Grohe kitchen tap head removal mystery

[tappipe]

Would anyone know how to remove the two kitchen tap heads so that I can change the washers?

The taps are Grohe kitchen taps
There is no screw under the tap covers
There are no grub screws
I cannot pull the heads off of the tap using reasonable force.

 

[Ben-gee]

Isn’t the first picture a removed tap head?

Looking at that white plastic insert with the four slots- it is a pull off head.

You’ve tried reasonable force, now you’ll have to move up to unreasonable plumber’s force. If there are no grub screws and no screw under the coloured index- it’s almost certainly pull off I’m afraid.

 

[tappipe]

Isn’t the first picture a removed tap head?

Looking at that white plastic insert with the four slots- it is a pull off head.

You’ve tried reasonable force, now you’ll have to move up to unreasonable plumber’s force. If there are no grub screws and no screw under the coloured index- it’s almost certainly pull off I’m afraid.

Thanks for the response.

The photo is a close up of the tap head in situ.
The photo below is probably better

 

[Ben-gee]

Ah I see, yes that’s better.

Definitely pulls off.

 

[tappipe]

Ah I see, yes that’s better.

Definitely pulls off.

Thanks
- the covers did pull directly off
....now the next issue
I can't unfasten - the cartridge to access the washer. Neither the hot nor cold will budge using a wrench
I have tried penetrating oil/wd 40, brute force....no joy

I did look at the tap splitter kits, but they are not designed for this type of tap.
I also tried a socket set, but the height of the spindle is too long for the socket to fit over
any ideas anyone?

 

[Stigster]

Try getting it nice and hot before trying again. I normally use my blowlamp but that can result in melting the internals if you plan on re-using the same cartridges and you aren't careful with how hot you get them. You could try pouring a slow and steady stream of hot water from a just boiled kettle over them and see if they will come out.

If I was doing this job I'd buy a "Tap Reviver" kit which comes with new half-inch cartridges and heads, blast the cartirdges hot with my blowlamp without worrying about damaging the internals as the tap reviver kit has replacements and then get them out with a big adjustable spanner and brute force.

You have the advantage of the taps being a deck-type so at least they cannot fully turn in the holes through the sink giving you loads of purchase to unscrew the cartridges.

 

[JCplumb]

Get a deeper socket from a car spares shop, about £8, job done.

 

[Ben-gee]

The white plastic bit will come off, does that allow you to use socket?

If not, use your wrench and just lengthen the handle ( E.g. another wrench, a tube etc etc)
On that design tap you could hit your wrench handle with a big hammer if you like.
But a long lever on your wrench is easiest.

 

[JCplumb]

A wrench could slip and round off the hex, I'd always go for the right sized deep socket.

 

[Ben-gee]

I’m mirroring op language, perhaps I want to be liked, I never say wrench!

JC is right a socket is better, another good alternative which you may already have is a ring spanner- again this can be persuaded with a hammer.

 

[tappipe]

Apologies for a late reply - but just want to thank everyone who posted responses on this thread.
I managed to loosen with a wrench (and without a hammer!). Replaced with a reviver set - just the job!

Thanks again all