Plumbing problems are one of the top reasons that professional help is sought for the home. This is often unnecessary as the most common reasons for phoning a plumber (like dripping taps and toilets) could quite easily be solved by you.
Dilemma That dripping tap is wasting water, costing me money and driving me crazy!
Solution Simply replace the washer in your leaky tap – and while you’re there, unblock the sink!
To get the job done, you need: new washers (take the old one with you to the store), water pump pliers, screw drivers, vise grip or shifting spanner.
Step 1 First turn off the main water supply – or, if there is one, the stopcock closest to the dripping tap – then turn on the tap to release any water that may be feeding the system. Place the plug in the sink to prevent any screws falling down the hole. Place a soft close in the bottom to prevent damage should you drop a spanner.
Step 2 If you have a tap with a ‘shroud’ knob, remove the tap handle by first removing the colour cap and then undoing the screw. Once the screw is out, the tap cover should come off easily. Alternatively, remove the tap’s cover by either unscrewing the metal cover by hand or by using a wrench.
Step 3 Use the water pump pliers, vise grip or shifting spanner to unscrew the spigot headgear nut using a spanner. Make sure to hold the tap spout firmly to prevent it from moving. The jumper and washer normally lift out with the headgear, but if they don’t, simply take them out.
Step 4Remove the broken or perished washer and replace. Some spigots will require that you remove a small nut to get at the washer. Finishing off Reassemble by reversing the instructions above. Then test the tap by opening and closing it a few times to make sure it was indeed the washer causing the leak.
Step 2 If you have a tap with a ‘shroud’ knob, remove the tap handle by first removing the colour cap and then undoing the screw. Once the screw is out, the tap cover should come off easily. Alternatively, remove the tap’s cover by either unscrewing the metal cover by hand or by using a wrench.
Step 3 Use the water pump pliers, vise grip or shifting spanner to unscrew the spigot headgear nut using a spanner. Make sure to hold the tap spout firmly to prevent it from moving. The jumper and washer normally lift out with the headgear, but if they don’t, simply take them out.
Step 4Remove the broken or perished washer and replace. Some spigots will require that you remove a small nut to get at the washer. Finishing off Reassemble by reversing the instructions above. Then test the tap by opening and closing it a few times to make sure it was indeed the washer causing the leak.
Finishing off Reassemble by reversing the instructions above. Then test the tap by opening and closing it a few times to make sure it was indeed the washer causing the leak.
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