Kitchen Hot water Tap that won't turn on!?

Hi, just as an add-on! I read this answer but couldn't find how to turn off the water in my house. As it was suggested that the problem was limescale I took off the external tap fittings and poured over vinegar then wrapped it in cotton wool soaked in vinegar and left for half an hour. It's now working a treat and the more you turn it on and off the better it gets. Perhaps not a permenant solution but better than no cold tap to my bath!

Jane
August 2008

The washer and jumper (as its called - the bit that holds the washer) is getting stuck in your tap, probably due to lime scale build up. If you can turn the water off and unscrew the tap insert from the tap unit itself you can dismantle the thing and polish up the stem with wire wool, and then lubricate all brass bits with vaseline - as well as replacing the washer. OR you can buy a complete new insert if your local B&Q has them in - there are about half a dozen different types though so its best to take the old insert with you.

John
January 2008