Please can someone help me work out how to replace a tap washer?

[PiningForTheMoon]

I'd found a YouTube video that looked fairly straight forward but I can't see how to get the top bit of the tap (head?) off.

I'll add some pics to show what I mean.

it looks like it needs an. Allen key, probably 4mm.

Tip buy a good set like

Bahco or Wera

They can still be a bit of a fight if they haven't been removed for years....

Unless it's a very cheap tap and it's held in with a non removable pin.

They might not have washers, most modern taps have cartridges.

That'll a be a grub screw needing an allen key. Be very careful as they are tiny and easy to loose so place a cloth in the sink. I'm assuming there's no branding on the tap.

Allen key at the back. A mirror is helpful. Put the plug in before you start, you don't want it to fall down the plug hole.

Thanks all, going to see if I have small allen key and flat mirror...

This might be helpful
https://www.tapmagician.co.uk/NSManufacturersShoppingSelect.aspx?ENCB173834381035202&Screwfix&Shannon

I can't see the actual product @Keepingittogetherstepbystep

I now have this:

Do I need something like this ?

Not sure why the link didn't work but I searched Google using the term astracast shannon tap spares then clicked on tap magic.

Thank you @Keepingittogetherstepbystep

The tap isn't dripping with the heads off. Do I still need to replace the cartridge or just clean off the limescale?

These can get really canked up with limescale and hard to remove. Once removed, usually just cleaning off the limescale will sort it. You can leave them/it soaking in a solution of kettle descaler for a while then refit. Or, take one out and head with it to your nearest DIY emporium. They can be a bugger to unscrew, so a bit of WD40 near the thread for a few hours first. Sometimes, the hot tap cartridge will unscrew in the opposite direction to the left. Best of luck.

Opposite direction the cold, not the left! They're not expensive if you just want to replace.

Thanks @Jonismorf, the heads are bathing in Viakal now. I'll pop them back on later to see if the dripping holds off.

Sorry off topic but has PigletJohn departed mumsnet?

I bloody hope not @TheGander

Usually this kind of post attracts him like chum attracts great white sharks.