BathEmpire

How To Replace A Tap Washer

Posted on 08. Feb, 2012 by Nitin in Advice

Suffering from a dripping tap? Usually, the most common cause of this problem is just the tap washer. And instead of calling out a plumber, you can save about £30 by replacing it yourself.

What will you need?

• Flat head screwdriver.
• A flat head or adjustable spanner.
• New rubber washers.
• Small cloth, or toilet roll.

And finally, remember the phrase ‘lefty loosy, righty tighty,’ so you know which way to turn the valves!

Stage 1
The fist step is to turn the water off, and this can be done by locating and twisting the controlling valve. Then, test to see if this has been successful; the remaining water in the tap body should drip out slowly.

Once you are sure that all connected water sources have run dry, put the plug in to avoid losing anything down the drain.

Stage 2
Next, prise open the tap handle, which will expose the valve body.

Stage 3
Take a piece of cloth or a small bit of loo roll and cover the tap spout to prevent any damage to the chrome. Then, using an adjustable spanner, twist the valve until it is loose.

This will now expose the tap washer on the bottom that we need to change.

Stage 4
Undo the small nut on the bottom, prise out the washer, and in the insert place in the new tap washer.

Make sure you always place the washer the flat side down, and screw the retaining nut back on.

Stage 5
Now, wipe the valve down with some wire wool to remove any limescale that may have built up. It may also be a good idea to do the same with the inside of the tap.

Stage 6
Now that the hard work has been done, reassemble the tap in reverse order, and turn the water back on.

Stage 7
Finally, test to see if the tap has stopped leaking, and grab a beer for successfully obliterating the problem!

However, if you want to make replacing washers a thing of the past, then look at any BathEmpire contemporary tap, as they feature ceramic disc technology.

Tags: bathroom refurbishments, bathroom tradespeople tips, fix, mixer taps, washer