub/small screw on the handle shaft also that might need loosening?

[zenwood]

Thanks to all for the replies. Turns out AndyMac was on the right track. The shroud under the tap is spring loaded against the tap. Open the tap full and the shroud pulls out giving access to the main nut.

Problem solved, and saved me calling in a plumber to change a washer. SWMBO says, "that's a really useful forum".

[Ivan in Oz]

SWMBO says, "that's a really useful forum".

Watch it,
Something in the Pipeline:confused:

[AlexS]

So how many woodworkers does it take to change a tap washer?

[echnidna]

So how many woodworkers does it take to change a tap washer?

Is it a hot tap or a cold tap??

[Dean]

I thought it depended on how much wood a woodworker could work when the work on the wood would work on wednesdays?

[Gra]

if all else fails BFH will fix it....