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How To Change A Tap Washer

Tap washers aren’t perfect, they get older a bit as we humans do, and once they get worn they begin to function less and increasingly ineffective. Amidst an overwhelming majority of leaking tap cases today, a leaky tap will likely be corrected by changing your tap washer.

Installation of plumbing fixtures (changing tap washers) whether it is for domestic or commercial buildings is governed by rules and regulations which differ from state to state within Australia. Service Heroes are registered and licensed local plumbers operating withing Sydney across a wide range of locations in NSW such as Prospect, Newport, Forestville, Bexley, and more.

Why is your tap leaking?

A typical tap will contain two main parts, the seat and therefore the tap washer. When the faucet is turned on, the washer is directed towards the seat creating a pressure build-up. This forces the water out through the spout and into the sink. once you turn the faucet off, the washer makes a watertight seal by pushing against the seat, preventing any water from flowing through and out the faucet.

Constant dripping water and identifying its cause can be equally frustrating. Associated reasons why your tap leaks would include:

  • The tap washer
  • O rings
  • Loose parts within the tap
  • Pressured pipe: excessive pressure within the pipe can result to tap leaks.

Different types of taps

Taps vary in sizes and in their make-up. Some of them are traditional taps while others are modern. Traditional taps are regularly made of tap washers, unlike modern taps that are made of ceramics in place of tap washers. You should consider speaking to a plumber in Sydney before setting up your taps either for your bathroom or kitchen.

  • The washer tap: this is often a popular type of tap that operates by turning its handle.
  • The Disc type tap: this is an example of a modern kind of tap that doesn’t use the traditional tap washer. It is fitted with a ceramic disc that allows water flow when the handle is aligned to let the water flow.
  • The Mixer tap: This is a double-headed tap suitable and fashionable for modern bathrooms. It is basically a single tap, however, it has two controls: one each for hot and cold water.
  • The Monobloc Tap: this tap is similar to the tap washer tap, except that it has one handle which turns left or right to give hot or cold water.
  • Cartridge Tap: This combines the features of all aforementioned types of taps. Its regulator is fitted with an internal cartridge capable of regulating temperature when it is moved left or right, and the flow of water when it is moved upwards or downwards.

Tools you’ll need

Tools you’d need to change a tap washer are commonly owned by households in NSW Sydney. Include:

  • Spanners
  • Flat-head screwdrivers
  • Crescent wrench
  • Adjustable pliers
  • Pipe fittings
  • Clothes.

Traditional types of tap such as the washer tap come with a traditional washer that can be replaced in easy to follow steps highlighted below

  1. Turn off the main supply of water and ensure residual water in the pipe is left to drain completely. It is always safe to double-check that the main water supply is shut off by turning on another tap in order to avoid getting wet while you work.
  2. Using your flathead screwdriver remove the cover from your tap. Preferably use the flat screwdriver to uncover the lid on your tap in order to avoid boring a hole in your tap cover while using a Philips screwdriver.
  3. Once the cover is lifted off the tap you should discover a screw underneath the cap you should unscrew.
  4. Loosen the tap with a crescent wrench and Lift out the tap.
  5. The washer is located beneath the cartridge. Remove the screw and rubber washer from the tap bottom
  6. Replace the rubber washer with another that matches your tap absolutely. Tap washers packs usually come in varied sizes so that you can choose the most suitable from it. It is best practice to replace the tap washer with the best possible match.
  7. Install a new washer and attach screw back to the bottom.
  8. Reassemble tap components the same way it was disassembled. Attach cap cover to your tap and switch on the supply to test for tap leaks.

Tips: While choosing a suitable tap washer replacement for the existing one, a tap washer with a 15mm to 20mm diameter is the best fit for hot and cold water taps. Basin taps usually use 15mm, while 20mm is ideal for the bathroom taps.

If an unlikely event occurs as you attempt adjusting your tap washer only to get that your tap still leaks, we will only apologize – and also direct you to the top of this guide where we’ve suggested what else may have caused it.

How Service Heroes can help

There are so many things DIY tricks that can help you achieve, although when plumbing needs are handled by non-professionals e.g. changing a tap washer, it could often worsen the situation. Call a local plumber expert in Sydney to get a one-time fix tap to replace tap washers,

Service Heroes as heroes of service to the entire Sydney area offer top-notch plumbing service that caters to all plumbing services.

Whether it is traditional tap or “a state of the art” tap fitting you’ve got in your home or commercial center such as hotels, shopping malls, e.t.c, Our certified plumbers who are licensed to work in Sydney Australia is up to the task to provide you with beats your expectation.

Get your leaking taps fixed fast. Act fast today before small droplets of water or clogged drains result in bigger plumbing challenges. Treat leaky taps before they leak away from your hard-earned income.