Repairing a leaking tap with a washer

 


Washer taps work with a rubber seal that rests on a metal seat. If this unit hardens or wears away, a leak will occur. You can close the tap more tightly to stop the leak temporarily, but you risk further damage to the tap. Leaking taps are annoying. You don't need a plumber to fix them. 

Turn off the water

Turn off the water at the local valve, if available. If not, turn it off at the main valve in the basement, utility room or crawl space. Turn off the hot water supply as well.

Dismantling the tap

Remove the handle and loosen the screw located under a decorative cap in the centre of the handle. The cap can either be unscrewed or snaps off when you prise it open with a knife blade.

Once you have removed the screw, lever the handle off the shaft and remove the sealing nut. The entire shaft is then exposed. Turn the stem to unscrew it. To avoid damaging the tap with a spanner or pliers, cover the area with insulating tape or a cloth.

Inspect the stem

If the stem is only dirty, you can clean it and reuse it. If the threads are badly corroded or worn, you will need to replace the stem. Take it to your local hardware store to find a suitable one.

Check the washer

A brass screw holds the washer in place at the bottom of the stem. Replace the washer if it is worn or deformed. This should stop the dripping. Take the old washer to the shop to get an exact match.

Check the fit of the washer

If you find that you are constantly having to change the washer, it is likely that the seat of the tap is damaged. The washer seat is located inside the tap. The seat should either be repaired with a dressing tool or replaced.

Replacing the seat of the washer

If the tap has a square or hexagonal hole in the centre or if it has a slot for a screwdriver, the washer seat can be replaced. If you discover during the inspection that the seat only has a round hole in the centre without slots, it cannot be replaced.

Reworking the washer seat

If the washer seat cannot be replaced, you must rework it with a dressing tool. Use the tool according to the manufacturer's instructions and insert it into the tap together with the sealing nut. Turn it until the fit is smooth.

Reassemble everything

Reassemble the parts in the reverse order in which you disassembled them. Apply lubricant to the thread of the spindle.

Call the Emergency Plumber in Croydon. We are 24 hours available. Call us whenever you want, 02080897615.
Location: Croydon, UK

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