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How to fix a tap that's hard to turn off?

Our shower taps are incredibly hard to turn off. We have to really tighten them to get the shower to turn off. Wondering how to fix this? If it's something I can fix myself. I'm not even sure how to get the tap apart to try anything.

Community manager's note: Check out How to replace a tap washer for expert advice.

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EricL

Hello @harchkat

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's magnificent to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your taps.

Your taps have handles that have blind fixings. I suggest having a quick look at this discussion - How do I remove these tap handles? by @LisaD. The reason that you are having difficulty closing your taps is that the tap valves are totally worn out. The general steps to repair it is to turn off the main water switch to the house. Remove the handle and cover of the tap, unscrew the spindle and replace the tap valve.

You then re-assemble in the reverse order. I recommend looking at this discussion - How do I fix a leaking laundry wall tap, that the washing machine hose connects to? by @Riby. Although the taps are different, the disassembly and repair process is the same.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

harchkat

Hi Eric,

Thanks for that! That's really helpful! Is there a way to know what size tap valve we might have without completely disassembling the tap? We live in an older apartment block and unfortunately to be able to turn off our water we have to turn off EVERYONES water. So hoping to avoid that if we can as it requires notice and time to disassemble, go to the shop, get the valve and put back together all while the water is off.

Thanks again!

EricL

Hello @harchkat

I suggest using the FIX-A-TAP 13mm 1/2" Soft Turn Tap Valve or similar. These are commonly used in your type of shower taps. I suggest getting these tap valves first before making your request for the water to be shut off. I would also recommend doing a disassembly test of your tap before you attempt the repair. Take the handle off and then the cover shield, you should see the spindle after that. Please make sure you have a shifter handy as this will be used to unscrew the spindle from the wall.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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