How to seal a leaking tap

 

Leaky faucets are not only nerve-wracking, but they can also rack up expensive bills. Small leaks that go unfixed can use up to three gallons of water, and a plumber's bill to fix the leak can be expensive and totally unjustified.

Loose nut

If you've only recently connected the tap and it's already leaking, the fault is probably that you've left the connection a little loose around the sealing nut. This nut is located underneath the handle and is hidden in a decorative handle on most modern taps. Remove the handle so that the tap mechanism is visible. Tighten the loose nut with an adjustable spanner.

Worn washer

If the tap is relatively old or the nut is tight, the next problem is a worn, damaged or hardened washer. This usually results in water dripping from the handles or pooling around the handles.

Shutting off the water supply

Before you begin, make sure you have shut off the water supply at the stop valve, which is usually located directly under the sink, or by turning off the water supply to the entire house. Make sure the water supply is closed by opening the tap and allowing the water to run down the pipes. At some point, the water should stop flowing.

Exposing the washer

Remove the tap handle. To do this, you may need to lever out the decorative handle with a screwdriver. To avoid damaging it, first cover the edge of the decorative handle and that of the screwdriver with adhesive tape. Turn anti-clockwise and loosen the now exposed sealing nut. You should now pull out the entire valve unit. You may need to turn and move it a little to loosen it. Hold the valve assembly in your hand and look for the washer, which is usually located at the bottom.

Purchase a new washer

Take the old washer with you to the hardware store so you can be sure you are buying the correct washer that is exactly the same size and shape as the old one.

Reassemble everything

Screw in the new washer and refit the valve unit into the tap. Before you tighten everything, make sure that you turn the handle in the correct position. Tighten the sealing nut with a spanner.

Leak test

Before refitting the decorative handle, open the water supply and check for leaks. If there are still leaks, check the packing nut again. If it is tight, the problem is probably due to the size of the washer. Disassemble everything again and check whether the washer is too large, too small or too loose before removing the screw that secures it.

Lubrication

When dismantling, make sure that you arrange everything in the order in which it was dismantled so that it does not get mixed up. Lubricate the moving parts, especially the handle, with a little petroleum so that the tap feels like new and can be moved easily.

Call the Emergency Plumber in Portsmouth. We are your right contact partner. Call us now, 02394200277.