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How to remove shower wall tap?

camil232

The cold water tap has become stiff and I would like to undo it and have a look at what is causing the issue.

I have tried turning it anti-clockwise but with no success.

I can't see any way of taking off handle.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

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Akanksha

Great to see you make your first post, @camil232. Trust you've been finding the site a handy resource for your home improvement and garden projects.

Sorry to hear about your troubles with that shower wall tap, I'm sure our resident D.I.Y. expert @EricL will be happy to assist you when he's back on the site tomorrow. Let me also tag our ever-helpful members in @Dave-1, @RSS, @Noyade and @CSParnell to see if they have any thoughts.

While waiting, check out Eric's step-by-step guide How to replace a tap washer in case it helps.

Akanksha

camil232

Thanks Akanksha

I have actually managed to get it off. I turned the tab body anti-clockwise and it came off.

Unfortunately, I am not much wiser about the next step. I thought I might have seen a build up of something around the handle but it looks ok.

Dave-1

Good evening @camil232

Taps can be a pain. I replaced a couple of mine a few months ago and I stood there shaking my head at them when I was figuring out how to remove the cowl.

I have just had a search to see if I could find anything that looks similar to your tap. No luck. 😕

However looking at your pictures closley makes me think that there may be a little grub screw just behind that verticle handle of your tap. So if the tap handle is straight up, have a look behind the base of the verticle part and you may see a little allen key socket. (hope so)

If there is one then you can undo that and remove the top most part of the tap. Next step will be the barrel part and you could use this tool haron 160mm strap wrench to undo the barrel which is least likely to damage it. (I used one and it worked but had to put more oomph into it then I expected)

The steps become clearer as you dismantle the old tap. Remember to turn off the water at the mains first!! lol So many times I have heard that people forget 🙂

One of the Bunnings crew that knows more about plumbing/taps will be along tomorrow (one of the guys is away today I think) and may be able to give you exact details.

Dave

Dave-1

Evening again @camil232

lol I somehow missed your reply 🙂 Nice work! I wonder what is under that center screw? I still think the spindal needs to come out and have a look at it (grease and grime can build up if the little rubber cylindar washers perish) (they are on the spindal not the washer at the end of the tap)

A suggestion. If you just put the tap over the slotted head and undo does the spindal roatate out?

Dave

camil232

Dave,

I managed to get the spindle out but not sure what to do next.

I think I might call it quits and if it gets much tighter, I will go and buy a new one.

Thanks

Jeff

Dave-1

Afternoon @camil232

Well done! 🙂 I dislike taps / washer always as there are so many types lol Can you tell its not my favorite part of the store? 🙂

I would see if you can find a similar spindal at Bunnings and see what part is missing or even talk to one of the people in plumbing. I just saw @EricL comment so he should roll through here and offer a suggestion as well.

Dave

EricL

Hello @camil232

You've done excellent work! You are almost at the finish line, Dave-1's suggestion is correct. Please bring the broken spindle to the store and speak to the plumbing specialist to make sure you get the correct replacement spindle. There are plenty to choose from so it's important that you get the most compatible one. Just keep in mind when putting the new ceramic spindles in not to overtighten them. This will cause the ceramic disk to crack, and you'll have a leak all over again.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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