Supatap

[cleeve]

I'm having problems opening up an old bath Supatap so that I can replace the washer. I did it many years ago but I've forgotten exactly how. Please can someone confirm that the retaining nut on the top of the tap turns anticlockwise to open (when looking down on the tap). FYI the tap turns anticlockwise to increase the flow of water and clockwise to turn off the water.

I remember it is necessary to turn on the tap on slightly to give the retaining nut room to undo, but I still can't shift the nut. I've tried turning it both ways, WD40, and tapping the spanner with a hammer but it's refusing to move. Has anyone found a way of opening these things when they are being so difficult.

 

[JCplumb]

Clockwise if you're looking down on it, anti clockwise if you're looking up the tap. Open it at least half a turn before undoing the gland nut.

 

[cleeve]

Clockwise? OK, so isuspect it is threaded onto the body: that's going to make a difference. To help with the WD40 etc - Do you know if the gland nut is threaded against the body or if it's threaded against the nozzle or both?

 

[PlumbBobBob]

[h=1]Replacing a washer on a supatap[/h]

The water supply to a supatap does not need to be turned off to change a washer because an automatic shut off valve is built into the tap.
To change a washer:

1. Release the gland nut at the top of the tap, Hold the nut and turn on the tap, The water will flow until it is cut off as the automatic shut off valve comes into operation. Keep turning the tap until the nozzle comes free.
2. Push a small screwdriver (or similar) through the nozzle to push out the combined washer/anti-splash device.
3. If the supatap has been leaking water from the top of the gland nut, replace the 'O' ring shown in the above diagram.
4. Replace the washer, clean the anti-splash device and replace these in the nozzle.
5. Reassemble of the nozzle to the tap is the dismantling procedure. Remember that as the nozzle is turned up the tap, the automatic shut-off valve will be lifted and water will start to flow.