I am having a small but anoying problem with our bathroom tap. When you turn it on there is no water - It is fairly stiff and you have to turn it on and off a few times then all is OK. I know it is not a washer but what is it and is there anything a DIYer can do to fix it? I had a plumber - well a plumber's apprentice - in, and he fiddled about, charged me £10 and next day it was exactally the same. Thanks in advance!!
Sounds like it could be minerals and maybe rust or scum jamming up the valve. I would remove the valve assembly and clean it up with a bristle brush, lightly lube and you will be like new.
Firstly, I might remove the handle and apply some penetrating oil and work it in. It may be a shortcut but thats all you may need.
"DavidS" wrote | I am having a small but anoying problem with our bathroom tap. When | you turn it on there is no water - It is fairly stiff and you have | to turn it on and off a few times then all is OK I know it is not a | washer but what is it and is there anything a DIYer can do to fix it?
The hot tap washer is stuck on its seating. What usually happens is that the O-ring seals in the spiral mechanism fail due to scale abrasion, letting water into the spiral. This causes the taps to become difficult to turn on or off, increases wear in the spiral, and may cause either leakage at the spindle at the top, or the tap will not open at all.
If you go to
You need to turn off the water to the tap first.
The following are instructions for changing the washer, but show the inside of a tap clearly.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.