Help needed to fix a leaky kitchen tap

[aphollingworth]

I am trying to fix a leaky tap. I'm very handy and should be able to. I think I just need to replace a washer. I don't know how reveal the nut in this casing in order to remove it. I have tried pulling the chrome cylinder out by hand but it doesn't budge. Any advice?

 

[terryplumb]

The chrome shroud will very likely unscrew off to reveal the valve. It may be a struggle to remove if limescale has formed,heating it up first may help . A strap wrench would be preferable to a set of grips for gripping and unscrewing it.

 

[aphollingworth]

Thanks, I will give that a try, there is a build up of limescale so I sprayed with some wd40. Will get strap wrench to attempt to unscrew.

Just out of interest, if I was to heat up, should I just heat the cylinder or the whole join? I assumed heating would expand it and make it tighter. I do have a canister blowtorch so can give that a go

 

[oldbuffer]

1. Heat by pouring hot water over shroud. If surroundings will take it use boiling water, but only if all around is stainless steel. Don't use a blowlamp, you'll wreck the chrome.
2. WD40 has no effect on limescale. Use something like Kilrock.
3. Almost certainly a 1/4 turn tap so will need a new cartridge rather than a washer.

 

[HERTS P&D]

Good luck replacing that washer!
Get replace the tap.

Andy

 

[Elkato531]

Strap wrench will probably slip. Wrap the shroud with a few wraps of insulation tape to protect it (at least 10 turns) and then use pump pliers.

 

[ChrisJP]

I assumed heating would expand it and make it tighter

No, heating the chrome cylinder will make it expand, increasing its diameter so it will get looser

 

[DP]

Good luck replacing that washer!
Get replace the tap.

Andy

That is first thought that I had too when I read the post. Changing the washer made me chucle

 

[dilalio]

Any advice?

Change the tap is the best advice.
As per @HERTS P&D

From those who "know"