How to Fix a Leaking Tap in 16 Steps
We have all experienced it before, the dreaded leak of a tap.
But have you ever wondered how you could fix this issue yourself?
In this blog, we provide our easy-to-follow #16-step guide on how to fix a leaking tap. Alternatively, scroll to the bottom of the page and watch our instructional video instead :)
These instructions are suitable for all standard types of taps.
If at any point you feel overwhelmed or are not confident making this repair yourself, please call your local and friendly trusted plumber! Moyle Plumbing services Brisbane - Northern Gold Coast, and we’ve been plumbing for our community since 1893. If you’re a local resident, give us a buzz on 07 3807 7327 and we will be more than happy to help you out.
No Call-Out Fee, Same-Day Service Available, Workmanship Guarantee.
How To Fix a Leaking Tap
Materials
Firstly, you will need the following items to begin.
Tap Washers
Body Washer
Tap lubricant
O-Rings
Tools - Flathead screwdriver & spanner & pointed nose plyers
Cleaning rag
Wire brush
Step 1 – Turn OFF your water supply. You will most probably find your house isolation tap at the front of the home. If you are unsure how to do turn off your water, we have a video on how to do this, see ‘how do I turn off my hot water’
Step 2 – Depending on the type of standard tap & tap handle, you will use either a spanner or screwdriver to remove the tap indicator & cap from the tap. If there is a nut, turn it anti-clockwise to undo & remove it.
Step 3 – Remove the tap handle & the dry nut if there is one.
Step 4 – Remove the flange or tap cover/shroud by unscrewing it anti-clockwise.
Step 5 – The brass or chrome tap spindle should now be exposed. Remove the spindle using a spanner on the hexagon part, turning it anti-clockwise.
Step 6 – With the tap spindle apart, there are 3 things you need to replace on this tap spindle.
Tap washer
Body washer
O-rings
The Tap washer is the first part that you will see. It may be plastic or brass with a rubber seal. It is important to buy the best tap washer that you can afford. The plastic-type ones do not last as long as the brass ones. Even in the plastic-type, there are many inferior brands & colours that should not be used. If you buy the wrong washer, you will be doing this process much sooner than you would like to be.
Your tap will leak from the tap or spout if the washer has failed.
The body washer is the large thin fibre (often red) washer.
It sits on the base of the tread against the combination.
Your tap will leak from the base of the tap if the body washer has failed.
The O-rings.
To access the O-rings, you need to unscrew the shroud off the tap spindle. There may be 1 or 2 O-rings & they will be seated individually in a grove.
Step 7 - Remove these O-rings by using pointed nose plaice. Don’t worry if you damage these when removing them, as you will be replacing them anyway.
If the O-rings are damaged, perished or compromised, your taps will leak out the top of the tap handle, flange & can ingress under the cabinet causing a lot of water damage.
Step 8 - If you have access to a T Tool, use it now in the tap spindle to clean the tap thread & remove the excess build-up of gunk. This will assist the tap to have a smooth operation.
Step 9 - Remove any grease or build-up from around the tap thread & around the tap O-rings using your wire brush or rag.
Step 10 – Replace the O-rings
Step 11 – Use the tap lubricant liberally around the tap thread & around the O-rings.
Step 12 – Screw the spindle housing back onto the tap spindle.
Step 13 – Replace the larger body washer & tap washer
Your tap spindle should be ready to be placed back into the tap combination.
Step 14 – Reassemble your taps. Install the tap body, cover flange, followed by the handle & indicator cap. Tighten.
Step 15 – Turn your water back on.
If you have been successful in repairing your own leaking tap, the tap will have stopped leaking.
If your tap is still leaking, you will need to contact your local plumber or if your located Brisbane Southside, Logan City & Northern Gold Coast Queensland Australia, contact Moyle Plumbing & Gasfitting for more advice or help to fix your leaking tap.
07 3807 7327
Moyle Plumbing & Gasfitting have been repairing taps for our community since 1983 & are very experienced plumbers & tap repairs may be cheaper than you think.
Moyle Plumbing & Gasfitting do not charge a service call & have a fixed price for a full service to a leaking tap. It works out more economical if you get more than 1 set of taps repaired at the one time.
To make a booking for our plumber to attend, call 07 3807 7327, or email admin@moyleplumbing.com.au
Need an emergency plumber? Contact us on 0447 671 095.
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Related Blogs
See ‘How To Replace a Leaking Hose Tap’
See ‘How To Fix Your Leaking Hose Tap’
*Disclosure: The advice provided in this blog extends to what tap repairs you allowed to do without a plumbing licence, and is classified as Unregulated work. Further tap repairs are only allowed to be done by a licenced plumber. Page: 86 Schedule 3 – Unregulated work – Section 7 – Line 2.
