Recently, I found my bathroom tap dripping constantly that was a real nuisance for me. Fixing it seemed like much hassle and I decided to call a plumber who would have cost me at least £50, almost as much as the tap itself costs. But after some research on the internet, I decided to try replacing the washer as DIY. To my surprize it turned out to be much simpler than I expected.
In this blog, I will be sharing my experience with you.
Role of Tap Washers and Other Components
A washer is a small but significant part of a tap mechanism that forms a seal to stop water flow when closed. It is a ring-shaped component made of rubber, nylon, or plastic. Over time, the washer can degrade, leading to leaks or drips.
In addition to the washer, a bathroom tap usually consists of the following parts.
Handle: Controls the flow of water.
Spindle: A metal rod that connects the handle to the valve.
Washer: A rubber or plastic disk that seals the valve to prevent water leakage.
Tap Body: The main housing of the tap.
What You Will Need
Gather the following tools and materials before starting.
- Adjustable wrench
- Basin wrench (if needed)
- Screwdriver (if needed)
- Pliers
- Replacement taps washer(s)
- PTFE tape
- Cloth or rag
Step-by-Step Guide:
Here, we have all the steps you will need to take to replace a tap washer. Remember, the method is almost similar for most bath taps and sink taps.
Step 1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Before you start, it is important to turn off the water supply for your entire home. Find the stopcock often located under the sink, near the water main, or in the basement. Simply turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply.
Step 2. Drain the Tap
Next, you must release any remaining water from the tap you’re repairing. Open it and let the water spill out. This will make it easier to work on tap,
Step 3. Prepare The Area
It is a good idea to place a towel beneath the tap to catch drips. Keep all the tools listed above nearby to avoid unnecessary interruptions.
Step 4. Remove the Tap Handle
Most tap handles have a small screw hidden under the decorative cap. It holds the handle in place. Use the screwdriver (flathead) to remove this screw. Once unscrewed, lift off the lever handle.
Step 5. Access the Washer
Once the lever handle (spindle) is unscrewed, the whole mechanism of the ta will be visible. You will need to access the washer using the adjustable spanner by unscrewing the body or valve. Don’t apply too much force else it may get damaged. Once you are able to remove the valve, locate the existing washer held in place with a small screw.
Step 6. Inspect and Replace the Tap Washer
The washer is a small rubber or plastic disk located at the end of the spindle. Simply remove the screw holding the washer and take out the washer by using pairs of pliers. Check the washer for wear, cracks, or damage. If worn out, it will need a replacement. To replace it, slide the new washer onto the spindle. Remember, the washer should be of the same size to fit correctly. Ensure it sits securely in its slot and tighten the screw gently to avoid damage to the washer. Wrape some PTFE tape around the spindle threads to ensure a tight seal.
Step 7: Reassemble the Tap
Finally, you can reassemble the tape by reattaching the valve or body to the base and tightening it with the help of a spanner. Fit the tap handle back onto the valve and secure it tight with a screw. You can now place the decorative cape on it to hide the screw.
Step 8: Turn On the Water Supply and Test the Tap
Once reassembled, it’s time to test the tap for any leaks. Slowly reopen the stopcock and see whether the dripping has stopped. Ensure everything operates smoothly as expected. If leaks persist, you will need to replace the spindle or tap bod.
Additional Tips
- Since there are a variety of tap types available, the process of changing the tap washer may differ slightly. Most common types of bath taps and sink taps in the UK include compression taps, ceramic disc taps, and mixer taps.
- If it's the first time you are handling such a task, take photos of the disassembling of the tap to remember how it fits together.
- The leaks around the threat will need you to wrap PTFE tape around the spindle and the tap body before reassembling.
- If you're unsure about any step or encounter difficulties, it's best to consult a professional plumber.
Common Tap Problems and Solutions
- Most of the time, a dripping tap can be fixed by adjusting the spindle packing nut. You can try tightening it slightly, but before careful not to overtighten it.
- A leaking bath tap or a sink tap is usually a sign of a worn-out washer or damaged spindle. You can replace worn-out parts or the entire tap body to resolve this problem.
- Worn-out washers or loose components may make taps noise. You will need to resolve it by replacing the worn parts and tightening the loose parts.
Ending Thoughts
Leaking bathroom taps is a common problem that results in wasting water and driving up your utility bills. It’s a small DIY task that can easily solve this problem. Not only can it save repair costs, but it also gives you a big sense of accomplishment. So, next time your tap starts dripping, don’t hesitate to try fixing it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, we have provided the short answers to the frequently asked questions.
How do you replace a washer on a mixer tap?
For Replacing a washer, you will need to turn off the water supply first, and drain the remaining water accumulated inside the faucet. Unscrew the tap handle with the help of a spanner, remove the valve, and replace the worn-out washer with a new one. Now, you can reassemble the tap and turn the water back on to check for leaks.
Can I change a tap washer myself?
Yes, changing a bath tap or sink tap washer is a fairly simple task that requires basic plumbing skills and knowledge. However, if you are not confident and never used a spanner and screwdriver, then it’s best to consult a professional plumber to avoid damaging the tap.
How to fix a tap leaking problem?
To address the leaking tap issue effectively, you will first need to identify the cause. Most of the time, a worn washer or cartridge results in a leaking problem. You will need to replace the faulty component, whether the washer or spindle, after turning off the water supply. If you cannot solve the problems, ensure all the components are tightened and sealed properly.
How do you stop the tap from dripping?
You can stop a bathroom tap from dripping by replacing the damaged parts. You will need to unscrew the tap to identify the cause of the problem. Ensure to change any damaged washers, O-rings or cartridges. All parts should be correctly aligned and tightened. We recommend regularly checking and maintaining the tap to extend its lifespan.
Why is my changed tap washer still dripping?
Sometimes, the a tap may still drip despite replacing the washer. It is due to the damaged valve seat or incorrect installation. To resolve this issue, you will need to clean or reseat the valve seat and double check all parts for a proper fitting.
