Sink square tap holes - issue how to install round holed taps

[Calibre500]

Hi. I am changing the sink taps but have found that the holes are in fact square. Not only that but that they won't budge at all - they're rock solid!! Firstly I need advice on how to remove the taps. I think they originally put putty of some sort and lead. Managed to get the back nut off which I thought was the biggest issue but obviously not. Then how to install the new taps into the square holes. Cheers.

 

[Ch4 plumbing]

Have you tried a box spanner?

 

[dancinplumba]

Back nut off ? Tap tap side to side, if new tap doesn't fit through hole, drill it out...............

 

[gasmanrob]

That putty has created a thread inside. Spin the tap out like a screw, you may need to cut the spout off though. And you'll need a good set of grips or stilsons to budge it.

Having said that I've had to do this a few times and on one of those occasions the tap actually had a square section that matched the wash hand basin and I split that basin in 2.

Think the stuff they used was called red lead or something it's an absolute sod to remove once the taps out

 

[SimonG]

As Jason Derulo would say, wiggle wiggle wiggle. If its a washbasin then they may just come out before it breaks.

Not as easy as it looks this plumbing lark

 

[gasmanrob]

As Jason Derulo would say, wiggle wiggle wiggle. If its a washbasin then they may just come out before it breaks.

Not as easy as it looks this plumbing lark

Never ever reference music out side of your era. Wiggle wiggle wiggle yeah was party rockers, derulo is responsible for singing his name at an annoying pitch

 

[townfanjon]

Lol, you beat me to it rob ^^^

 

[SimonG]

Miserable sods

Cracking video

 

[Ermintrude]

U can get washers / packing R sets for basin taps for this very issue.

Also if they are original taps 65% chance they have square shank at top.

 

[stevetheplumber]

if they are on a basin you cant spin them round as the taps will have lugs on them try and peelthe lead washers of and then dig the putty out 50 50 you break the basin

 

[townfanjon]

I will own-up i bust one years ago, square ended taps , square holes, tried to spin tap........... Oh dear

 

[SJB]

I've bost one in half an all, I cut the nuts off from underneath with a dremel now, then knock it out from below with a bit of wood and a rubber mallet.

Takes longer but but you don't end up forking out for a new basin.

 

[Calibre500]

Thank you one and ALL for your helpful advice and lots of it too which shows a decent forum of knowledge and experience. I've been given a few ideas so will try them and update you in due course. Last thing I want is a cracked sink. Cheers!