dripping-tap

Tools Required:

  • Shifter/wrench
  • Multi-grip pliers
  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Phillips head screwdriver

Materials Required:

  • Tap washer
  • O-ring

Contrary to popular opinion, ignoring a leaky tap’s ‘drip, drip, drip’ will not make it disappear. Learning how to remove a tap washer is one of the fundamental skills that will transform you from a novice DIYer to a true expert.

This article is for those of you who have no idea what a tap washer is, let alone how to change one. And you can all breathe a sigh of relief because changing a tap washer requires no drilling, no fiddling with pipes, and no exposure to highly dangerous chemicals. This is the epitome of DIY: simple, rewarding, and (nearly) completely safe.

Why Do You Need to Replace Your Tap Washer?

We’ve all felt the fury that comes with a dripping faucet. It won’t stop leaking no matter how tight you tighten it. All that’s left is a hand cramp and a tap that won’t turn off.

Many consumers are unaware that the tap washer can be the source of a leaking tap. When they become worn, they lose their effectiveness, thus replacing the tap washer is a good option.

If you go through the trouble of changing your tap washer only to find that your tap still leaks, we can only apologize – and point you to the end of this tutorial, where we advise what else could be causing it.

Where is the Tap Washer Located?

The seat and the tap washer are the two primary components of a standard tap. When the faucet is turned on, the washer is directed towards the seat, causing a build-up of pressure. The water is forced out through the spout and into the sink as a result. When you turn off the tap, the washer pushes against the seat, creating a watertight seal that prevents water from flowing through and out the tap.

Tap washers, unfortunately, do not endure forever, and any damage will almost certainly result in a leaky tap. A little amount of water will be permitted to pass through and out through the spout if the washer cannot form a watertight seal owing to wear and strain. When your tap washer wears out, replace it to prevent leaks.

New tap washers are relatively inexpensive and readily available. They’re available at almost any DIY or hardware store. They come in a number of sizes and are usually sold in packs of four, so you won’t have to buy them very often.

tap-faucet-washer

How to Remove and Replace a Tap Washer

Now, before you go ahead and fire us all, you should double-check the tap hardware. Taps come in a variety of forms and sizes, but they almost always include a washer, an O-ring, and a body washer. These are the items that will need to be changed, so go to your neighborhood plumbing supply store. It’s usually a good idea to oil the thread so it turns on and off smoothly; simply ask the person behind the counter about it, and they’ll take care of it!

Step 1: Turn off the water at the main water meter first.

Turn on both the hot and cold taps to ensure that the water is isolated. When the water reduces pressure and eventually stops, you’ve achieved isolation. This could take one to two minutes (so get a cup of coffee ready!).

Step 2: Take your tap apart.

Every tap should be destroyed in its own way. The idea is to take your time and figure out which element needs to be undone first. This will disclose the next section that needs to be undone, and so on. This typically begins with a simple screw or nut and progresses to larger, shinier fittings like cover plates or flanges. Keep track of the steps you used to deconstruct your taps since you’ll need to reinstall them. If you have a terrible memory, take pictures using your phone!

Step 3: Change the washer.

Replace the washer, O-ring, and body washer with new ones once the taps have been dismantled. Apply oil to any thread to make the tap perform smoother, which will help with wear and tear.

tap-washer

Step 4: Put the tapware together.

Now it’s time to put your tapware together. This is accomplished by reversing step two and placing each component of the tap together. Don’t worry if you get stuck and forget the order; simply search up lessons online to help you along the way, and you’ll be fine.

After you’ve replaced all of your tapware, the last step is to slowly turn on the water and test the function of your tap. Because you’ve emptied the water, there may be some air coming out of the tap, so run the taps for a few minutes until the water is free-flowing.

If you can’t manage to get it done, and you’ve tried and tried again, you may just need to call Silverwater Plumbing.

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(02) 9199 2055