Leaking taps in your bathroom or kitchen can cause major inconvenience. The consistent dripping sound will annoy you until the lyndhurst Plumber arrives for repairs. Above all, the overburdening utility bills for the water you never used will topple your monthly budget.
The best remedy to avoid these inconveniences is to take some time and try fixing that leaking tap. We can help you with your first tap-fixing endeavor through an easy-to-follow guide. Keep reading-
Types of Taps
It’s crucial to understand the type of tap before unscrewing it for repairs. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types of taps, and you can fix both through a few simple steps.
Washer Tap
Most traditional taps have a washer, a disc-shaped metallic part to distribute the water load to ensure uniformity in its flow and seal the valve to prevent leakage. The washer has to be waterproof and flexible; hence it’s made from materials such as nylon, rubber or fibre, which means the washer will deteriorate and require frequent replacements. Thankfully, you don’t need the best plumber services in Lyndhurst for the task because it’s easy, and you can master it in the first try itself.
Tools Needed to Change the Leaking Washer Tap
- Adjustable spanner or C wrench
- Cross-headed Screwdriver
- Replacement Washer and O Ring
- Lubricant (WD-40 or similar)
- Rags to clean the mess
Simple Steps to Change the Leaking Washer Tap
Block the water supply
Before proceeding to unscrew the tap, cut off the water supply, or you will be in a flooded mess. You can either turn off the isolation valve or simply switch off the water mains. If you aren’t sure, you can also quickly dial the nearest plumber in Lyndhurst, and they can guide you about the valve.
Unscrew the Tap
First, you must remove the decorative cover by prying it with a screwdriver. You can use the screwdriver to remove the faucet handle and then, with a spanner, loosen the packing nut to remove the stem.
Remove the Washer
You will see the O ring and washer right under the valve. You can use your screwdriver to unscrew and remove the washer with the spanner. If it feels too tricky, you can add a little lubricant and let it immerse for some time. After that, try removing the washer, and it will easily slip out.
If you feel the washer is intact and in good condition, the fault may be in the valve. If that’s the case, you may need to connect with the best plumber services in Lyndhurst since changing the valve is a tricky job.
Replace the Washer
If the washer or O ring seems loose, replace these with a new one. It’s advisable to replace both to prevent leakage for a long time. Ensure that the replacement washer and O ring are of the same size.
Assemble the tap
Reassemble the tap and switch on the water supply to ensure everything works correctly.
Ceramic Tap
Most modern taps have a ceramic cartridge which is more durable than the washer. You can recognise these through the 90° motion to turn the tap on and off. Due to less friction, the ceramic tap lasts longer than the washers. However, if the ceramic faucet at your home leaks, you can quickly repair it without calling the nearest plumber in Lyndhurst.
Tools Required to Repair a Leaking Ceramic Tap
- Allen Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Groove joint pliers
- Old Toothbrush
- Replacement Ceramic Cartridge
- O Rings
- Silicon Grease
Simple Steps to Change the Leaking Ceramic Tap
Turn Off the Water Supply
Switch off the specific knob of the water supply or cut the supply from the main unit to prevent water from flooding the area. You can turn the tap on and let the remaining water in the pipe flow.
Remove the decorative knob
You can easily remove the decorative cap by lifting it upwards, exposing the set screw, and removing it with an Allen wrench.
Pull out the ceramic cartridge
You can loosen the ceramic cartridge with joint pliers and pull it upwards. There is a seal in the bottom of the cartridge, which may have sediments that cause leakage. If you can not completely remove the deposits with a toothbrush, consider replacing the cartridge with a new one.
Replace the O Ring
The O ring lies beneath the cartridge. You can remove and fix a new one by applying silicon grease.
Insert the Cartridge
Reinsert the cartridge, screw it in place and fit the decorative knob. Turn on the water mains to see if the leakage has stopped. In case there is still some water dripping from the tap, connect with the best plumber services in Lyndhurst to guide you.
Wrapping Up
Learning to fix a dripping tap can sometimes be a lifesaver. Though these tips provide sensible solutions to change the washers and fix the problem, you must always connect with the nearest plumber in Lyndhurst if you think the leaking tap can signal a bigger problem.
Doyle Plumbing Group has over 25 years of experience in the plumbing industry, and you can rely on our expert team for all kinds of commercial, residential, and industrial needs. We also serve as the best emergency plumbers in Lyndhurst and nearby areas. Contact us if the leaking tap refuses to mend even after you try since there may be a deeper problem.