Fixing a dripping tap
Leaking taps or dripping taps can quickly become a real inconvenience in the home. Not only do they create an annoyance, but they can waste a significant amount of water and money in the long run. However, leaking or dripping taps are usually easy to fix, and doesn’t need a call out to a plumber.
Where the leak is coming from will determine the type of repair you need to make.
- If water is leaking from the spout, you'll need to replace the washer
- If water is leaking from beneath the handle, the valve O-ring will need replacing
- If water is leaking beneath the spout, the spout O-ring will need replacing
Replacing a tap washer or tap valve
There are generally two types of tap valves and each will determine which washers you'll need.
- Compression valve taps, which need a full turn or more to reach maximum power, use rubber washers. These washers sit at the base of the valve and form a seal to stop water flow. Drips occur when the washer starts to wear away.
- Ceramic disc valve taps, such as modern monobloc mixer taps, reach maximum power after half a turn or less, and use ceramic discs instead of washers.
Hot water valves will have a red bottom seal, and cold water valves will have a blue bottom seal. The difference between the two is the direction in which the valve turns.
Before you begin any plumbing work, turn off your water supply and run off any excess water through the pipes. Before you start to dismantle your tap, plug your sink to avoid any small parts or screws going down the drain.
It’s important not to overtighten any washers or valves when you replace them as this can cause excessive stress on the valve and will soon lead to dripping again.
How to fix a compression valve tap
If your tap has a handle cap, carefully remove it to access the screw within. Using a screwdriver, unscrew to remove the handle itself. Then unscrew the rest of the valve cover.
Hold the valve steady with an adjustable spanner and use a screwdriver to remove the screw that holds the washer in place. Replace the washer.
Once you’ve done this, screw the valve, valve cover and tap handle back into place, and re-fit the handle cap.
How to fix a ceramic disc valve tap
Remove the handle cap to expose the top of the valve. You may need an Allen key or hex key for this, depending on the style of the tap.
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the valve.
Check the ceramic disc valve for damage or grime, and clean or replace the valve. Then secure the valve and handle cap back into position.
How to replace a tap valve O-ring
Depending on your type of tap, remove the valve using the instructions provided above.
Carefully remove the worn or damaged O-ring with a screwdriver. Then roll the replacement O-ring into position and secure the valve back in the tap.
How to replace a tap spout O-ring
Accessing the tap from below the sink, use a box spanner to loosen the nut that secures the tap to the sink.
Twist the tap around so it’s facing you, then use a screwdriver to remove the small grub screw.
Lift the spout so you can access the O-ring, which is the rubber ring at the base of the spout. Carefully remove the O-ring with the help of a screwdriver. Then roll the replacement O-ring into position.
To replace the spout, line up the marker on the spout with the groove in the tap body, and slot the spout back into position. Secure the tap in place by re-tightening the grub screw and the nut underneath the sink.
