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Post by nsgnomad on Aug 16, 2023 18:21:21 GMT 10
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.
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Post by Old Techo on Aug 16, 2023 19:08:35 GMT 10
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
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Post by loub on Aug 16, 2023 23:26:56 GMT 10
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.
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Post by nsgnomad on Aug 17, 2023 7:15:19 GMT 10
That is what I thought also, but the conical shape makes it impossible to grip to turn it.
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Post by Frank and Brenda on Aug 17, 2023 8:24:44 GMT 10
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
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Post by nsgnomad on Aug 17, 2023 13:32:17 GMT 10
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.
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Post by dieseltojo on Aug 18, 2023 12:58:41 GMT 10
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.....
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Post by bazza44 on Aug 18, 2023 16:35:48 GMT 10
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
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gerrym
Seasoned veteran
Posts: 404
Location: Brisbane
Tow/Motorhome: MUX
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Post by gerrym on Aug 18, 2023 19:01:24 GMT 10
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.
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Post by spaceland on Aug 18, 2023 20:23:28 GMT 10
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.
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Post by Old Techo on Aug 18, 2023 20:45:12 GMT 10
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...
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Post by nsgnomad on Aug 18, 2023 21:10:35 GMT 10
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.
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Post by bazza44 on Aug 18, 2023 21:38:51 GMT 10
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
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Post by Frank and Brenda on Aug 19, 2023 7:35:52 GMT 10
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
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gerrym
Seasoned veteran
Posts: 404
Location: Brisbane
Tow/Motorhome: MUX
Caravan: Billabong Grove 16 ft
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Post by gerrym on Aug 19, 2023 8:44:09 GMT 10
One of these can be handy to grip round things.
There are a number of suppliers.
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