Changing a tap washer. Plumbers.. help please.

[nsgnomad]

All of us at some stage need to have a tap washer changed, and normally I have no trouble with this task.  However, the taps in my bathroom at home are a bit different than normal and I need some guidance.  See the photo below.


I cannot see how the tap spindle is removed to access the washer.  The handle does not have a grub screw (that I can see) that holds it onto the top of the spindle, and the conical shape of the body of the tap makes gripping it impossible.  The only way I can think of is to open the tap with the handle fully and then further turn it to remove the body and spindle in one piece.  I have not yet tried that.

I would appreciate someone who is familiar with this type of tap advising how it is done.  Thanks.

[Old Techo]

Plumbers are expensive and hard to get

Have you had a good look at the underside of the handle for a locking ring type device?   Use a mirror.

I'm sure that DT or Gerry will turn up eventually to offer professional advice

[loub]

I think you will find you undo the conical part which exposes the base of the saft which you then using a spanner undo it and the tap and spindle come out of the tap body and allow you to change the washer,if memory is correct.

[nsgnomad]

That is what I thought also, but the conical shape makes it impossible to grip to turn it.

[Frank and Brenda]

Roger, I had that sort of tap at a school where I was caretaker
OT is correct there is a lock ring behind the handle, I fabricated an L shaped screw driver with a bit off flat steel to fit around the spindle and up into the 2 slots in the lock ring
The conical shaped cover should have a grub screw at the bottom of it, if not it may be threaded indside and screwed on
In that case you'll need a piece of non slip draw liner (I keep 2 in a kitchen draw to loosen tight jar lids) or some thin rubber like a piece of inner tube to help have grip on the cone, push and turn
Good luck

[nsgnomad]

Thanks Frank. With a mirror, now I can see the 2 slots in the internal parts of the handle. Like you said, I will need to fashion a tool to fit around the spindle shaft with prongs to fit into the slots. (A bit like the tool for angle grinders).
I have tried using a non-slip drawer liner to turn the conical bit, but so far, no go. Probably stuck on tight with gunk after all these years.
At least I have a bit of time to work on it. The tap only drips if you don't turn it off hard, but the time is approaching.
Cheers.

[dieseltojo]

Depending on the length of the shaft, Some time it is easier to turn the water off then unwind the tap to turn it fully on. Then undo the flange at the wall in the same direction as the turning on the tap went went. Often you can then get a spanner onto the spindle. It will be a Hex or square nut and simply remove the whole assembly.
If this explanation is to difficult to understand ..... get a plumber.....

[bazza44]

Roger when you do get it off ( suggestion ) replace the tap body with a ceramic type and you will not have to replace a washer again. And it will be easy to turn off.

In 2012 I started replacing all ours inside the house with ceramic tap body's by Ramjet. Never had to touch them again. My wife has arthritis in her hands and can turn the tap off with one finger. Lever handle.

Barry

[gerrym]

Roger, what you have there is a Vandal Proof Tap, and it is designed to be a bit difficult.

Every set comes with a special little spanner, a few dozen of which I recently threw out.

However, Mitre10 among other places can help.

Spanner

[spaceland]

Aug 18, 2023 16:35:48 GMT 10 bazza44 said:

Roger when you do get it off ( suggestion ) replace the tap body with a ceramic type and you will not have to replace a washer again. And it will be easy to turn off.

In 2012 I started replacing all ours inside the house with ceramic tap body's by Ramjet. Never had to touch them again. My wife has arthritis in her hands and can turn the tap off with one finger. Lever handle.

Agreed, there is a selection here  - quarter turn tap products - they come as half turn taps products as well. They come in two lengths of spindle for basin or wall mounted applictions.

[Old Techo]

I fitted a 1/4 turn tap on our van rear bumper about 19 years ago.

This pic is not a specific tap shot but best I can find at the moment by cropping a wider shot...

[nsgnomad]

Thanks everyone for your input. That has at least solved the problem of getting the handle off. As I mentioned, it is not urgent yet, but I will try again to grip the conical cover.
I know the benefits of the ceramic type tap bodies. I just did a count and we have 10 of these conical taps in the house. If I replace one set, I know Jane will insist they be all the same. I'm not sure I want to fork out for that.

[bazza44]

We have 16 through the house and yes they do cost a few dollare but well worth it for us. If you do go ahead with ceramic then get the 1/2 turn for the shower, not the 1/4 turn as it is too difficult to get correct adjustment with very small movement needed to adjust. Ok everywhere else.

I did one room at a time over 12 months to spread the cost.

Barry

[Frank and Brenda]

Roger, are you sure there isn't a grub screw in the comical shaped cover? It'll be in the flat section of it close to the wall of not then as the resident (retired) plumber 😁 suggested, maybe get a plumber in to fix the tap, watch how he does it then you'll know for next time

[gerrym]

One of these can be handy to grip round things.

There are a number of suppliers.

link