How to Fix Leaky Basin Tap?

MuddyClear on 27/05/2023 - 13:25
Last edited 27/05/2023 - 13:34 by 1 other user

Hi, I’m trying to fix a leaky basin tap. I have been putting it off for a while but decided to finally do something about it. I watched a few YouTube videos and it looked quite simple.

Of course when I tried I got stuck. According to the videos you just remove the cap, pull off the cross handle, and use spammer to undo a nut to expose the seals and washer. I was able to remove the top cap easily, see image.

But the cross handle would not lift out like in the videos. I tried gentle hammering but it won’t budge, it’s like it is attached somehow. Has anyone come across this type of tap? I think it’s a Caroma.

Thanks for any advice.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • jjjaar on 27/05/2023 - 13:54

    You may need to unscrew the handle, not just lift it off.

    There may also be a small screw on the side. Photos from other angles will be helpful.

    • Malik Nasser on 27/05/2023 - 14:32
      +2

      The handle and shaft are keyed (see the flats on the shaft), so the handle should just lift straight out (cannot unscrew it off the shaft, or what would be the point of the flats?).
      Your second point about a screw on the side (grub screw) could be a possibility (though I have never seen a basin tap with one).
      Likely there is just corrosion/calcification which is making it difficult to disassemble. Put a shifter or spanner just under the handle, get a hammer and lightly tap underside to lift it off.
      See about cleaning out some of the gunk from the topside handle/shaft and maybe use some penetrant to help lubricate it.
      It should be straightforward, though it looks like you got unlucky and got a hard one.
      Check there is no circlip on the top holding the handle in position. I have never come across one, but if you are having issues, might as well check to make sure.

  • Trung on 27/05/2023 - 13:58
    +2

    If it's anything like mine, you'll need to jiggle that ring loose then pull it straight up.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTEvysY5FLE
    Around 1:40 mark.
    The next step is the hardest for me because the 'bell' part it slippery and smooth, very hard to grip and turn.

    • MuddyClear on 27/05/2023 - 14:56

      That’s the video I watched!

      • Trung on 27/05/2023 - 15:13

        That video made it look super easy. Looks like it was already loosen for him. Or they’re much easier when brand new.
        I wrapped a bunch of rubber bands around the ‘bell’ and took a lot of sweat, blood, (and some tears) to loosen it.
        The rest was easy with tools.

        • MuddyClear on 27/05/2023 - 15:15

          I’m not at the bell part yet as I’m still stuck on the spindle handle. I will try hot water and WD 40

        • Bozman on 28/05/2023 - 10:49

          You can also use a strap wrench. Only about $20 at bunnings. I couldn’t get mine off and the strap wrench (and WD40) got it.

  • AndyC1 on 27/05/2023 - 14:04
    +1

    Did you remove a nut from the screw thread in the middle of spindle?

  • Boioioioi on 27/05/2023 - 14:11
    +2

    The + shaped handle bit should lift right out, maybe yours is rusted on a bit. It looks like the design which just lifts up

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 27/05/2023 - 14:41
    +1

    Looks like you’ve already removed the nut should just come out - be careful going at it too hard can bend the copper pipes under neath (I learnt the hard way)

  • brendanm on 27/05/2023 - 14:57
    +1

    Try and rock it back and forth in different planes, it will just pull up eventually, it's just a little stuck due to age.

    • MuddyClear on 27/05/2023 - 15:17
      +1

      Good to know. I just wanted to make sure it wasn’t designed that way where the spindle is fused. I believe there is a tool you can buy to loosen stubborn spindle handles

  • Mike88 on 27/05/2023 - 15:22
    +1

    Tap handle stuck on is pretty common from my experience, can normally work around it though. The tap flange/cover that sits over the tap head can usually be unscrewed and raised up enough to get a spanner in without removing tap handle.

  • EightImmortals on 27/05/2023 - 15:23
    +1

    Once you get it out shine a torch into the hole and look for nicks or grooves in the base where the washer closes against. You might as well retap it while you're in there. Some water grooves look like they have been mechanically made.

  • MuddyClear on 27/05/2023 - 19:01

    Found a Tap handle puller:

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/324510768159?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mk…

    Not sure if it works for spindle handles though

    • Trung on 27/05/2023 - 21:00
      +1

      $19.50 for the exact same thing from Bunnings
      Have you tried gently hammering it the opposite direction? As in clockwise then anticlockwise? Maybe even up and down a bit too. It could be stuck a little off axis somehow.

      Edit to add: Is the handle moving a bit but the washer is keeping it stuck? If so, try pushing the washer so it comes loose.

  • foxmulder on 28/05/2023 - 02:04

    I remember I have to do similar thing, but not successful. I end up change the entire tap which way easier.

    • MuddyClear on 28/05/2023 - 08:24

      You did that yourself?

      • kiitos on 28/05/2023 - 08:45
        +1

        Once you unscrew the tap body to replace the washer, you can at that point instead put a whole new tap body in with new spindle, handle etc

        But even doing that doesn't guarantee the leak will be fixed, if the tap seat itself (ie the fixed part that the water pipe goes into, that the tap washer seals against when the tap is turned off) is damaged. So make sure you check the condition of the tap seat.

      • foxmulder on 28/05/2023 - 09:10

        Yes I did the kitchen tap and then the bathroom one. You will need one tool though from Bunnings. Something like this. This video is quiet good.

  • seannami on 28/05/2023 - 07:07

    Try putting a bit of vinegar in the hole to get any limescale that is sticking it, otherwise would have just advised as above

    • MuddyClear on 28/05/2023 - 08:26

      I might put some CLR in there. Good thinking

  • chrislinke on 28/05/2023 - 08:36

    couple of extra tap fasteners shown here (first two examples), and a workaround without removing the bell/cover. All are mentioned in comments above, but visualises it for you. Else it just need some brute force!
    https://youtu.be/9dNLRk9t-9k

    • chrislinke on 28/05/2023 - 08:45

      *in case there’s a hidden, unnecessary screw! I agree with everyone else though, it should not have another based on the overhead photo.
      I do notice some significant press marks on the spindle, like it has been forced anti-clockwise and met with resistance. Maybe someone previously used the spindle handle while held higher to try to undo the rest of tap, and now it has an interference fit? Brute force could be only option, but if it’s bad enough the spindle handle might need replacing

  • kiitos on 28/05/2023 - 08:40
    +1

    Look for a little grub screw on the side of the tap handle that might be holding it n place, although as mentioned, the flatness of the spindle seems to indicate it should just lift off.

    Were you hitting it with a hammer? The top of the spindle looks like it has been bashed.

  • Bilby s on 28/05/2023 - 09:06

    I’ve had those as well. It’s simply stuck with years of soap grime and muck. Keep tapping it out or use a hair dryer to heat it up a bit and make it expand and then keep tapping up on different sides. It will come off and then you need a wrench to access the washer. Good luck!

  • 2esc on 28/05/2023 - 09:51

    If there is no locking screw tapping upwards alternating sides it will come off. I never buy the cheapest tap washer spend a couple dollars more and get something like Doustvalve which is supposedly a active Drip Proof tap washer $4.78 for 2 (other brands out there). Doubtful you would need to reseat the tap they have to be fairly worn for a new / good washer not to work. But again if you do it early in the day you can buy a reseating tool not hard to use even I can do it.

  • saltypete on 28/05/2023 - 10:51

    A bit of CRC or similar. It’s just glued on with gunk.
    If you own a home and don’t want to get a plumber out for simple stuff, buy some proper tools - set of tap spanners (not spammers) , plumbers grease and a seat hone.
    The right tools and gentle cleanup of the seat will make your washers last for ages. Disassembly and replacing/greasing the spindle o ring stops corrosion and your taps will last and work well for years.

  • MuddyClear on 30/05/2023 - 14:23

    Update: I fixed the leaky basin tap! I didn’t bother with removing the handle. I just unscrewed and lifted up the flange, which still gave me enough access to undo the body bolt.

    The body washer on the hot tap side was damaged so that was replaced along with the two valves. Cleaned up the buildup with CLR. Did not bother reseating. I wished I had did this earlier. Thanks all

    P.S. how to fix the rusted basin plug hole as the constant water drip has damaged the silver lining? Re-spray paint with primer etc.? Any recommendations?

    • foxmulder on 30/05/2023 - 14:26

      I would try with steel ball first or sand paper?

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