Essex Orange Fix-a-Tap Tap Fitting Kit for 1/2" Taps - for Ceramic Wash Hand Basin.

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When this happens it’s time to strip the tap down where required and make repairs. The Cost of a Dripping Tap

One of the most common problems encountered in the home is a dripping tap and it remains one of the most misleading as the go to solution is to just change the tap washer, but this isn’t always the cause. The problem in some cases is the valve seat that the washer sits on when the tap is closed. YourRepair is a trading name of YourCare Services Ltd, registered in England & Wales. Reg No: 09699907. If you’re currently having tap problems or you want to prepare for potential future issues, you are in the right place. This guide covers common problems like dripping mixer taps, waterfall tap repair, shower mixer tap repair, washer sizes, and more. Common tap problems

As with the DIY repair above, you should always turn off the water supply before starting any repair works on your taps. Turn the water off at the mains and then turn the tap on to drain any remaining water. Make sure you switch between hot and cold to completely drain the pipes. Unscrew the tap In this instance it’s always a good idea to get some WD40 or other easing fluid and spray down into the area where the screw fixes in and into any other areas around the tap handle/cover and also up under the bottom edge of the cover if possible. Leave for ten minutes or so to allow the fluid to penetrate and try to remove the head of the tap again. If you are still unable to get it off try applying more easing fluid. Now that you know all about the different causes of a dripping tap and how to access the tap valve inside it’s time to strip your tap down and find out what’s going on. We have detailed below the full procedure for changing a tap washer and re-grinding the seat if that is also required. Step 1 – Turn off the Water The exact location of the washer can be seen in the diagrams below, along with the names of the other various parts of 2 common different types of pillar tap. Before you start to dismantle the tap, place the plug in the hole. This will stop you losing anything down the waste.

First thing to do is isolate the tap, you can do this by closing the isolation valve on the pipe. Using the flat screw driver, turn the valve a quarter-turn. Once you have isolated the tap, simply open it to release any water still in the pipe. Aside from leaks from the open end of the spout it’s also possible for it to leak around the base, as we have stated above. To do this, find out below. Mixer taps have several advantages over traditional individual pillar taps in that the overall temperature of any flowing water is much easier to control and adjust, often just by moving a lever. Before delving in with your screwdriver to stop your tap from dripping, it's important to understand its anatomy.With all the different manufacturers, most taps differ slightly in size and due to this often the size of washer that’s needed to ensure an adequate seal and prevent any leaks. As with any plumbing work, you will need to switch off the water supply to your taps. Top tip: Put the plug in your plughole to prevent any screws from falling down.

First, turn off the water and isolate the supply to the tap you’re working on. This can be done at an isolation valve or at the mains stop tap if not. Turn the tap on and run any remaining water out of it. As you may imagine from the above, to resolve any leaks of this kind you will need to replace the seal ring. But, what happens when a bath shower mixer diverter is not working? You will know if there is an issue because whenever you have a shower, your taps will also be pouring out water, reducing the effectiveness of your shower. However if the leak is coming from the base of the spout then this is most likely to be the O-ring seal between the spout and tap body.If your leaking tap is really old and stiff or wobbly, you might be better off just replacing the tap to save you from the stress (and money) of going through all that and it still drips.

A dribble from the top of the tap is usually a result of the Gland seals being worn. Sometimes there is a gland nut, which can be undone to reveal the O-ring sealing the gland to the head. (see “Individual elements that make up a pillar tap” image at top). Other times there is a circlip holding the spindle to the head. This can be removed carefully as shown below.If you are having issues with your tap, try not to panic. Generally, waterfall tap repair is not any more difficult than repairing other types of tap. You may need to remedy dripping, leaking or stiff waterfall taps, so please follow the instructions in our ‘how to fix a dripping mixer tap’ and ‘how to fix a stiff mixer tap’ sections. Shower mixer tap problems Also, lay out a cloth or tea towel in the sink to protect the porcelain or enamel from getting chipped if you accidentally drop anything in it.