Masters Home Improvement

A leaking tap is annoying, a waste of money and water.

The good news is you can fix it yourself in a few easy steps.

What causes a leaking tap?

Usually 1 of 3 things: the washer, the o-ring or the jumper valve, although it’s usually best to replace all three while the tap is disassembled.

The washer could be a rubber, or a ceramic disc or a cartridge. All can wear over time and may need to be replaced. All parts come in standard sizes so bring your worn part to the team at Masters who will help you find a replacement.

Tip

• If you are unsure about your tap’s system, take a picture and bring it into your local store where a Masters associate will be able to help you identify it.

Some single lever mixer taps have a ceramic cartridge that can be specific to a particular manufacturer and may need to be specially ordered.

Tip

• The easiest way to tell which one you have is by turning the tap handle. If it only rotates a quarter or half turn, it will probably have a ceramic disc. If it rotates more than this, it will generally have a rubber washer.

Let’s fix that drip

Before you begin make sure to turn off the water to your house. The mains tap is usually found at the front of your house or in the street. If you’re in an apartment the mains tap will probably be in the bathroom or laundry.

Step 1

Turn the leaking tap on to release any water in the pipe and then turn it back off. Now put the plug in the basin so you don’t lose any small parts down the drain.

Step 2

Remove the tap’s cover with a screwdriver, undo the screw and remove the handle. (The screw is most likely to be under the hot or cold symbols but some taps have screws on the side).

If the tap is shrouded with a metal cover, unscrew this by hand or with a wrench. Use a cloth between the wrench and tap surface to stop scratching. Next, unscrew the tap bonnet with a spanner or wrench.

Step 3

Now you can take off the headgear and you should see the large body washer, the o-ring and the jumper valve. The jumper valve should just fall out.

Replace all three parts and apply waterproof lubricant to the o-ring, bonnet and spindle. Refit the bonnet and spindle making sure not to over-tighten the nuts.

Tip

• Waterproof lubricant will help extend the life of your o-rings and spindles.

Step 4

Now reverse the process to put it back together. Screw in the tap bonnet and replace the metal shroud. Replace the handle, screw it into place and pop the cover back on.

Leaving the tap in the off position, turn the water mains back on before turning the tap on to check the leaking has stopped.

Tip

• Give your rubber washers a longer life by not over tightening your taps. Remember that it’s usual to see a few drips after you have turned your tap off.

What if the tap still leaks?

If your tap is still leaking it may need reseating. The ‘seat’ of the tap is where the washer sits and it sometimes gets worn or split.

To fix this, you’ll need a reseating kit from your local Masters Home Improvement store.  Follow the instructions on the pack.

Important - Please read: All information and tips in this publication are of a general nature only and Masters does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information and tips in this publication.  This publication is not intended to be a substitute for expert advice.  Masters advises you to always consult an experienced and qualified person when undertaking jobs of this kind (including consulting a qualified tradesperson such as an electrician or plumber where relevant expert services are required).  You should also consider any safety precautions that may be necessary when undertaking the work described in this publication (including wearing any necessary safety equipment such as safety glasses, goggles or ear protectors or hard hats).  The information and tips in this publication are provided on the basis that Masters excludes all liability for any loss or damage which is suffered or incurred (including, but not limited to, indirect and consequential loss or damage and whether or not such loss or damage could have been foreseen) for any personal injury or damage to property whatsoever resulting from the use of the information and tips in this publication.  Masters also notes that there may be laws, regulations or by-laws with which you must comply when undertaking the work described in this publication.  You should obtain all necessary permissions and permits from council and/or any other relevant statutory body or authority before carrying out any work.  Masters Home Improvement Australia Pty Ltd ABN 21 066 891 307.