if you are the DIY type, you may be tempted to change a tap yourself. How hard can it be? just screw the old one off and screw on the new one. Well I know now why its best to get a plumber who knows what he is doing. I knew that it is necessary to use thread tape to get a good sealant, but this idiot decides he knows better - and uses Liquid Thread Sealant instead. It comes in a red bottle which I bought from Bunnings. To quote from the bottle "This sealant is suitable for all gas & water pipe metal threads". It went on to say "Hand tools a required for dissassembly". I think it needs a stronger warning.
I used this stuff, then we changed our minds and decided on a different tap.
I found to my horror that the liquid sealant maintains a very tight grip and is very reluctant to let go!
Soon I had a big repair job for my plumber to fix. I basically tore a big hole in the wall trying to twist the tap off. My plumber got a good laugh out of it! Id post a photo, but its just all too embarrassing.