How to fix a leaking tap

A leaking tap is a common plumbing occurrence in most households.There are several causes of a leaking tap, but most are simple to fix. It's an easy step-by-step job that can save you money and wasted water.

Safety

Always keep tools and materials away from children.
Read the instructions before beginning your project.
Consult your council or water authority for legal requirements.

Materials

12mm (1/2") washers are most commonly used inside the home
O-ring
Jumper valve
Reseating kit (if necessary)
Cloth, to protect chrome when loosening and tightening

Step 1. Washers

There are three washers that could be causing the tap to drip and may need replacing; the o-ring, the body washer and the jumper valve. These come in standard sizes, but to be sure that your replacement is correct take the worn washer into Bunnings.

Step 2. Replacing The Washer

1. Firstly make sure to turn off your water main in the house. Your water main will either be out on the street or in your front yard if you live in a house. If you live in a flat or townhouse the mains tap will probably be inside the bathroom or laundry.
2. Open the tap to release any water left in the pipe.
3. Place the plug in the basin to prevent any tap parts from disappearing into the drain.
4. Remove the tap's cover with a screwdriver on the handle to expose the screw. The screw is most likely under the hot or cold sign. Some taps will have screws positioned on the side.
5. Undo the screw and remove the handle.
6. If the tap is shrouded with a metal cover, unscrew by hand or use a wrench. Make sure to use a cloth over the cover to protect the chrome from scratching.
7. Use a spanner or wrench to unscrew the tap bonnet. Completely take out the headgear, you should now see the large body washer, the o-ring and the jumper valve.
8. The jumper valve will just fall out.
9. Replace the body washer, the o-ring and the jumper valve then refit bonnet & spindle - make sure not to over tighten the nuts.
10. Re-assemble the tap, close it and then open the water main.
11. Check that the leaking has ceased.

Step 3. Reseating A Tap

If your tap continues to leak after replacing the washers it will need to be reseated. Reseating resurfaces your tap, so that the washer has the tightest seal. The simplest way to do this is to purchase a reseating kit which generally comes with all of the washers and seals to simply reseat your tap.

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KEEPING YOUR CUSTOM BATHROOM DESIGN LOOKING GREAT DURING SUMMER

KEEPING YOUR CUSTOM BATHROOM DESIGN LOOKING GREAT DURING SUMMER

At some point, we've all had to unfortunately endure the ever daunting task of the bi-seasonal maintenance of our custom bathroom. At this time of the year, we tend to relax and enjoy the warm weather, content in ourselves that the household chores are done and dusted for at least a few months.

 But did you know that there are still many things that can go drastically wrong during the hot summer months? With the extra strain on the system that the summer months inevitably bring, it’s more important than ever to keep a watchful eye on the maintenance of your bathroom.

It would be a shame to have all your hard work from last year’s bathroom renovations undone by climate extremes, so we've included a few things to look out for to ensure you can relax and watch the cricket. We’d also recommend taking a look at our article on how to clean your custom design bathroom for ongoing tips to keep your bathroom looking great all year round!

As the temperatures rise and rise, unavoidable expanding will occur to your tiles, making them susceptible to leaks as the grout is compromised. There is an unfortunate trend of people using sealers as a temporary solution if leaks do occur, tending to make the problem worse by creating a vacuum effect.

 The only permanent solution is to have tile membrane fitted, which will ensure the tiles are   resistant to the temperature fluctuations, whilst at the same time protecting the grout from water   damage.

As pipes are prone to rupturing in cold conditions, so too are water heaters at risk of overheating in hot conditions. An overheated water tank will not only refuse to run hot water at all, but it will also dump the water in a similar fashion to an overflowing pot.

              

This is considerably hazardous, as, depending on its size and where the tank is located, a large   amount of water could irreparably damage any walls or flooring inside your bathroom. Keep an eye on the thermometer in your water tank as this is the most common failing, and always try to    have old,outdated tanks replaced.

Shower usage in very high temperatures can be problematic if the room is not ventilated well enough, as any moisture left over will humidify the area in the intense heat. This can cause all sorts of nasty problems, such as bacteria buildup and damage to any untreated wood.

Keeping the shower curtain or shower screen clear of any drips will help immensely if ventilation   via a window or fan is not possible, although it is still recommended to buy even just a small,    electric fan for airing purposes.

Have you suffered any bathroom related catastrophes this summer? Or do you have your own bag    of tricks to share? Post a comment and let everyone know!