How to repair dripping taps

There's nothing quite as irritating as a leaky tap! Here's how you get rid of that drip-dripping.

Level of difficulty

Level 1: Basic

What you need

  • Tap washer
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Screwdriver
  • Screws

The steps to follow

1. Turn off the main water supply.
2. Turn on the tap to drain the water.
3. Lift off the top plate of the tap handle by sliding a flat head screwdriver into the edges of the top plate. Gently tap the screwdriver with a hammer until the top plate is loosened.
4. Unscrew the retaining screw inside the tap handle.
5. Remove the tap handle to expose the hexagonal nut.

Note:
If you have a capstan head, unscrew the screw that holds the head. Remove the capstan head and the cover to expose the hexagonal nut. Unscrew the hexagonal nut and the headgear to reveal the jumper. Undo the nut with a spanner whilst holding on to the jumper with pliers.

6. Remove the old tap washer from the jumper.
7. Replace with a new tap washer.

Note:
Measure the size of the old washer and replace with a washer of the same size.

8. Reassemble the tap and the capstan head/top plate.

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