How do I remove these tap bases?

Mizzms

Hi there,

I am wanting to change some tap washers and need some advice on how to remove the tap cover/base. It appears to be stuck fast.

I 'think' they are meant to screw off but I can't get them to budge.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thank you

woodenwookie

It's not something weird like a left hand thread is it? Try undoing the other way, i.e righty loosey lefty tighty.

Mizzms

That's worth a try. I'll give it a go. Thanks!

EricL

Hello @Mizzms

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

It's great that you've received excellent advice from @woodenwookie. It's definitely worth testing if the shroud turns in the other direction.

I suspect that the set you have has the tap bases installed under the spindle. It looks like you've given this shroud a fair bit of twisting effort. I suggest trying this approach, using a Magnet Multi Fit Tap Spanner Set. Fit one of the spanner sets on top of the spindle, using either the provided extension body with the rod or your shifter turn the spindle anti-clockwise so that you can gain access to the tap washer.

This would serve as a good opportunity to clean the inside of the tap base which is also called a shroud. Once all the mould has been removed this will now give you a much better view of how it is attached to the body of the tap. If it can be removed, it's possible that calcification has entered the threads of the shroud which will make it extremely difficult to dislodge.

Let me call on our experienced members @TedBear and @JoeAzza for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Mizzms

Thanks EricL,

I'll give that a go.

I've just moved into this house and there are a lot of dodgy repairs I've had to fix! All the kitchen door handles where glued on, so who knows what's happening under the tap shrouds!

If I ever get them off , I think I'll replace the taps. 😁 They are in rather poor condition anyway.

TedBear

Might be worth giving all the connections a good soak in WD40, or similar product, for few hours before applying force, to soften the calcified connections, if you haven't done this already.