Unable to remove bolt on mixer tap

[Christian10]

Hi,

My (mixer) tap in the kitchen has started to drip. I have purchased some new washers and hoped this would fix the problem.

I have removed the tap handles but I am unable to un do the bolt to get access.

Does anyone have any ideas as I simply cant get them to budge and I don't want to cause any further problems.

Many thanks for your help.

 

[doitall]

A big spanner, and plenty of pressure, but you need to hold the body to stop it turning.

 

[Christian10]

Thank you, I will try that tonight. Would it also be worth getting some WD40 to move it along?

 

[doitall]

No, wd40 won't do any good.

If you have a second pr of hands you could gentle tap the end of the spanner, whilst you hold the tap in place.

It unscrews anti-clockwise.

 

[Christian10]

Thank you, I will give it ago.

 

[ChrisR]

Bolt??

There's lots of different kitchen mixer taps, what sort is it?!

 

[JohnD]

if you have one, a ring or box spanner, or a deep socket, will be less likely to slip and round off the brass nut.

An adjustable spanner is much more likely to cause damage.

 

[doitall]

Bolt??

There's lots of different kitchen mixer taps, what sort is it?!

Read as Body Chris.

 

[Christian10]

I am new to this game but here is a picture of what it roughly looks like:

Untitled

• Christian10
• 16 Aug 2010
• 1

Thanks.

 

[doitall]

It will have ceramic disc not washers, and maybe a cartridge.

 

[JohnD]

turn off the water and take one or both the old ceramic cartridges to your plumbers merchant or DIY shed so you get the right sort. They are much much much more expensive than new tap washers

Buy some PTFE tape as well to wrap round the threads of the new ones. If the thread inside the tap body is scaly or corroded, clean it with wire wool or a green scourer and kitchen spray before fitting the new cartridges.

 

[Christian10]

Thank you.

I have managed to get the cartridge out so will see how much two new ones cost. If not a new tap maybe in order.