How to remove a washer from a tap extension?

Question

Somewhere on this forum it was determined you cannot extract a tap washer through a tap extension. I can't locate the thread now, but I think I was a non-believer at first until I tried it myself - I think I even provided a photo?

Sadly, I forget all about this yesterday. I could remove the spindle - but not the washer. Then I realised was I looking at the brass extension surface - not the background piping.

Took a while to figure out how to remove the extension. I started to panic as I didn't have a large enough metric socket but a perfect fit was achieved with a 1-1/8" socket.

Would Locktite of sorts solve this from happening again?

Cheers.

Noyade · Answer

Cheers Eric.

At least I'm armed and ready for next time. I had to chip away some tile to fit the socket.

Oddly, the other tap spindle posed no problem - spindle and extension came away together.

EricL · Answer

Hello @Noyade

Just a friendly reminder that any plumbing work must be carried out by a registered plumber for safety and compliance.

Generally speaking, you could use Loctite but the tolerance for the brass extension piece is quite high. It would be best just to replace the red fibre washer for a new one and hand tight firmly, but not overly tight.

Eric