How To Change a Tap Washer

Not only is a dripping tap annoying, but it also wastes precious water. The Water bylaws make house owners responsible for the maintenance of their own water systems, today we will discuss how easy it is to change a leaking tap washer.

Tools and Materials Required:

• Step Ladder
• Small Screwdriver
• Wire Strippers
• Sticky Tape
• Water Pump Plier (Optional)
• Spanner (Optional)
• Hammer (Optional)

Before You Start

Taps usually leak due to a faulty washer or a worn seat against which the washer is compressed. There are several different types and sizes of tap washers, so do not start with the changing of the washer unless you know what type of washer you need.

Turning Off The Water

Modern installations have a service valve fitted below each tap that makes it easy, all you need to do is turn off the valve that isolates the tap from the water supply.

If your installations are relatively old and you do not have service valves, you will have to turn off the mains water supply. This stops the water from flowing to all taps and do not forget to turn off your geyser!

Tip: Place the plug in the sink waste and block the overflow, as both have a nasty habit of swallowing screws and other small parts.

Let’s Get Started

Once the water supply is cut off, turn the tap on to allow the remaining water to drain. Remove the capstan head retaining screw, this will be in the side of the capstan head or under the cap in its center.

The cap might unscrew, or it may be prised out with a small screwdriver. If the capstan will not pull off, turn the tap on completely, slide a spanner over the spindle under the head, and gently tap the spanner upwards with a hammer.

Tip: Protect the basin with towels in case the head flies off and damages something.

Remove the tap cover or shield. If the shield will not undo, wrap a strip of inner tube around it to protect the finish and apply pressure using a water pump plier.Undo the large hexagon nut and remove the body, then remove the old washer from the jumper, this may be held in place by a nut. 

If so, then hold the jumper with pliers and undo the nut with a small spanner, now replace the washer.Check the washer seating for pitting, which will stop the washer making a perfect seal. If it is not perfectly smooth, it needs attention.

A plastic grommet may be inserted to make a new seat, by pushing the grommet into the hole. By Reassembling the tap and screwing the handle down, this will bed the grommet and create a new seat.

All done, easy-peasy!

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