Replacing a washer on a tap

[PierremontQuaker]

Hi, I have a seriously annoying dripping tap which is getting worse. I have included some pictures.
I need to replace the washer. Has anyone came across these sorts of taps. as you can see from the picture the bath has been tiled in so I cannot get access to underneath without taking the tiles off - which would be a complete pain. Do you think the silver full unit will pull off if I use some brute force or do you think it will be screwed in fro underneath? Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[rpm]

If the taps only turn a quarter then there won`t just be a washer to change. From where I`m sat it is either panal off and perhaps even bath out or take a few bricks out under the window from outside.

 

[PierremontQuaker]

If the taps only turn a quarter then there won`t just be a washer to change. From where I`m sat it is either panal off and perhaps even bath out or take a few bricks out under the window from outside.

Yes the taps only turner a quarter - oh no this isn't good - I can't believe that it has been put in like this where an easy reapir is impossible!

 

[Ben-gee]

It is possible that what you need to do can be done from above- obviously much easier to find out if you have manufacturer details or at least make of tap.....
If not , then it’s bath out I’m afraid - at least that one is only fitted to a corner and not a three sided recess.
Fid you have it fitted or was it there when you bought property? I only ask as it may be worth getting back however fitted it....

 

[PierremontQuaker]

I have taken a picture of the tap with a mirror behind it and it looks as though there is an allen screw behind it so I can potentially remove the tap - what do you think?

 

[gpbeck]

If the tap knobs come off, maybe a grub screw at the back, or a go for broke big pull, then the cartridges might come out. Take to an established plumbers merchants, they might well be able to match them. Or specialists online.

The alternatives aren't good. That bath must have non standard holes drilled, so unless you can find replacement ceramic cartridges that fit the tap, you might well need a new bath anyway. I certainly wouldn't fancy going through this again in a few years. Maybe fit a replacement tap into the wall then would be possible to service it without removing bath or panel again. And use a reputable tap maker, that can supply spares.