So how DO you fix a leaky tap?
Before we begin we have to understand how a tap works. Most types of taps employ a similar mechanism of a valve that opens and shuts a pipe through which the water (or fluid flows). They often have a rubber washer against which the tap handle presses and a cartridge that holds the innards of the tap mechanism together. Most of the time, leaks and drips can be stopped just by replacing the cartridge and/or washer, whichever the case may be.
Supplies:
- A pair of leather gloves
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Replacement parts (rubber washer and/or tap valve cartridge)
- Strip of leather or some good old ducting tape – wrap this around the parts of the tap you won’t be disassembling to keep the shiny surface of the tap free from scratches when you’re taking it apart.
- A shoebox for holding all the things you take apart so you don’t lose them!
- Time - depending on how long you take to go to the hardware store to get a replacement part, or how long the person in the shower can keep singing to themselves without realizing the water’s off. If you’re a real speedy champ, you can omit this item altogether!
Ready, set, how-to:
1. Put on your gloves.
2. Turn off the water! (It’s surprising how most people often forget to do that). You must turn off the water from the main supply. There is usually a valve at the mains. If you don’t know where it is, trace the tap’s supply pipe back down below the sink or if it goes through a wall, it’s usually in a panel in the wall. In the case that there isn’t any main supply for the tap, you’ll have to excuse the person in the shower and ask them to be patient and believe in what you’ve learned from this how-to guide!
3. Don’t take off the tap straight away, first drain any water in the pipes leading to the tap itself by turning it on. It often drains most of the water, but often there is still a bit of water which stays in the pipes, so don’t be afraid to get a bit wet.
4. Take off the handle of the tap. This can be done by removing any decorative caps on the tap handle (they often have a screw holding them onto the handle or are pressed on to it. Use the screwdriver to unscrew or lift it off. Put the handle in the shoebox.
5. Next take out the cartridge with the help of the pliers. Be careful, don’t start pulling and prising it out as it often has a nut or ring to hold it in place. You can remove that with the screwdriver or pliers.
6. Go to your nearest hardware store with the cartridge and buy an exact replacement. If you can’t tell the difference between types of replacement cartridges, ask the storekeeper to direct you or give you the same type.
7. Go back to your tap and retrace the same steps in order to put the tap back together. Cartridge>nut/ring>handle>decoration.
8. Finally, turn on the water from the supply and turn your tap back on!
9. Check for leaks and drips. A good way to check for leaks is to turn the tap off, put you hand over the mouth of the tap and turn on the tap slowly. If you still have a leak, you’ll see it immediately. You’ll just need to recheck and tighten any screws or fittings that weren’t fully affixed back in place.
10. Take off your gloves, and tell the person in the shower to stop that awful singing and get out of there for Pete’s sake!
