How do I change the washer in this tap?

[Mander]

I've managed to get this far but now I don't know what to do next.

This tap has been getting increasingly hard to turn off all the way so I'm trying to change the washer. I'm sure I've done it before but now I can't figure out how to take it the rest of the way apart to get to the washer! What's the next step?

 

[Madrab]

Pair of grips and a cloth and take the shroud off, valve will be underneath. Turn off water, open tap until water stops running. Adjustable spanner and whilst holding the end of the tap spout with grips, loosen the valve and take out, see what washer it needs, replace and refit in reverse.

 

[Mander]

Of course I can't get that bit to turn either. I'll have to see what kind of tools I've got that might work.

 

[opps]

It you have slip jaw pliers, you can wrap a leather belt around the shroud which will increase the grip without scratching the chrome. @Madrab is correct about using cloth but yours sounds especially tight.

 

[Deleted member 267285]

Try applying some heat, for example pour some boiling water over the tap, being careful after as the metal would get hot.

 

[Mander]

I've successfully managed to loosen the whole tap now but not the bit I'm trying to take off, of course! Stupid to think I might end up having to hire someone for this simple job...

 

[ericmark]

I had same problem, got the cover off, but the unit under cover was so tight I could not move it without moving whole tap, so borrowed the battery impact driver from work, and done in seconds, took module to local merchants and told it was a number 2 and job done.

I suspect plumbers also have impact drivers, not a clue how you would remove without one?

 

[Mander]

I have an impact driver, but no use if I can't get the cover off...

 

[Elkato531]

Wrap a few rubber bands around the shroud. The extra grip often means you can unscrew by hand or, if grips are needed, the rubber bands protect the chrome

 

[HERTS P&D]

Just fit new taps:

Cross Head Basin Taps Chrome

Solid brass tap with exceptional duragleam chrome for a lasting finish. Supplied with brass back nuts for a superior lasting fit.

www.cityplumbing.co.uk

Andy

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I've successfully managed to loosen the whole tap now but not the bit I'm trying to take off, of course! Stupid to think I might end up having to hire someone for this simple job...

Put a spanner on the tap, poke a lever through between spanner and the tap's spout, then push on your lever. Use something soft for the lever, like a piece of timber. That way, the tap base will not move.

 

[opps]

I quite like the strap wrenches- no risk of scratching. They are made out of plastic and rubber. Also useful for opening jars.

BOA BOASTDSG Soft Grip Constrictor Strap Wrench

BOA BOASTDSG Soft Grip Constrictor Strap Wrench

ffx.co.uk