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How to fix stiff shower tap?

Hello everyone. My shower tap needs to be tightened very firmly to stop water from dripping. This makes it hard for my kids to turn it on, so they often leave it open since it's difficult to close fully.

i had initially changed it from lever assembly to turn-taps since we were having issues with mixing of hot and cold water.
What should I do before I call a plumber

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MitchellMc

Hi @kingj,

I'd recommend you try different types of valves such as the FIX-A-TAP 13mm 1/2" Leaklock Tap Valve, FIX-A-TAP 13mm 1/2" Sealtite Tap Valve or 12mm Copper Tap Valves. Often if the tap seat is worn or distorted these different shaped valves can stop a persistent drip.

If those don't work, it's an indication that the tap seat is worn and needs re-seating. You can do this yourself with a tap re-seater. If you feel the tap seat, which is the part inside the tap fitting that the tap valve squishes against to turn the water off, and it's rough, that's a definite sign that it needs re-seating.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

kingj

Hello @MitchellMc

Thanks for the suggestions but unfortunately it’s still leaking!

maybe the reseating was not accurate!

MitchellMc

Did you try re-seating the tap @kingj?

Mitchell

kingj

Yes

MitchellMc

Since you tried re-seating, changing washers and the taps are new, I can't think of any other reasons why it would be difficult to turn the water off @kingj. It might be worth contacting a plumber for further assessment.

Mitchell

kingj

So finally after lots of DIY failed steps called plumber who said the seats have been grinded away quite too far!

and needs total replacement with tiles removal etc!

is there any other option like https://www.bunnings.com.au/kinetic-12mm-screw-in-tap-seats-2-pack_p4920397?srsltid=AfmBOop3X7GI-kbALabLNf9elJYScVsLfEmModDqM3GjSA9hbeON__ZL which can help?

JacobZ

Hi @kingj,

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any product that could help you in this situation.

The plumber's advice about removing the tiles and replacing the seat is likely your only option.

Allow me to tag @Nailbag and @Noyade to see if they are aware of any alternatives.

Jacob

tautua

You'll have to replace the taps seals with domed rubber seals. But to do that you'll have to remove the cups covers over the spindles and unscrew the spindles.

Smear some grease over the threads and gaskets, tthen wrap some silicone tape around main thread.

kingj

@tautua

Unable understand which tap seals? can you explain this further "You'll have to replace the taps seals with domed rubber seals. But to do that you'll have to remove the cups covers over the spindles and unscrew the spindles."

tautua

Tap valve seals.

Nailbag

Hi @kingj

He was referring to domed/tapered tap valves not seals. Though they will give you further reach due to the over grinding of the seats themselves, they would only be a short term fix if at all once they bed in.

Your best long term solution will be to take the advice of the plumber and remove the two tiles surrounding the taps. Then you could take the opportunity to replace the two taps with a single flick mixer. Then there will never be an issue of dealing with traditional taps and valves again with a much easier regulation of water temp.

Nailbag.

JacobZ

Hi @tautua,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

Allow me to add a link to the 12mm Copper Tap Valves you've mentioned above so @kingj can have a look for themself.

Jacob

tautua

Welcome

kingj

I was referring to using this Doust Plumbing Tap Total Repair Kit or Hydroseal Tap Seat Replacement Kit to create a new seat, as shown in the videos below:

EricL

Hello @kingj

On the condition that there is still enough material for the new seats to anchor onto then the repair kit should work. But if the seating area has become too thin, the new seats will not anchor properly.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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