Submitted by administrator on Mon, 07/17/2017 - 11:40

Are you experiencing a leaking tap and you are thinking to give it a try and fix it yourself?

If you are not sure on the right tap spare and the technique needed to repair the tap, it's always recommended to seek help from a professional.

But, if you're willing to try a DIY project, here's what you need and the steps you have to take to replace your leaking or dripping tap.

Tools and materials that you may need:

  • Bucket
  • Basin wrench
  • Adjustable wrenches
  • Slotted screwdriver
  • Water pump pliers
  • Pipe cutter
  • Olive splitter
  • Box spanner
  • Sink taps/ Tap spares
  • Tap brace
  • Cloth
  • Masking tape
  • PTFE and threat deal tape
  • Jointing compound and flexible tap connectors

Step 1: Turn off the main water supply to that specific tap.

Give the screw a quarter turn and make sure the slot is running across the pipe, this will turn off the valve. To empty the remaining water from the pipes, run the tap.

Step 2: Remove the tap head

Find out whether your tap uses ceramic discs or rubber washers. For this, you will need to locate the handle screw. Although the location may vary depending on the type of tap that you have, this can often be found under a cap on the handle which can either be unscrewed or simply lifted up.

Step 3: Keep everything in order

Be sure to keep the parts you remove in order if you want to carry out an easy reassembly process. 

Depending on the type of washers, there are certain steps that you need to take to replace the tap spares:

Ceramic disc valve

Take out the cap and carry out the steps mentioned above. After you removed the handle screw and the tap handle itself, remove the valve cover and the ceramic valve by using an adjustable spanner. Replace the ceramic valve with a new one and make sure you have all the parts in order for the reassemble.#

Rubber washer

Remove the handle screw, the tap handle and use an adjustable spanner to remove the tap valve from the valve seat. Remove or flip off the washer and replace this with a new one. To reassemble the tap, follow this same process in a reverse way.

Do you have any questions? Norfolk Discount Plumbing is happy to help!

Get in touch with us today on 01603 431 549 or send us an email at igentndpe@googlemail.com and one of our plumbing specialists will be here to help. Let us know your requirements and we will make sure to provide you with a quick and efficient solution to your problem.