Fix Leaking Taps

5 STEPS TO FIX LEAKING TAPS

It is not that difficult to fix leaking taps, but you need to check with your local water supply authority before going ahead. It is not legal in certain parts of Australia to change tap washers on your own – a professional is required by law.

Materials and Tools Required

• Washers
• O-ring
• Multi-grips
• Tap lubricant
• Spanner/wrench
• Cloth

Anything else that you may need can be bought at your local hardware shop.

plumbing tools and materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply

By turning off the mains, you stop any water from flowing into your house. If you cannot find the main tap, it could be outside on the street, or possibly in your front garden. You can normally find the mains in the laundry or the bathroom if you live in a townhouse or flat. To check that the water is completely turned off, turn on one of your taps to make sure nothing is coming out. Should the water not stop, even after turning the mains off, you may need a professional plumber. You may also need to use a bit of elbow grease, in the form of multigrips, especially if the taps have not been opened for a long time.

2. Take off the Head Nut

Only take the head nut once you are sure that all water supplies are shut off. Check twice if you are unsure!

3. Change the Washers

You do not need to change all three washers at the time, but it is recommended.

The washers consist of:

The body washer – the one that goes around the head nut. It is normally orange and rather easy to get off.

The O-ring – found on the spindle. Close the tap completely and then use your needle nose pliers to remove it. Your new O-ring will normally stretch and go over the spindle with ease.

The tap Washer – it might just slide out, or you may need to give it a little push, with the help of a small pliers

4. Put it all Back Together

Before you put any of the parts back together, you need to make sure that they are all well lubricated with either Vaseline or silicon lubricant.

5. Turn the Water Supply Back on

When you are sure that the tap has been reassembled correctly, open it up half way before turning the main supply tap back on. You need to make sure that you use only a small amount of pressure when you close the tap after the washer was replaced. If you over-tighten it, you can actually cause damage to the tap seat. It is advisable that you only tighten the tap enough that the water stops flowing from it. If you find that your tap is still leaking after this process, you will need to call a plumber in to regrind the seat, as it means that it is “pitted”.

There you have it – how to fix leaking taps in five simple steps.

If you get stuck or don’t have time get in touch with Drip Hunters and we will be able to help fix your leaking tap and address any underlying issues which may have caused the leak.