Shower tap removal - how to

olewy

Hi has anyone come across a tap such as the one in the pics attached and know how to remove it? I want to clean behind it (there’s a lime build up behind it that’s preventing the tap from being turned fully....very hard water in the area). I had it done a few years back by a plumber (€60 for a 5min job). Needless to say I want to do it myself this time.

To describe the tap in case the pictures aren't clear; you turn/twist the main tap to the right to turn it on & it has a smaller separate tap on the front of it to gauge between hot and cold.

I’ve prized off the front part of the shower tap (a hot/cold indicator). That came off easy. Behind this was a screw in the center which I unscrewed allowing me to take off the part of the tap that you turn to regulate between hot and cold.

Behind this per the picture is a hexagonal shaped nut with a gold plated round nut with teeth on it and another screw in the center. Unscrewing this center screw partially lets out a few drops of water. The more I unscrewed it the more water came out (we’re talking drops rather than constant flow). Rather than continue to fully unscrew this center screw I just need to confirm if it needs to come out at all or if I just need to twist the hexagonal bolt in order to take the shower tap off so that I can clean behind it.

Any thoughts from experience?
I've attached two images below to show what I mean (I'll get some bigger, better quality pics up asap).

Joey the lips

Its a concealed valve. The front plate usually just slides off but the plumber prob siliconed it back on the last time.

olewy

Joey the lips wrote: »

Its a concealed valve. The front plate usually just slides off but the plumber prob siliconed it back on the last time.

Thanks. Re concealed valve; I assume you mean the valve is concealed behind the tap in the wall?

So what are you saying as regards removal of the tap so that I can clean behind it?? Are you saying its ok/safe for me to unscrew that small center screw fully out despite the small bit of water that's coming out when I loosen it?

Re front plate; which plate are you referring to? There's no obvious plates when looking at it bar the plate that fits directly on the wall. I need to remove the tap mechanism first if I'm not mistaken from the last time the plumber cleaned it out.

Thoughts??

olewy

olewy wrote: »

I want to clean behind it (there’s a lime build up behind it that’s preventing the tap from being turned fully....very hard water in the area). I had it done a few years back by a plumber (€60 for a 5min job). Needless to say I want to do it myself this time.

Ok, so it looks like nobody can help with how to remove the tap in order for me to be able to clean behind it so I'll have to get a plumber after all.

Can anyone recommend a plumber in Dublin 15 (Ashtown area)?
Preferably reliable and inexpensive. This is a 5min job afterall. Any help appreciated.

Micky Dolenz

There is no such thing as a 5 minute job.

olewy

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

There is no such thing as a 5 minute job.

5 minutes is all it took the last plumber to do it. €60 for the privilege. So I guess there are 5min jobs.

I'm not really concerned about the length of time it takes. Any recommendations for reliable inexpensive plumbers in the D15 area?

Micky Dolenz

olewy wrote: »

5 minutes is all it took the last plumber to do it. €60 for the privilege. So I guess there are 5min jobs.

I'm not really concerned about the length of time it takes. Any recommendations for reliable inexpensive plumbers in the D15 area?

Travel to your home and away. Who should pay for that time?

I have no recommendations for you.

olewy

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

Travel to your home and away. Who should pay for that time?

:rolleyes:
That's why I posted the following above in post #4: "Can anyone recommend a plumber in Dublin 15 (Ashtown area)?"
I live in D15.
i.e. minimal travel costs involved if the plumber lives in or near the area too.

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

I have no recommendations for you.

Thanks. I was only looking for a recommendation.

Micky Dolenz

olewy wrote: »

Thanks. I was only looking for a recommendation.

Your welcome. I like to educate people on matters of fact.

Best of luck.

olewy

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

Your welcome. I like to educate people on matters of fact.

Best of luck.

Teaching & Lecturing forum here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=621

I like people to read posts properly before replying.

Good luck.

Kashkai

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

Travel to your home and away. Who should pay for that time?

I have no recommendations for you.

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

Your welcome. I like to educate people on matters of fact.

Best of luck.

Christ on a stick. Why are you getting so bloody snotty with the OP? She asked a perfectly reasonable question seeking a recommendation for a plumber in D15 (she was quite clear about this) and you get up on your high horse.

Let me guess, you wouldn't get out of bed for less than a couple of hundred? Fair play to you in the current economic climate:rolleyes: Celtic Tiger is gone pal. You'd better lower your sights or go hungry.

OP,

I live in north Kildare and I know a good plumber. I don't know if he'd make it over to you (30 minute drive) as he's got plenty of business to keep him going round here due to his good reputation. However I'll send you on his details as he does the job well, and his prices are reasonable. Plus he's not a snotty little muppet!

olewy

Prosperous Dave wrote: »

Christ on a stick. Why are you getting so bloody snotty with the OP? She asked a perfectly reasonable question seeking a recommendation for a plumber in D15 (she was quite clear about this) and you get up on your high horse.

Let me guess, you wouldn't get out of bed for less than a couple of hundred? Fair play to you in the current economic climate:rolleyes: Celtic Tiger is gone pal. You'd better lower your sights or go hungry.

OP,

I live in north Kildare and I know a good plumber. I don't know if he'd make it over to you (30 minute drive) as he's got plenty of business to keep him going round here due to his good reputation. However I'll send you on his details as he does the job well, and his prices are reasonable. Plus he's not a snotty little muppet!

Finally! A genuinely helpful response!
Thanks for the valuable input Prosperous Dave. I'll give him a call.

Micky Dolenz

olewy wrote: »

Finally! A genuinely helpful response!
Thanks for the valuable input Prosperous Dave. I'll give him a call.

Yeah sorry, please accept my apologies. There is just something about the term "just a 5 minute job" that irks most tradespeople.

I genuinely hope you get sorted and at a reasonable rate