How To Tighten A Bathroom Sink Tap

How to Tighten a Bathroom Sink Tap

A loose bathroom sink tap can be a major annoyance, causing leaks and drips that can waste water and drive up your utility bills. Fortunately, tightening a loose sink tap is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes with just a few basic tools.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Adjustable wrench
Allen wrench (if necessary)
Cloth or rag

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before you begin working on the tap, you'll need to turn off the water supply to prevent any leaks. Locate the water supply valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to the closed position.

Step 3: Remove the Aerator (Optional)

If your sink tap has an aerator, you'll need to remove it before you can tighten the tap. Aerators are typically located at the end of the tap spout and can be unscrewed by hand or with an adjustable wrench.

Step 4: Tighten the Packing Nut

Once the aerator is removed, you'll see the packing nut, which is a large nut located at the base of the tap spout. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the packing nut clockwise. Be careful not to overtighten the nut, as this can damage the tap.

Step 5: Tighten the Mounting Bolts

Under the sink, you'll find two mounting bolts that secure the tap to the sink. Use an Allen wrench or an adjustable wrench to tighten these bolts clockwise. Again, be careful not to overtighten the bolts.

Step 6: Reinstall the Aerator (Optional)

If you removed the aerator earlier, you can now reinstall it by screwing it back onto the end of the tap spout.

Step 7: Turn On the Water Supply

Once all of the bolts and nuts are tightened, turn on the water supply valves under the sink. Check for any leaks around the tap. If you notice any leaks, tighten the packing nut or mounting bolts further until the leaks stop.

Tips

If you're having trouble tightening the tap, you may need to replace the O-rings or washers inside the tap. These parts can deteriorate over time and cause leaks.
If you're not comfortable working on plumbing fixtures, you can always call a professional plumber to tighten the tap for you.
Regularly checking and tightening your bathroom sink tap can help prevent leaks and extend the life of the tap.