Fixing washers in a mixer tap

wait4me

Lads: Followed the instructions on dismantling a tap today to fix what I think is a washer problem. However when I loosen each of the tap headgear/spindles (the brass inserts to get at the washers) (stock pic dripping taps 4) I am not able to remove them from the tap enclosure (like in stock pic dripping taps 5). I could force them but I don't want to end up with a bigger problem than I aready have. Any suggestions

fergal.b

Is that a little circlip in the first pick that has to be removed.

wait4me

yep that clip is there - then what's next??? Sorry for troubling you!

fergal.b

wait4me wrote: »

yep that clip is there - then what's next??? Sorry for troubling you!

This might help I think it's the same http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/ceramic_disc_taps.htm


.

jca

I'd just persuade them a bit with a screw driver I say the washers are spread from continuous over tightening and are catching in the threads on the main body. I presume you have replacement centres?

wait4me

Thanks guys - I'll have another look at this in the light of day. Silly me - all I have are regualr 1/2 inch tap washers - not rings - so I'll have to find a couple of these in the mormning in B&Q or somesuch place.

wait4me

fregal.b and jca: Just looking at the link fergal.b gave me. In photo 1, my part B does not come away from the tap A in the pic but seems to be attached in some way. Does this matter?

Billy Bunting

Agree with jca, good pull will get it, washer may stay on seating and need retrieval.

jca

Your probably as well getting complete inserts. As sure as god the washer you have won't fit your insert. I got a pair in my local plumbers merchant for €15.

wait4me

I will have a look in the morning. What I am afraid of is on both sides of the mixed both inserts seem to be attached to something - and I don't want to pull in case I cause irreparable damage

dodzy

wait4me wrote: »

I will have a look in the morning. What I am afraid of is on both sides of the mixed both inserts seem to be attached to something - and I don't want to pull in case I cause irreparable damage

Yank it out, as others have said, it's just the washer that's causing the jam. 100%. A vicegrips attached vertically will offer you more leverage.

wait4me

Never got around to this today. Reckon I will wait to do it when a plumbers suppliers is open - just in case. So no hot water (or just a trickle!) kids until Dad gets the courage!

jca

wait4me wrote: »

Never got around to this today. Reckon I will wait to do it when a plumbers suppliers is open - just in case. So no hot water (or just a trickle!) kids until Dad gets the courage!

Strange the water is gone to a trickle. I wonder has the washer come off the spindle. When you get the centre out just check that the rubber washer hasn't been left behind.

gctest50

wait4me wrote: »

I will have a look in the morning. What I am afraid of is on both sides of the mixed both inserts seem to be attached to something - and I don't want to pull in case I cause irreparable damage

the suppliers should have this sort of thing :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pair-of-Replacement-Cartridge-Hot-Cold-Repair-Kit-Valve-For-Basin-Bath-Taps-/261281189529

wait4me

Guys: Bit the bullet, yanked it out, bought a replacement set in Chadwicks this morning and replaced both. A three minute job when you know what you are doing - thanks to the collective knowledge of you guys.

jca

Well done.