This is a really common problem, but don’t worry – it’s likely we can help you. The brass ring you’re referring to is called a bush and on older taps, bushes sometimes become stuck around the middle of the valve. The bush is needed to fit your new, replacement valves, so here’s what to do. Firstly, wipe the bush and the inside of your kitchen tap with kitchen towel – just to remove any dust, grit or debris. Then, using Loctite 638, which is a specialist, WRAS approved metal adhesive, smear a little of the Loctite around the bush and inside your kitchen tap. Replace the old valve and bush into your kitchen tap and allow at least 20 minutes for the Loctite to dry. Then, unscrew the valve again. This time, you should find the valve can be removed, without the bush. If the bush is still stuck to the valve, check to see if we also sell replacement bushes for your kitchen tap – we try to stock replacement bushes for the most popular taps.