Fix Leaking Bathroom Tap

[gushy]

Hi Guys,

My bathroom tap drips and while it should be a simple case of replacing the o-ring (and maybe grinding the seat down) I'm b***ered if I can get it apart.

It's a right angled tap that has a shower, I assumed it would come apart like a normal tap just at a 90 degree angle however I've not had any luck. The videos on the internet of normal sink taps make it look so easy.

I can lift the cap and remove the screw but then the tap handle and innards don't budge. I'm not sure if something else is holding it in or it's just fused with calcium from the ridiculously hard water we have.

It has a collar that looks like it takes a spanner but I think it's decorative (or broken) as it just spins in either direction.

Problem Tap

• gushy
• 2 Jun 2015
• 1

Anyone got any ideas? Tips? I don't fancy paying a plumber for what should be a simple o-ring replacement.

Thanks,

Gushy

 

[TonyW2]

Tap handle stuck on splines.
Pull harder or hit it.

 

[gasmanstu72]

on that picture, the bit you say just spins, it looks to me as if its already started to come undone as some of the threads are showing.

it should come off by turning it anti clockwise, then with that removed you should see the brass body which also comes out enabling you to get to the washer.

does it spin very easily? it could've snapped off the threads, but then it would come completely loose, when you're turning it, do you see it coming forward exposing the threads?

 

[gushy]

Thanks for replying guys.

@TonyW2: I had considered hitting it with a hammer but thought I should find a forum to post a question to first. I didn't want to risk ruining the whole tap without checking first!

@gasmanstu72: It spins freely by hand in either direction. I can't see the threads clearly but it looks like there could be a thread underneath. Here's a closeup picture.

Collar Close Up

• gushy
• 3 Jun 2015
• 1

It's not completely loose, in that picture I'm pulling it forward as far as I can, but even pulling it it doesn't catch onto a thread and then unscrew.

-- Gushy

 

[TonyW2]

Before you deal with the cowl (the bit in green) remove the cross tap handle. Is there a retaining but under the top cover or a grub screw in the handle?

 

[AlanE]

Pour boiling water over the tap handle ans see if it will then 'wiggle' free.

Same with the actual decorative sleeve (green item) under the handle. If it spins free because it has cleared the threaded part also try pouring some vinegar between spindle and cover leave it a bit and repeat. Do this several times and see if cover will come off.

 

[Madrab]

The collar is loose, it's already undone from the threads of the body of the tap.

That's not your issue, you need to get the tap headgear (crosshead) off 1st then you can remove the collar. Once you have that and the collar off you can get to the valve.

You'll need to use a bit of force, small hammer, large hammer, swearing and shouting (in that order) finally a removal tool to get the crosshead off the splines of the tap.

 

[gushy]

Before you deal with the cowl (the bit in green) remove the cross tap handle. Is there a retaining but under the top cover or a grub screw in the handle?

Not sure what a grub screw is, there is a screw in the tap handle that I removed and still couldn't shift the handle - although I haven't hit it with a hammer yet.

Tap Screw

• gushy
• 3 Jun 2015
• 1

 

[gushy]

@AlanE: didn't think of doing either of those things, I'll try that.

@Madrab: definitely sounds like the hammer will be my next steps.

 

[Madrab]

Yep, that screw would normally hold the cross head on, now it will just be corrosion/limescale holding it onto the splines of the valve body. Give it a squirt of limescale cleaner then get something behind the tap head, like an open adjustable spanner, hold that tight against the head and tap with a hammer.

 

[gushy]

Ok thanks, I'll give that a go.