How to Fix a Leaking Tap

Find out how plumbers fix a leaking tap by changing a tap washer in our easy-to-follow guide below.

If the sound of a dripping tap isn’t torture to the ears, we don’t know what is. From the constantly resounding “drip drip” to a high-pitched running trickle, a leaking tap can send us round the bend, especially when trying to get some shut eye at night.

But it’s not just our sanity that takes a battering. A leaking tap can lead to many more problems such as water damage caused by a leak, wasted water, a hefty water bill, or a completely irreparable tap that needs replacing.

So it’s really important to get onto a leaking tap as soon as it happens, and get it fixed. In some cases though, you’ll need a complete tap replacement as some tap models can’t be repaired or have gone past that point of no return. Firstly, though...

How to fix a dripping tap from leaking

Now you know what could be causing your tap to leak, we get to the fun part on how to actually change a tap washer. Get your tools ready!

1.    Empty/drain the pipes

Always, always, always remember to turn the water off at the mains and empty/drain the pipes before attempting a tap service. This is the first rule of thumb to avoid an unplanned shower! To empty the pipes simply turn the water at the mains off, then turn the affected tap on to bleed any excess water out.

2.    Remove handle

Gently remove the tap button by popping it off with a screwdriver, or grabbing a spanner to help if needed, then slide or unscrew the tap handle. This may not always be possible as there are other handle securing methods which require specialist tools.

3.    Remove tap skirt

Sometimes secured with sealant by the previous plumber, you may need some pliers to remove this part. Be careful not to damage the surface of your tap with your tools.

4.    Remove tap body

Using a spanner, unscrew the tap body to reveal the jumper valve inside. You may need a specialist tube spanner.

5.    Replace washer

Remove the old, damaged washer with a pair of needle nose pliers and take it, along with the jumper valve, straight to the hardware store to replace it like for like.

6.    Clear debris

Make sure you clear all debris and sediment from inside the tap seat in the wall.

7.    Reseat if necessary

Check tap seat for wear by shining a torch in and checking with your finger. If wear is detected, such as a small channel in the brass, it must be reseated. This will require a special tool.

8.    Replace O-ring

There may be two O-rings, so again as with the washers, remove and take to your hardware store to replace like for like. Then replace them onto the tap spindle.

9. Replace fibre gasket

While at the hardware, grab a new fibre gasket to replace too.

10. Regrease

Regrease the tap spindle and insert back into tap body.

11. Reassemble

Put the tap back together in the same order you disassembled it and voila! Your newly serviced tap is ready to go. Just remember to turn the water back on at the mains…

Now you know how to fix your leaking tap, either go ahead and give it a try, or give your local Perth plumber at MC2 Plumbing a call to get it done right for you. After all, some things like haircuts and tap leaks you technically CAN attempt yourself, but are really best left to the professionals!

You could give it a go yourself or alternatively call your trusty plumber at MC2 Plumbing and we’ll get it sorted for you on the double.

The face of MC2 Plumbing, Lee is your friendly, nice-guy-next-door type bloke. Once a professional tap dancer, Lee went from dancing on taps around the world to fixing taps in Perth (with over 20 years in the trade).

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