Discuss Unexplained problem removing tap cover in the USA Plumbers Advice area at PlumbersForums.net
I think I know whats happened here. Does the handle come off easy enough, ?This is a rising headpart. So you probably have an 18 tpi thread that is on the headpart. By trying to get the trim piece or shroud off you have actually turned the headpart out. If you continued you will find the shroud actually doesnt come off. The entire headpart will screw out the tap but the shroud will still remain intact. You could do that to get to the washer but it will prevent you from tightening up the gland. The simplest way to loosen the shroud is too shock it on the indexes (octagon piece) with a small nylon hammer or I just use the back of a screwdriver but I wrap some cloth on the shroud.
What has happened is you have actually inadvertently tightened the washer more by vitue of screwing the tap plus shroud out . It has pushed the washer down on the seat tighter. Are you sure the tap is open full when you tried to loosen it.
Heat from a heat gun will be very unlikely to damage the chrome and will also help to loosen the shroud. It has seized to the headpart.I normally just use a blow torch but I know how much to heat it.
Good luck .
Eugene from S Africa.
Hi again plunger123 and moonlight. Thanks to you and others for continued interest in this problem.Yes I think that is the problem. Just smack the shroud to shock it loose. You will need to hit it all round.
I normally just use a blow torch but I know how much to heat it.
using boiling water on a cloth to heat up the shroud. That looseened the shroud in an instant, so much so that I could hardily believe that the torque I'd applied previously didn't loosen it.
never again will I try to replace a washer without first opening the tap fully.
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