stuck cold tap

[courierman123]

my bathroom cold tap was stuck when I yried to use it this am.
It turns a littls then stops. I have taken off th decorative cap and the crew underneath, and have revealed a place where I can get a spanner on. This however is the same as turning the tap, it will move a little, but I am v wary of frocing it for obv reasons.
Any ideas people?

pete h
droitwich

 

[WHPES]

The washer will have jammed and needs replacing. There will be a decorative shroud below the spindle you will have to unscrew to expose the main nut. If it's stuck, tap it with a piece of wood, else try WD40 or failing that some pump pliers with newspaper between the jaws to prevent damaging the chrome plate.

 

[courierman123]

Thanks for help sen mamber, but I am a bit slow.
I have taken off the cap that says 'cold', under it was a screw, I have undone this and the bit that turns round to control water has come off - is this the spindle??
Under it all I can see is a shaped piece that the spanner fits on to (told you I am dumb), this is the same as turnng the top bit by hand, it is very stiff indeed, dae I force this??
I cannot see a way to a washer.

 

[coonster]

Please tell me you plan to turn your water off??

 

[dontknowitall]

Assuming the water's off you need to tackle the large nut shaped part. If you can't undo this on the bath, then it's usually best to remove the tap totally and have a fight with it on the floor where you won't damage the bath!

This nut is usually extremely stiff to remove (hence the suggestion of wood, WD40, etc) and often requires much of your body weight.

Once removed it's probably best to take the whole thing (decorative part as well) it to your local plumbing merchant to see if they have the appropriate washer and/or spindle.

Alternatively, call in a plumber. Should be around £40.

 

[WaterTight]

I saw a video once of how to change a washer starring this girl who gently places her spanner on the nut and with all the force of a gentle breeze turns it loose. I think of that occassionally when unsuccessfully applying 13 stone of downward force with a sort of gurning expression.