How to fix bathroom tap that wont turn?

Question

My problematic tap in a place I recently bought has finally stopped turning even without a wrench, which means I can’t access cold water and since I can’t change temp

of hot alone, can’t shower! Argh.

Seems to have been done badly, with the base set into the tiling and also not centred, making it currently impossible for me to turn it to change the washer (hoping that fixes it).

No expert here but think it’s Brass too, so any tools I use are somewhat threading or at least damaging it. Tried to budge it and I can’t.

any advice very welcome please as ideally I can fix it myself, but also can’t get a plumber out for 5 days anyway (by which point my hair will be stuck to my head).

- any advice on best tool to get that thing off? 
- would WD-40 help? I don’t have any but happy to visit local Bunnings

Any other advice? I’ve also bought this pack so hoping it’s the solution but if anyone knows more, appreciate it.

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @HD,

As @Noyade has mentioned, you could grab a Metal Mate 19 x 1.2 1m Galvanised Steel Round Tube and slot it over the small bar on the tap spanner to increase the amount of leverage you have.

Unfortunately, if you don't have any luck with this, like Noyade has said, it may be time for a plumber. If the spindle is completely seized and cannot be removed, they will be able to use more destructive measures to get the spindle off, then reinstate the water supply line to its original condition.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

Noyade · Answer

Well, that's a shame HD.

Maybe time for a plumber?

Googling...

"multi fit tap spanner set"

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=multi+fit+tap+spanner+set

May I suggest what @JacobZ recommended above. The bar in the kit above is too small and the concertinaed approach too flimsy.

You need a long bar for better leverage.

HD · Answer

Thanks all! I got some WD-40 and a multi fit tap spanner set from Bunnings but even after spraying it 4 times it out WD 40 and trying lots of ways to get it to turn, it hasn’t budged even a mm.

any other suggestions? I will try heat it with my hair dryer tomorrow but just don’t get the sense it wants to move at all.