A leaking tap is one of the most common problems that we encounter in our households. Though most house problems call for a repairman's help, there are some repairs that you could actually do on your own. In the case of a leaking tap, you don't have to immediately call a plumber to fix this problem. Here are some simple steps on how to repair a leaking tap.
The very first thing that should be done when trying to fix a leaking tap is to turn off the main water supply valve. Handle it carefully otherwise you will end up doing more damage than repair.
Once you have turned off the main water supply, the next step is to cover the sink hole so as to prevent things like screws and washers from falling inside the drain. Next, unscrew the tap cover to remove the rest of the screws and keep them aside safely. Then remove the head of the tap.
Once you have removed all the other screws, its now time to remove the larger headgear nut using a spanner. But make sure that you do not cause any damage to the pipe work attached to it otherwise you will be in a bigger problem and will have to take some experts help to get out of it.
If the headgear nut is still difficult to turn, you could apply some oil around the joint and wait for about 5-10 minutes for it to soak in the oil before trying to remove it again. You could also try to apply some heat to it by using an electric paint stripper or a blow torch but always remember to be careful when using such equipments.
Next, remove the washer. You can simply use a screwdriver for this. If it is not coming out easily, make use of some oil and the try removing it again.
Fit in a new washer in place of the old one. Before reassembling everything, grease the base of the tap. Use a screwdriver and a spanner to put everything back into place. Turn on the water supply to check if the problem was solved.
After following the above steps, if you are not able to fix the issue, then it's time to call a professional plumber as some things are better left for the experts.
Author Resource:
Scott Rodgers is a well-known author who has been providing great guidance on plumbing works all over the country. His incredible knowledge has, in fact, sparked significant rise in revenue for talented plumbers across the nation, from North Fort Myers Plumbers to Katy Plumbers .