Spec Me Correct Plumbing Spanner

Vern1961

Vern1961

Vern1961

Soldato
Joined
29 Mar 2007
Posts
4,704
Location
Swindon UK
Ran into trouble changing the mixer tap on the kitchen sink this afternoon... just cannot get the securing nut on the hot tap loose with normal adjustable spanner or wrench. Not helped by corrosion on the fitting either.

Quick picture of the job...

tapconnectorb92e7.jpg


Can someone spec me the correct tool to get in there and loosen the nut, please (B&Q or similar link okay so I know what I'm looking for).

I did try and get someone out to sort the problem but so called 24/7 plumbers in Swindon don't seem to like working Sunday so back to DIY tomorrow.
 
Presumably something like this?

http://www.screwfix.com/p/adjustabl...tracking url&gclid=COOy6NuwsM4CFUFsGwod6N8Nng

I'm still half tempted to try and get a plumber out in case it really is wedged solid, luckily the in-line water stops are working so not had to shut off the stop-****. Let's just hope "24/7" at least equates to "12/5".

Worst of all I thought this would be a nice easy Sunday afternoon job, earn lots of hubby points but instead I've been informed as a result of my ineptitude, I'm now in deficit... :)
 
Yeah that tool is correct.

If you had a blowtorch you could heat it up and it would loosen easier.

It's just down to strength or leverage. You don't need to pay a plumber. Just persevere and you will be fine.
 
I'd be inclined to get the monument tap spanner, as they can get into tight spots quite well. But cost more to buy.
I think any form of heat from a blow torch would damage the plastic nut holding the tap to the sink, and would hinder its removal. The brass water connection just needs the right spanner and some effort. Possibly a second pair of hands to hold the tap from spinning. Depends how tight it is really.

Oh and and 24hr/emergency plumber... be prepared to pay over the odds for that service, your better off just getting a regular plumber in, have a chat to friends/family/neighbours if you don't know one

Mick.
 
If the isolators are working then just try it yourself. Get a trap wrech. The one with the adjustable head is better as has been suggested above.

If its too tight the get a spanner on the bottom of the tap wrench to give you more leverage and it should come off ok.
 
If there are isolators on the pipe - shut the water off and chop the pipe would be my suggestion.

A fresh piece of pipe would be your best bet as trying to put a new tap/fitting on a rusted pipe will cause you more hassle in the long term.
 
booyaka said:
If there are isolators on the pipe - shut the water off and chop the pipe would be my suggestion.

A fresh piece of pipe would be your best bet as trying to put a new tap/fitting on a rusted pipe will cause you more hassle in the long term.
Click to expand...

Hi Might have to solder the tails to new pipe if he did that depending type of taps they are.
 
Currently waiting on a plumber we spoke to this morning appearing, if not I will go and get the tool and have another go myself. It does look like over the years there has been a bit of water seepage from the fitting so the copper pipe to the isolating valve, nut and tap thread are all seized as one. I wouldn't be at all surprised if as suggested above they have to cut the pipe to get the thing out.

Update:

Plumber has been. In the end, definitely not a DIY (my level anyway) job. The threaded stem of the tap had somehow sheared inside the tap itself so there was nothing to grip while trying to unscrew the nut on the supply pipe. In the end he managed to get the body of the tap lifted sufficiently clear of the sink to get an angle grinder in and cut through the stem, then cut the copper pipe just above the isolaters to get the old tap off. New bit of pipe in to replace the severed length then able to fit the new mixer tap. Guy reckoned he'd never seen a tap do that before - at least he had to work a bit for the money... :)
 
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