The changing of a washer

snips86x · 18 Oct 2013 at 20:35

I've got a leaky cold mixer tap and I've been trying to remove the actual knob of the tap to replace the washer, but it will not budge.

I remove the cap, exposing the screw and blue plate:

I remove the screw and blue plate:

...but that is as far as I can go. The rest of it will not move. The last tap where I replaced the washer required a valve to be removed in order to change the washer, but this has stumped me.

There doesn't appear to be a way to do the same here.

Any ideas? The washer is getting worse, its now a steady stream of water

Beans on toast Dave · 18 Oct 2013 at 20:43

the knob should just pull off, maybe it need some encouragement?

flatblade screwdriver inbetween the tap and the knob to lever it off?

JohnnyG · 18 Oct 2013 at 20:45

You need to apply a bit of upwards force to the underside of that knob (it will come off) then it will reveal the tap head which you can then unscrew from the barrel and get access to the washer, or if you're unlucky, the cartridge

snips86x · 18 Oct 2013 at 21:15

challengedavid said:
the knob should just pull off, maybe it need some encouragement?

flatblade screwdriver inbetween the tap and the knob to lever it off?

JohnnyG said:
You need to apply a bit of upwards force to the underside of that knob (it will come off) then it will reveal the tap head which you can then unscrew from the barrel and get access to the washer, or if you're unlucky, the cartridge

Thanks for your input gents.

I have applied all the pressure I'm able too without ripping the sink of the wall and it's refusing to budget.

Ahh well...new sink & taps it is!!

Perywinkle · 18 Oct 2013 at 21:18

wd-40 in the hole at the top put plenty in a few times and leave it over night. then give it a whack and a lever tomorrow morning.

snips86x · 18 Oct 2013 at 21:24

Perywinkle said:
wd-40 in the hole at the top put plenty in a few times and leave it over night. then give it a whack and a lever tomorrow morning.

Not a bad shout, will give it a shot.

Westyfield2 · 18 Oct 2013 at 21:38

If you're into your car DIY and have got tools, try using a ball joint remover tool on it (they're also used for wiper arms).

Nightglow · 18 Oct 2013 at 21:51

Make sure you have turned off the water before applying any serious force to the tap.

I knew of two peeps, who ended up end up flooding the kitchen & a bathroom, changing a tap washer.

WD40 should work a treat, if the head is plastic, be careful, it might split or shatter.

Sometimes you will find HOT kettle water,pour it over, is enough for it to come loose.

snips86x · 19 Oct 2013 at 07:31

Nightglow said:
Make sure you have turned off the water before applying any serious force to the tap.

I knew of two peeps, who ended up end up flooding the kitchen & a bathroom, changing a tap washer.

WD40 should work a treat, if the head is plastic, be careful, it might split or shatter.

lol, for me, that's a given. Not sure why anyone would think otherwise.