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How to remove leaking laundry tap handle?

A few months back a plumber fixed a leaking pipe and I asked him to stop the laundry tap from dripping. His young apprentice did this - but its now leaking more. I would like to take off the handle and see if it needs some more plumbers tape - but I'm not sure how to take off the handle - it doesn't seem to pull off - what to do?

laundry tap.jpg

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EricL

Hi @ennoh

You are so close to the finish line; the sequence goes like this. First, slide the brass threaded locking nut in with the notches facing the wall. Next you place the brass horseshoe on the slot of the spindle. The last step involves sliding the handle on and making sure it lines up with the cut grooves. You know you've done it correctly as the brass horseshoe goes into the handle. You can then start screwing the threaded locking nut by hand, this in effect will sandwich the horseshoe between the handle and the threaded locking nut. The last step is to use the tool to tighten it properly.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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MitchellMc

Hi @ennoh,

If you look at the underside of the tap handle where the spindle connects to it, you'll likely find a little brass threaded anti-vandal fitting. It requires a special spanner to remove, and the spanner included in this Kinetic Spout And Handle Repair Kit will likely fit it.

You might not need to remove the tap head to access and remove the spindle from the wall. Once you've turned your mains water off and run the tap until no more water exits the spout/showerhead, turn the tap head anti-clockwise until it is in the fully on position. Unscrew the conical tap flange from the wall. You should find there is now enough room to slide the flange up to the tap head and get under it with an adjustable wrench. Once you undo the spindle from the wall, the whole assembly will come out as one piece. If it's the spout or showerhead that is dripping water, the tap valve will need to be replaced. If the water is leaking out around the tap flange, then that would be the thread tape or spindle O-ring. You'll get a replacement spindle O-ring in the Kinetic repair kit.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

ennoh

Thanks Mitchell, I have removed the handle (I hope its easy to put back on) and I need to remove the spindle but its very tight and I cant do it with an adjustable wrench, so I think I will have to go and buy a box spanner. If its just too hard, I suppose I will have to call the plumber back, but I really wanted to do this myself.

tap spindle.jpg

EricL

Hello @ennoh

It's great to see that you got the handle and the cover cap off the spindle. I suggest using the Craftright 6 Piece Tap Spanner Set in combination with a shifter. Make sure to use the piece that fits very snugly so that the spanner set will not slip.

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves and goggles while trying to remove the wall spindle.

If you need further assistance with the disassembly, please let us know.

Eric

ennoh

its slow going -I bought the box spanner but to remove the spindle - do I turn to the left or right? Its really tight.....

EricL

Hi @ennoh

To loosen the spindle fitting, I suggest turning left or anti-clockwise. Please note that if the spindle has binded to the brass body, I recommend engaging the services of a registered plumber. They will have specialist tools and techniques to remove the spindle from its seating.

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your spindle repaired.

Eric

ennoh

Thanks Eric, I am doing this myself because the plumber who supposedly fixed the leaky tap a few months ago did a bad job. On taking it apart I can see that he didn't insert a washer. Anyway - I have successfully fixed the leak and all I need to do is put the handle back in place, but I am having a problem putting the handle back on. There is a little ring that is to be screwed into the handle. Should it be screwed in as far as it will go or just so the exterior end is flush with hole in the handle tap handle 17.2.23.jpg ? And please explain how I insert the horse shoe piece. I have tried to install it but the handle isn't screwed on in the normal way and its hard to see what keeps the handle in place.

ennoh

fyi, this is the spindle spindle 17.2.23.jpg

EricL

Hi @ennoh

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

ennoh

yes - I am almost there - but I couldn'thandle repair gadget understand why that little tool in the last step wasn't gripping on to the other part, but on further study I realised that it wont work because its just a tiny bit too wide and will not fit into the two slots. Any other suggestions? So close but so far....

EricL

Hello @ennoh

I've placed some images below to give you a better idea of how the handle pieces go together. In the meantime, don't make the handle assembly any tighter. Can you please remove the round brass threaded locking nut as well as the brass horseshoe. These parts need to go on the spindle first before you screw them on the handle. Please have a look at the sketch and let me know if you have any questions.

Eric

ennoh

Thanks Eric!! Those diagrams were very helpful as they showed the exact placement of the individual parts. I have successfully fixed the leaky taps. Couldnt have done it without your help. Thanks!!!!!

MitchellMc

I'm so pleased to hear that @EricL's assistance was helpful, @ennoh.

Well done!

Mitchell

Noyade

And another well done!

MitchellMc

@Noyade,

Removing a stuck tapered flange seems to be one of those D.I.Y. projects where we can all collectively agree it's a pain in the butt and breath a sigh of relief when the job is done. I'd propose that finally removing one produces a euphoric feeling similar to that of creating fire with your bare hands. The ability to remove a conical fixture with no points of purchase is truly an impressive feat indeed.

Mitchell

Noyade

Totally agree ! @MitchellMc

I'm certain there was conversation in a plumbing design office years ago...

"That looks great Bob - but will they be able to remove that conical bit easily?"

"Who cares Ralph - once sold, it's their problem!"

😒

Noyade

Hi @MitchellMc

"I'd propose that finally removing one produces a euphoric feeling similar to that of creating fire with your bare hands.

It certainly does. Even better is performing an autopsy on them once removed. The hot water conical flange was so adhered, when multi-grips were applied, the entire spindle moved with it. I'm wondering where you live and the water quality affects the amount of scale seen? Some of that scale is as hard as bone.

In the end - I used an angle grinder and hacksaw for the incisions. Autopsy photos below.

The lower photo, shows what you can be up against when using those fragile 'circlip' looking spanners.

MB83

I have a similar problem.
Can the spindle be removed and the seating plugged?

I no longer need this connection and want to hide it behind ties.

EricL

Hello @MB83

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.

Turning off or deactivating the taps inside your wall is technically a plumbing job and it must be carried out by a registered plumber for safety and compliance.

Can the taps be plugged up? Yes, it can, but the process is a bit more involved as the plumber will need to remove some of the tiles to access the copper pipes. The spindle seats will need to removed and the copper pipes soldered shut. Simply plugging up the spindle base with cover caps might not work as they will be in line with the tile level which prevents them from being tiled over. The spindle base must be removed in order to tile the wall properly.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

MB83

Thanks EricL

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