How to fix a leaking tap
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A DIY guide to how to fix a leaking tap.
Its common to find a leaking tap in your home. They may be several causes of your leaking tap, however in most cases fixing it is rather straight forward. Normally, by simply replacing the washer you can stop the leaking tap and save water and frustration in the process.
Washers
There are 3 types of washers (the o-ring, the body washer and the jumper valve), to ensure that you're replacing the right one take the worn washer into your local hardware store.
Replacing the Washer
Step 1
Turn off your water main into your home. If you live in a house, this will either be out on the street or in your front . If you live in a flat or apartment, the mains might be in your bathroom or laundry.
Step 2
Turn on the tap and let out any water left in the pipe.
Step 3
Put a plug in the basin or sink to ensure that no tap parts fall down the drain.
Step 4
Remove the cover of the tap with a screwdriver to expose the screw. The screw is most commonly underneath the hot or cold sign, although some taps have their screws on the side.
Step 5
Undo the screw and remove the tap handle.
Step 6
If the tap has a metal cover then remove this by hand or with the use of a wrench. Make sure that you don't scratch any chrome by using a cloth.
Step 7
Using a wrench or a spanner, unscrew the tap bonnet, and competely take out the headgear. When you do this you should see the large body washer, the o-ring and the jumper valve.
Step 8
The jumper valve should just fall out.
Step 9
Replace the body washer, the o-ring and the jumper value then refite the bonett and tap spindle. Its important not to over-tighten any of the nuts.
Step 10
Put the tap back together, and turn on the mains again.
Step 11
Test to see whether the taps leaking has stopped.
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