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If a leaking tap is driving you mad and you want to fix it yourself, make sure you follow a few simple steps to ensure you don’t end up in a bigger mess! Remember that dripping taps are not just annoying, they are wasting water and money! It’s better to get onto this problem as soon as possible. Firstly, you need to assess just what is happening.

Make sure you have the right tools:

You don’t want to get stuck without having the right equipment on hand. Here is your checklist for the things you will need before trying to fix a leaking tap.

• 12mm (1/2”) washers (these are most commonly used inside the home)
• O-ring.
• Jumper valve.
• Reseating kit (if necessary)
• Wrench /spanner or tap spanner set.
• Multi-grips (if necessary)
• Screwdriver.
• Tap lubricant.

The type of leak will help you determine where the problem is.

If the tap is dripping when it is turned off, it probably means the washer attached to the jumper valve needs replacing. Understanding how to replace a jumper valve washer will not only save you water but also save you money. Replacing a leaking tap or jumper valve washer is one of the few plumbing jobs that isn’t regulated, so it’s something you can easily do yourself. The majority of basin taps, shower taps, garden taps, laundry taps, and older style kitchen tapware have a jumper valve washer. This doesn’t apply if the tapware is of the mixer or ceramic disk type.

If you get water flowing or oozing out between the tap body and spindle or out from under the cover plate when the tap is turned on, it’s most likely the O-ring that needs to be replaced. This is a rubber gasket, designed to be seated in a groove in the tap and compressed to form a seal between two or more parts. Either way, the tap will need to be dismantled, so it’s worth replacing both while you’re at it.

Most important step!

The first thing you need to do is to turn off your water supply at the mains. You’ve probably seen comedy films where this step is ignored resulting in water spurting out all over the floor and the actor trying to stop the gushing water with their hands.

You’ll find the mains connection by looking for the water meter located in the front yard of your house or in your bathroom or laundry if you live in an apartment. Once you’ve done this, it is safe to turn on your leaking tap and let all the excess water in the pipes run out.

Fixing a leaking tap may seem a simple job, but you can run into trouble if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’ve followed all the steps listed above, go to our BLOG on FIXING A LEAKING TAP to take you through the step-by-step process.

Fast Plumber is your local plumber. Our focus is on a fast response to your plumbing needs by experienced, qualified plumbers who know what they’re doing. Contact us today with any questions or plumbing problems on 1800 00 FAST  or mobile 0437 288 80

You can also send us an email to info@thefastplumber.com.au