How to unscrew tap mounted inside wall?

[BillOwen]

 What tool should I use to be able to fix this leaky tap? 

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @BillOwen,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

To loosen the spindle, you will have to use a Tap Spanner.

They slip down over the spindle to grip the hexagonal nut at the base, allowing you to rotate the spindle out.

If you have any trouble, check out the advice I just gave in the discussion Warn spindle stuck in the wall, which would also be handy in your situation.

Once the spindle is out, you can carry out any maintenance work, such as replacing the tap valves or washers.

Let me know how you go and if you require further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[BillOwen]

Thanks Jacob!

[BillOwen]

Hi Jacob, unfortunately the tap spanner won't fit over the screw since the tile is too close. Can I cut or file the tile on the bottom? Also I'm not sure what is around the cold water tap, how can I get rid of it? I won't be able to unscrew it otherwise.

Kind regards,

Bill

[JacobZ]

Hi @BillOwen,

If you gently apply some upward pressure to the spindle, does it move at all?

It looks like you would be able to get a tap spanner around it if it was just a little bit higher. If there was a tiny bit of play in the pipes, you might be able to get the spanner around it.

If not, then you might be able to use the tips of some multigrip pliers or an adjustable wrench to get enough purchase to get the spindle turning.

If this doesn't work, you may need to trim the tile to give you better access. If it got to this point, I'd suggest you contact a plumber for their assistance as there's a decent chance you would crack the tile and that would add a whole other element to the job that would be frustrating to deal with.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[BillOwen]

  

Hi Jacob, I was able to borrow a friend's angle grinder and cut away the tile so that the tap spanner got enough clearance. However I can't get the valve out to replace it. Where it's sitting in the chamber there isn't a screw thread. I've tried twisting and pulling, but it's not coming out.

Do you know where to go from here?

Thanks

Update:

I got it out, but there's a broken seal behind it which I assume I need to replace, but I don't know how to do it.

[EricL]

Hello @BillOwen 

I suspect that it is a rubber washer left over from the last time it was serviced, and the jumper valve was just placed over the top. I propose using your long nose pliers and grabbing onto the leftover rubber seal and pulling it out. Generally speaking, there should be no other seals in that area other than the ones attached to the jumper valve. I suggest using EnduraSeal 12mm Jumper Tap Valve - 6 Pack as a possible replacement for your jumper valve.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[BillOwen]

Thanks Eric, I did that and it's not leaking anymore! Thanks very much!