Diagnose why your tap is stiff, then service or replace the internal parts to get it turning smoothly again.
FT-01Turn off the water supplyTurn off the isolation valve under the sink for that tap, or the main stopcock if there's no isolation valve. Turn the tap on to drain the remaining water and confirm the supply is off. Plug the sink or put a cloth over the plughole so no small parts fall down it.
FT-02Protect the surface and gather toolsLay a towel in the sink to protect it and catch small parts. Get an adjustable spanner, a flat or cross-head screwdriver, and a cloth for grip. Have plumber's grease and a spare washer or cartridge to hand, as you may not know which you need until the tap is open.
FT-03Identify your tap typeTraditional taps have a rising spindle you can see move up as you turn the handle - these use a rubber washer that wears out and causes stiffness. Modern quarter-turn taps, with a lever handle that turns 90°, use a ceramic disc cartridge - grit or limescale inside this causes stiffness, not a worn washer. Check which type you have before buying parts, as they aren't interchangeable.
FT-04Remove the tap handleLook for a small screw, either under a coloured hot/cold cap on top or on the side of the handle. Pop the cap off with a flat screwdriver, undo the screw, and lift the handle off. If it's stuck, wiggle it gently - don't force it, as plastic handles crack easily.
FT-05Access the internal mechanismOn a traditional tap, unscrew the metal gland nut below where the handle was, using the spanner if it's tight - wrap a cloth round it to protect the finish. On a modern tap, unscrew the retaining nut or bolt holding the cartridge in place. Note how everything sits before you take it apart, so you can rebuild it the same way.
FT-06Service or replace the worn partFor a traditional tap, unscrew the spindle fully and check the rubber washer at the bottom - replace it if it's flattened, split or hard. For a modern tap, lift out the ceramic cartridge and check for limescale or debris; soak it in descaler or fit a new cartridge if it's stiff or won't turn smoothly. Clean any grit from the housing with a cloth before refitting.
FT-07Lubricate and reassembleSmear a little plumber's grease on the spindle threads or the cartridge O-rings before refitting - this eases movement and helps prevent the next stiff tap. Screw the spindle or cartridge back in by hand first to avoid crossing the thread, then tighten the retaining nut with the spanner, snug but not overtight. Refit the gland nut or cover, then the handle and its screw.
FT-08Turn the water back on and testOpen the isolation valve or stopcock slowly and check for drips at the spindle, gland nut, or base of the tap. Turn the tap on and off a few times to check it moves freely and shuts off fully. Tighten the gland nut slightly if water seeps out around the spindle when the tap is running.
FT-09Tidy upDry the sink and tap with a cloth and wipe away any grease marks. Keep the old washer or cartridge until you're sure the tap runs smoothly, in case you need to check sizing later. Dispose of old rubber washers with general household waste.
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