How to remove tap handles?

[brad8765]

Hi any tips on how to remove these taps? The cold one turns 360 degrees and I'd like to take it off to investigate. There is a small screw but removing it doesn't seem to have made a difference.

Thanks in advance! 

 

 

[EricL]

Hello @brad8765 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about removing your tap handles.

I suspect that you have a combination locking tap handle. I suggest trying this method, with your left hand hold the bottom part of the tap handle under the line. With your right hand hold the top part with the stubby handles. Keeping your left-hand tight and steady on the bottom turn the top anti-clockwise with your right hand.

Please give this method a try and left me know if it works.

Eric

[brad8765]

Thanks @EricL. I tried but couldn't get any movement. I'm fairly strong hit they may just be stuck after many years as they would be 25 years old. It sounds like I'll need to call the plumber.

Any view on whether it's likely the handle that's broken or perhaps a cartridge / pin that needs replacing? 

[MitchellMc]

When you say the handle turns 360 degrees @brad8765, does it do so but not turn the water on? Should it not turn that far, as it's a 1/4 or 1/2 turn ceramic disc tap? 

It's a bit hard to know exactly what is broken or what needs replacing; it would need to be pulled apart to find out.

For other readers that come across this discussion, you'll find this guide useful: How to change a tap washer.

Mitchell

[brad8765]

It was the opposite - water wouldn't turn off.

The way to remove these taps was to force out the blue / red circles with a stanley knife and undo the screws.  I had a plumber come out on Saturday who replaced with quarter tyen taps.

Thanks for the feedback and suggestions!