How to fix shower taps that dont stop turning?

TheDoorIsBroken

Hey,

We've lived here a year, and the showers hot tap doesnt stop turning. So it doesn't leak, you can turn it off, but needs some trial and error as the tap doesn't give a clear stop position

We put up with it until the cold tap started doing the same: making it much harder to control.

I've started taking it apart (starting by checking valves, washers, normal maintenance), but come to a second problem. After removing one nut near the base , the spindle didn't come out. Instead I can see a second nut: much smaller (about 15mm)

and with more faces so hard to grip with spanners, vice grips. Looks like I need a new tool, but haven't seen such a small tap spanner before.

Have I got a strange tap- as changed a few in the past and never seen either issue? Thinking I might want a spare on hand before going any further.

MitchellMc

Hi @TheDoorIsBroken,

From your description, it sounds like the internal spindle shaft has snapped at its governor, which is why the tap rotates freely instead of locking off. Normally, these taps are quarter-turn or half-turn, and they should have a clear stop at fully open and fully closed. Once the spindle shaft has failed like this, there usually aren’t any individual serviceable parts inside the unit, so the fix is typically to replace the entire spindle.

Regarding the nut you’re seeing, it is a bit unusual. Most taps have a spindle nut with flat sides so a standard spanner will work. The multi-sided nut you’re seeing would indeed make it tricky to grip with a normal adjustable spanner. I would suggest using adjustable multi-grip pliers, set to the correct width, and lock them onto the nut. That should give enough grip to undo the spindle.

Once the spindle is out, you can take it with you to your local Bunnings store, and our in-store team will assist in matching a replacement.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell