Dripping is not only annoying but it is also not environmentally friendly. A dripping tap can waste nearly 315 litres of water a year, so if you have a tap that is leaking it is worth fixing it for peace and peace of mind!
A leaking tap is caused by worn out washers which usually seal the tap when it is turned off and stops the water from leaking out. The washer is usually made of rubber or plastic, which works perfectly until it wears out over time. When a washer is worn it stops the tap from working properly and causes leakage, if you are a homeowner, changing the washer in your tap is almost a right of passage. For the un-trained, changing the washer in the tap may sound daunting but in fact, it is quite simple and can be done in less than five minutes - anyone can do it.
Before trying to change the washer of your tap, make sure that you have a spanner and a replacement washer which can be purchased from most high street or independent DIY retailers. Tap washers are of standard size, so if you don't know which size to get simply ask the assistant for a tap washer and he or she will know which size you need.
Step 1: Which tap is leaking? Is it the hot or the cold water?
Step 2: Check under the sink if there is an isolating valve, then turn it off while the tap is running, this will help you ensure that the water will not spray out and flood your sink or floor.
Step 3: Plug the sinkhole. This prevents small items from accidentally falling down the hole when you dismantle the tap.
Step 4: Dismantle the tap. Depending on the design of the tap, with the help of your spanner, unscrew the body of the knob (or control that turns the tap on and off). Turn it upside down, underneath is a rubber disc - you have found the washer, try to pry it off using your nail or a nail file. Once it has come off, replace it with the new one.
Step 5: Screw the handle back on, turn the isolating valve on and then turn the tap on and then off again. You will see that the leak has stopped and should be proud that you have saved yourself a plumbers call out fee!
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Written by Jamie Lyons when I should have been writing about Bathroom Taps and Hearing Aids
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