Bathroom Tap Jams Up

[Martyn Bell]

I have replaced the compression washer valve on my bathroom hot tap many times. The hot tap only lasts about a year before needing replacing again. The hot tap will jam up especially if it is already hot, making it very difficult to get any water out. Repeatedly turning on & off helps a bit.
When I replace the valve I can not figure out what is causing the problem as it freely works in my hand. I have a low water pressure system supplied from hot water tank topped up from cold water tank in loft. Any help or advice greatly appreciated.

 

[kidgreen61]

Strip the valve completely, dry it off then apply lots of silicone grease to all moving parts/seals/O rings.
Will last a bit longer then.

 

[Martyn Bell]

Thanks Kidgreen61 but I always do that when fitting. Is it possible that when the tap is closed the shaft comes too far out of the hex, jamming up initially & then reseating correctly when opened & closed a few times? I wonder if the washer is thick enough.

 

[Martyn Bell]

I have fitted yet another new compression washer valve which works fine. As I removed the old one I made sure the tap was in the fully closed position. It had not unscrewed too far as I thought. I could screw it out further, (using the splines) but it would not screw in at all. When I dismantled it I could see that water had got past the small jumper o ring seal & into the screw threads causing a hydraulic lockup. Once the water was removed it worked fine. Next time I will fit a new o ring (if I can get one) & try that.