How To Repair A Leaky Tap

At some point, every home has a dreaded leaky tap. Not only will the constant dripping sound drive the family mad, but the problem will very quickly translate into a much higher water bill, so the best thing to do is to fix the drip quick.

The tools and parts you will need include: an adjustable shifter; a screwdriver; the appropriate washers or fix a tap kit and a rag. You will also need to turn off your water main, which is usually located at the front of your property.

1.    Turn off the water main and test the water flow by turning on the tap, if no water flows you are good to go.

2.    Start by undoing the small cap on the top of the tap, it’s called the indicator cap. You might need the adjustable shifter to undo the cap. Some taps may have an additional screw under the indicator cap, you might need a screwdriver or allen key tool to undo them.

3.    Remove the tap handle and the cover plate which will expose the spindle. Here's a tip for you, have the tap in the open position as it will make it easier to remove the spindle because there's less pressure on the washer.

4.    Use the shifter to release the spindle by turning it anticlockwise to reveal the washer that needs replacing. It's important that you replace your washer with one that is exactly the same, if you are unsure, speak to a team member at your local hardware store and they should be able to assist you.

5.    Before you replace the washer, ensure you check the seat, that’s the bottom, flat section where the washer was seated. Make sure it’s flat, not pitted and free from any debris. If you find the seat to be pitted, you will need a qualified Considerate Plumbing plumber to reseat it, otherwise you may run into further problems that will inevitably cost you more.

6.    Use the rag to give the seat a clean and remove any grime, the seat should be smooth to touch. Ensure the spindle is in the open position, insert the new washer and fit the spindle back onto the tap and use your hand to tighten it. If the spindle moves freely, that’s an indication the new washer is in place.

7.    To reassemble your tap, replace the cover plate followed by the handle and lastly the indicated cap. Turn the water main back on, run your tap for a minute to get rid of the air in the pipes and you should be good to go.