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We have a monoblock pat on a basin with double bolt fitting like these
I recently noticed a weeping leak coming from around the top of the tap, it has found its' way around the fitting and has been running over the fittings, causing them to rust up. I am getting a new tap so I am not worried about breaking the existing one, but I don't want to crack the basin – how is the best way to remove (given access is limited) I was going to spray it all with some WD40 and leave it for a bit but what next? I tried reaching the nuts with deep sockets but the threaded bit is too long and the sockets can't reach the nuts. Is there such a thing as extra-long sockets? Is there a specialist plumber's tool (I have a tool for removing the larger bolts that go around the whole pipe but obviously that is no use for this particular fitting.
Thank you!
Three obvious options
- sockets that allow a bolt to go through them. See the halfords vortex set (although you still might have access trouble with the ratchet handle)
- box spanner, pretty cheap from screwfix
- crows foot spanner and a socket set
Is there such a thing as extra-long sockets?
Box spanner for the win.
https://www.toolstation.com/minotaur-box-spanner/p96418
And by win, I mean to use whilst lying on your bag, swearing, whilst making your elbows, wrist and shoulders bend in directions they were not meant to bend, obviously. I hate removing/fitting/fixing taps
Same sort of thing from screwfix - https://www.screwfix.com/p/rothenberger-monoblock-tap-spanner-set-3-piece-set/40102?tc=EB2&ds_kid=92700048793290430&ds_rl=1244066&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8t2eBhDeARIsAAVEga1cMLba_kA_ocE0ffOpZikSOAS89Zr--k2NtsIH8edy7nFHKg5YPMcaAl1xEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Wobbly headed sink wrench worked for tightening mine.
Like this but mine is a Silverline one from the place within walking distance of our house.
https://www.toolstation.com/adjustable-basin-wrench/p81935
New kitchen will sort it
@slowol - I have one of those - there’s no chance it’s getting into the space available!
Fitted a new kitchen tap yesterday. The old one was similar to yours but had a slot cut in to the bottom of the threaded bar so you could just uncrew that and it came straight out of the bottom of the tap body. Much easier for removal of said tap. Worth checking if yours has a slot?
And the new one I fitted had a lovely threaded body which the tails come out the middle of instead and a massive nut with over-moulded grip on it so it could just be done up nice and tight by hand.
The old one was similar to yours but had a slot cut in to the bottom of the threaded bar so you could just uncrew that and it came straight out of the bottom of the tap body. Much easier for removal of said tap. Worth checking if yours has a slot?
Yes, it has the slot but it wouldn't budge (or at least with me using as much force as I dared to without having a replacement tap ready should I have broken it). I am hoping that the box spanner to be delivered today will sort it.
If it still won't budge, try some penetrating oil rather than WD40. If that doesn't work, this 'freeze-action' spray gets rave reviews.