how do you change a tap washer?

Answer 1

Turn the water off, undo tap body, change washer, replace tap body, turn on water - done xxxx

Answer 2

If it is a traditional tap and not ceramic (quarter turns, no washer) you can replace the washer yourself. Turn off your tap at the MAINS if it is a cold tap. If a hot tap, tehre is usually a stop-tap near your hot water tank you can turn off. Otherwise you need to turn off the mains and drain the hot water system (may take some time). If you're lucky you may find a stop tap just below the sink which you can turn off.
Once you have down the above, getting to the washer depends on the tap design. With some you need to loosen a cover to get to the 'works'. With others you can clearly see the nut-shaped barrel. Unscrew it counter-clockwise and you should get access to the washer assembly. Make sure you have some replacement washers (it may be an idea to get a few different sizes if you are not sure as some taps are bigger than others, e.g. bath taps). Remove the old washer (may need to undo a screw) and replace it with one of the correct size. Replace everything in the reverse order. If the tap continues to leak, it may need a tool to reseat, or better to replace it completely. Ceramic taps are different.

Answer 3

You need firstly a wrench that will undo tap head , new washer and small rubber rings on tap (Good idea to replace these when you have it all apart) Before you start fill jug with water as you will need a coffee or tea if you have not done this before. Now you need to go outside to turn off the water; check on returning that water is off by turning on the tap there should be no flow ; the tap handle may need to be taken off on some to be able to access the main nut. It is fairly logical but take steps one at a time and have a break when stressed. Undo main nut and take off the tap; washer is taken out and replaced ; check if you can replace also rubber rings (no stress only if obvious) now put everything back. check that it screws off and on ; turn off and then you can go outside and turn water back on. If it seems a bit daunting ask around someone maybe willing to show you how ; your tap will be easier to turn off and on with a new washer; will hopefully not drip Good luck have a nice day

Answer 4

Sounds easy doesn't it?
The last time I had to change a tap washer was many years ago, recently my hot water tap had a very slight dribble, this was making my combi boiler cut in.
Easy job over to the plumbing shop knew I would need a hot water type washer.
The guy in the shop asked "Is it a quarter turn tap sir"? and went on to describe half a dozen other taps, all of which required separate sorting! I got a plumber in it was a quarter turn tap (now outdated) no washers on these things new taps required, so they match, new pipe work leading up to the new taps .
It would have been cheaper to move house!!
Better luck with yours.

Answer 5

Mine was more difficult than it first appeared! It's a traditional type chrome plated tap with a cross-style "capstan"(?) and an enamel looking hot/cold label in the middle. You know, mock Victorian.

Get an adjustable wrench with rubber or something to protect the chrome - i ruined mine. Get something to hold the tap body to stop it turning with the top. Then unscrew the top bit, lift off, take out o ring, clean inside, replace o ring / washer. screw it back together. If it's a hot tap you'll probably need to drain the system?? I'm not a professional!!!!

Answer 6

Depends on what type of tap you have. Supa taps can have the washer changed without turning the water of, Is it a mixer tap,or one with a capstan head. Be more specific.

Answer 7

From a psychological point of view you can't, unless it wants to change...

Or you could screw off the top of the tap & swap the washers. You may need a wrench to unscrew it & also make sure the water is turned off first !