How To Loosen A Stiff Bathroom Tap

How to Loosen a Stiff Bathroom Tap

There's nothing more frustrating than a stiff bathroom tap that won't budge. Whether it's the hot or cold tap, a stubborn tap can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks like washing your hands or brushing your teeth. But don't worry, loosening a stiff bathroom tap is usually a quick and easy fix that you can do yourself.

Causes of a Stiff Bathroom Tap

Before you start trying to loosen a stiff tap, it's helpful to understand what might be causing the problem. Some common causes include:

Mineral buildup: Over time, minerals from the water can build up on the inside of the tap, causing it to become stiff.
Corrosion: Corrosion can also cause the tap to become stiff, especially if it's made of metal.
Worn washers: The washers inside the tap can wear out over time, causing the tap to leak and become stiff.
Loose screws: Sometimes, the screws that hold the tap in place can become loose, causing the tap to wobble and become stiff.

Tools You'll Need

Before you start, gather the following tools:

Wrench or pliers
Screwdriver
WD-40 or other penetrating oil
Rag or cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Once you have your tools, follow these step-by-step instructions to loosen a stiff bathroom tap:

Turn off the water supply. This is usually done by turning the valve under the sink.
Open the tap to release any remaining water.
Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the packing nut. This is the nut that is located just below the handle of the tap.
Pull the handle off the tap. Be careful not to damage the handle or the tap.
Inspect the washer. If the washer is worn or damaged, replace it with a new one.
Apply a small amount of WD-40 or other penetrating oil to the threads of the packing nut.
Reassemble the tap by screwing the packing nut back on and tightening it with the wrench or pliers.
Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.

Tips

If the tap is still stiff after following the above steps, you may need to call a plumber.
To prevent future stiff taps, it's a good idea to regularly clean and lubricate the taps.
If you have hard water, it's especially important to clean and lubricate your taps regularly to prevent mineral buildup.