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A few months back a plumber fixed a leaking pipe and I asked him to stop the laundry tap from dripping. His young apprentice did this - but its now leaking more. I would like to take off the handle and see if it needs some more plumbers tape - but I'm not sure how to take off the handle - it doesn't seem to pull off - what to do?
Hello @ennoh
I've placed some images below to give you a better idea of how the handle pieces go together. In the meantime, don't make the handle assembly any tighter. Can you please remove the round brass threaded locking nut as well as the brass horseshoe. These parts need to go on the spindle first before you screw them on the handle. Please have a look at the sketch and let me know if you have any questions.
Eric
Removing a stuck tapered flange seems to be one of those D.I.Y. projects where we can all collectively agree it's a pain in the butt and breath a sigh of relief when the job is done. I'd propose that finally removing one produces a euphoric feeling similar to that of creating fire with your bare hands. The ability to remove a conical fixture with no points of purchase is truly an impressive feat indeed.
Mitchell
Hi @MitchellMc
"I'd propose that finally removing one produces a euphoric feeling similar to that of creating fire with your bare hands.
It certainly does. Even better is performing an autopsy on them once removed. The hot water conical flange was so adhered, when multi-grips were applied, the entire spindle moved with it. I'm wondering where you live and the water quality affects the amount of scale seen? Some of that scale is as hard as bone.
In the end - I used an angle grinder and hacksaw for the incisions. Autopsy photos below.
The lower photo, shows what you can be up against when using those fragile 'circlip' looking spanners.
I have a similar problem.
Can the spindle be removed and the seating plugged?
I no longer need this connection and want to hide it behind ties.
Hello @MB83
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.
Turning off or deactivating the taps inside your wall is technically a plumbing job and it must be carried out by a registered plumber for safety and compliance.
Can the taps be plugged up? Yes, it can, but the process is a bit more involved as the plumber will need to remove some of the tiles to access the copper pipes. The spindle seats will need to removed and the copper pipes soldered shut. Simply plugging up the spindle base with cover caps might not work as they will be in line with the tile level which prevents them from being tiled over. The spindle base must be removed in order to tile the wall properly.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
