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How to fix a stuck bathroom tap handle?

Started with leaking tap, we thought we had to change the mixer cartridge. After removing the little blue/red cover and little screw inside, we expected the handle would come off easily, but it didn't. We tried pulling really hard, sprayed WD40 and left for a few hours, pour got water over it, it only came up a tiny bit, I'm worried I might break something inside. Brand of this tap is Zuccheti. Advice please.

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JacobZ

Hi @Xiana,

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

I've had a look at the drawings for that tap and the grub screw behind the hot/cold button should be the only thing holding the handle on.

It is probably bound up with limescale, so I would try soaking it with CLR Ready To Use Calcium Lime Rust Remover before trying again.

If this doesn't prove useful, you could try wrapping a flat-head screwdriver in a cloth, and wedging it under the lip of the handle and tapping up with a hammer.

There shouldn't be anything you can break inside the tap besides the mixer cartridge you are planning to replace, so I wouldn't be too concerned.

Give this a try and let me know how you go. Happy to help further if required.

Jacob

Xiana

Thank you Jacob. I'll give it a try

Xiana

Hi Jacob,

Thanks for the advice. The handle came off finally AFTER soaking with CLR. Although we got the next problem. The whole thing underneath seems to be one piece. Would you mind sending a link to the drawings? Or do you know if the blue line in picture is where we can separate the rest of the tap?

Regards

Xiana

JacobZ

Hi @Xiana,

I just googled Zuccheti mixer tap, and it was the second thing that came up. It is a direct download, so I can't add a link, unfortunately.

This is an edited version of what I found -

It doesn't look exactly the same, but I'd say the round piece either pops out with a lever, such as a flathead screwdriver or twists out using the flat section I've shown below for grip.

Try grabbing it with some multigrip pliers wrapped in a cloth and twisting it anti-clockwise. If this doesn't work, then try levering it off with a flathead screwdriver.

Let me know how you go.

Jacob

Xiana

A bit delayed update, as I wanted to wait till we got the replacement cartridge and installed it to make sure I didn't have any other issues.

The tap didn't come apart easily with multi grip pliers or screw driver. We soaked it with more CLR, tried again next day, still didn't work, but eventually worked on the third day. It's so stuck, I wonder even if a plumber might need to do it with multiple visits.

Thanks so much for your advice. @JacobZ

EricL

Hello @Xiana

You've put in so much work already, have you considered replacing the entire basin tap with a new one such as the Mondella Cadenza 40mm Chrome Swivel Basin Mixer WELS 4 Star 7.5L/min or similar? In theory, it should be a straight swap as this unit has flexible hoses that should be able to connect to your existing plumbing. But I recommend double checking your plumbing fittings before you decide to take this direction. Your other option of course is to engage the services of a licensed plumber to repair your existing tap.

Eric

Xiana

Thanks for your suggestion Eric. Sorry I didn't describe clearly. I did manage removing the tap handle and replacing the cartridge successfully. My problem is now solved.

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