How To Fix A Leaking Bathroom Tap

How to Fix a Leaking Bathroom Tap

A leaking bathroom tap can be a nuisance and waste water. Fortunately, fixing a leaky tap is a relatively easy task that can be completed in a few minutes with the right tools and materials. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to fix a leaking bathroom tap:

Gather the necessary tools and materials

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools and materials:

Adjustable wrench or pliers
Screwdriver
Replacement washer (if needed)
Plumber's tape
New O-rings (if needed)

Turn off the water supply

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the tap. This is usually done by turning off the stop valves located beneath the sink. If there are no stop valves, you will need to turn off the main water supply to your home.

Remove the aerator

The aerator is the small attachment at the end of the tap that helps to mix air with water. To remove the aerator, simply unscrew it by hand or with a wrench.

Disassemble the tap

Once the aerator is removed, you can disassemble the tap. This is usually done by unscrewing the packing nut located at the base of the tap. Be careful not to overtighten the packing nut, as this can damage the tap.

Replace the washer (if needed)

If the tap is leaking from the base, you may need to replace the washer. To do this, simply remove the old washer and replace it with a new one. Make sure that the new washer is the same size and type as the old one.

Replace the O-rings (if needed)

If the tap is leaking from the handle, you may need to replace the O-rings. To do this, simply remove the old O-rings and replace them with new ones. Make sure that the new O-rings are the same size and type as the old ones.

Reassemble the tap

Once you have replaced the washer and/or O-rings, you can reassemble the tap. To do this, simply reverse the steps that you followed to disassemble it.

Turn on the water supply

Once the tap is reassembled, turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If there are no leaks, you have successfully fixed the tap.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you fix a leaking bathroom tap:

If you are not comfortable working on plumbing, it is best to call a plumber.
Make sure to turn off the water supply before you start working on the tap.
Be careful not to overtighten the packing nut, as this can damage the tap.
If you are replacing the washer, make sure that the new washer is the same size and type as the old one.
If you are replacing the O-rings, make sure that the new O-rings are the same size and type as the old ones.