Video by Curran Plumbing on YouTube
DIY Plumbing
How to Fix a Leaking Tap
A dripping tap wastes thousands of litres a year, and on most older taps the fix is a worn washer that costs a couple of dollars.
What you’ll need
- shifter or spanner
- flat screwdriver
- new tap washer (take the old one to the hardware store to match it)
- cloth
Step by step
- Turn off the water at the isolation valve or the mains, then open the tap to drain it.
- Remove the handle and unscrew the tap body (the jumper valve assembly).
- Swap the old washer for the new one and check the seat for damage.
- Reassemble, turn the water back on and test.
When to call a pro
if the tap still drips after a new washer, the seat is worn or the tap is a ceramic-disc or mixer type that needs a cartridge. A plumber can reseat or replace it quickly.
Rather have a pro do it?
Compare local plumbing & gas businesses, or post the job free and get quotes.
