Not just because of the annoying sound dripping water produces; leaking taps may be a pain. A broken tap can waste up to 13.6 liters (3 gallons) of water every day if it is left unchecked, which is the equal to filling 8 kettles and then emptying them. However, with a few hand tools, some time, and patience, leaks and drips can typically be fixed.
There are two fundamental kinds of tapplumber near me. Traditional faucets include washers at the base of the valve that create a seal and operate on the “compression valve” theory. Some faucets, like monopoly mixer faucets, don’t utilize washers though. Because these taps use two ceramic discs inside of a cartridge rather than washers, they are known as ceramic valve taps. Ascertain the type of tap you are using and that you have the appropriate replacement components on hand.
Before beginning
Finding the leak’s location is the first step because it will tell you what kind of repair is required. Depending on the type of tap you have, you need to replace the ceramic valve cartridge or washer if water is dripping from the spout. If water is dripping from behind the handle, the valve O-ring has to be replaced; if it is dripping from beneath the spout, the spout O-ring needs to be replaced. O-rings are the little rubber rings that are located at the spout or valve base.
Next, turn off the water supply to the dripping tap. Use a screwdriver to shut off any isolation valves that are attached to the pipes below the issue taps that are specific to that tap. If an isolation valve is not available, turn off the water supply using the stopcock, which is typically located under the kitchen sink. After then, make sure the taps you are working on are entirely empty by running them. Once the taps are empty, it’s a good idea to put the plug into the sink to prevent losing any small components, such screws.
What equipment do you need?
To assist you with this task, you will require a few things:
The following tools are required: an adjustable spanner, cross-headed and flat-headed screwdrivers, lubricant, replacement parts (either new O-rings and washers or a Ceramic Valve Cartridge, depending on the type of tap you’re working with), and a box spanner if you need to replace the spout O-ring.
Most of these supplies will be on hand if you followed our instructions to assemble a beginner’s toolboxplumber near me.
Compression valve repair instructions
1. To access the screw inside the handle of your tap, carefully remove the handle cap if it is there. Next, unscrew the valve cover’s remaining screws.
2. After loosening the valve with an adjustable spanner, remove it.
3. Hold the valve firmly with the adjustable spanner while removing the washer’s screw with a screwdriver. then switch out the washer.
4. Reinstall the valve, valve cover, and tap handle. Put the handle cap back on.
How to fix a tap with a ceramic disc valve
1. Remove the handle cover to see the valve’s top. For this portion of the process, you might require an Allen Key depending on the style of the cap.
2. After loosening the valve with an adjustable spanner, remove it.
3. Inspect the Ceramic Disc Valve to see whether a buildup of dirt or valve damage is to blame for the leak. The valve may need to be cleaned or replaced.
4. Tighten the handle cap and valve.
Fixing a tap valve O-ring
1. Remove the tap’s valve by adhering to the directions listed above for the type of tap you’re working with.
2. Using a screwdriver, carefully remove the O-ring from the valve if it is worn out or damaged.
Fixing a spout valve O-ring
1. You must begin the repair under the sink if your spout is dripping. To remove the nut holding the tap to the sink, use a box spanner.
2. Rotate the tap such that the little grub screw is facing your direction. Next, take out the grub screw.
3. To reach the O-ring, lift the spout. Use a screwdriver to carefully pry off the O-ring that is worn or damaged. Roll the replacement O-ring into place with caution.
4. The spout will have a marking. Then, slot the spout back into place after aligning this marker with the matching groove in the tap body. Retighten the grub screw and the nut under the sink to hold the tap firmly in place.
Always check your tap’s functionality after performing any of these repairs.