Loosening basin tap nuts

[MikeAustin]

I have an old basin with square tap holes and old taps with round bases. I want to keep the basin and replace the taps. The holding nuts underneath the taps have seized. They are in a slight recess, so it is difficult to get a sizeable spanner to them.
I removed one after hours of cutting away with a small drill and 20mm cutting disks. It had not shifted with WD40. The round tap was packed into the square hole with some dried-out putty and the nut was sitting on a lead 'washer'. I understand that putty can seize the nuts.
The other tap is even less accessible and I want a quicker way to remove it. Any suggestions?

 

[just pumps]

Remove the basin, replace the taps, refit the basin.

 

[MikeAustin]

Thanks, but that is the last option on my list - one below getting the small drill and cutting disc out.

 

[just pumps]

As much as you don`t want too sometimes it is the quickest way not to mention less chance of damaging the basin.

 

[fixitflav]

I have an old basin with square tap holes and old taps with round bases. I want to keep the basin and replace the taps. The holding nuts underneath the taps have seized. They are in a slight recess, so it is difficult to get a sizeable spanner to them.
I removed one after hours of cutting away with a small drill and 20mm cutting disks. It had not shifted with WD40. The round tap was packed into the square hole with some dried-out putty and the nut was sitting on a lead 'washer'. I understand that putty can seize the nuts.
The other tap is even less accessible and I want a quicker way to remove it. Any suggestions?

Dare you warm the tap tail up with a blowtorch? Small flame, keeping it away from the pot. Putty and Bosswhite soften with heat.

 

[MikeAustin]

Dare you warm the tap tail up with a blowtorch? Small flame, keeping it away from the pot. Putty and Bosswhite soften with heat.

I did try that, without success, but I was very careful. Maybe I should have been a bit bolder. The putty is so old, it is like dust. In fact, it has the same appearance as plaster. Could that be possible? When I changed my bath a few years ago, I found nuts on the compression fittings had also been soldered! So, maybe it is plaster!

 

[fixitflav]

I did try that, without success, but I was very careful. Maybe I should have been a bit bolder. The putty is so old, it is like dust. In fact, it has the same appearance as plaster. Could that be possible? When I changed my bath a few years ago, I found nuts on the compression fittings had also been soldered! So, maybe it is plaster!

Maybe you could try a bit more heat. I suppose it could be plaster, hard to say from here! I imagine you've removed the pipework, can you get a box spanner in there? You can put the other end in a socket spanner to give more length if necessary.

 

[MikeAustin]

Maybe you could try a bit more heat. I suppose it could be plaster, hard to say from here! I imagine you've removed the pipework, can you get a box spanner in there? You can put the other end in a socket spanner to give more length if necessary.

Yes, I have a box spanner that fits, with a small Tommy bar. I have heaved on it but I think I can feel the corners beginning to turn.

 

[JimCrow]

If it's the original tap, remove the tap jumper and use a 22mm ( 7/8") bimetal holesaw to cut it out, cover the open pipe below first with a rag, 2 minute job.

 

[MikeAustin]

If it's the original tap, remove the tap jumper and use a 22mm ( 7/8") bimetal holesaw to cut it out, cover the open pipe below first with a rag, 2 minute job.

Now that's an idea! I have some hole cutters for cutting tap holes. They are probably not man enough to cut through the brass nut, but it is worth a bash.

 

[MikeAustin]

Bu66er! I got some specialist WD40 penetrant and let it soak for a while. Then I applied just a little heat with a blow torch. I put on the box spanner with a wrench and whacked it on the end with my fist. Crack! A big crack went across the corner of the sink! That's the end of that problem. Now I need a new sink!
Thanks for your help guys anyway!

 

[fixitflav]

Bu66er! I got some specialist WD40 penetrant and let it soak for a while. Then I applied just a little heat with a blow torch. I put on the box spanner with a wrench and whacked it on the end with my fist. Crack! A big crack went across the corner of the sink! That's the end of that problem. Now I need a new sink!
Thanks for your help guys anyway!

A shame, but these things are sent to try us

 

[dilalio]

Customers are not so pragmatic or forgiving when something like that happens whilst a plumber is doing the work.