how can i stop tap leaking?

leeking stop tap

harvey
July 2008

there is a leak from the valve which connects the water to the washing machine. the valve is swiched off but yet water is driping. the pipes are copper.

shan
September 2004

If I was you Mal I would go to the local Market, find the tool stall and ask the guy for a tap wrench, get him to show you how it works and then ask him if he has any tap connector washers, half inch for sink and basin, three quarters for a bath, if you cant get them there go to a local diy place, whilst your there ask for a small tub of 'plumbers mait' then go home turn off the water and undo the tap to let the pressure out, then get under there and remove the tap connector followed by the big nut, if you cant undo it all the way dont worry, as long as you have enough room to put a ring of plumbers mait under it between the tap and the body the jobs nearly done, screw it back together as tight as you can so that plumbers mait squezes out from underneath the tap, then put a new washer into the connector to the tap, this can sometimes be awkward to get out, but does really need doing.
screw it back together and its as good as new.

Derek
June 2004

It might be leaking from the back nut, or it could be leaking between the washer that is under the tap and the sink itself.

Turn off the water and check that with the tap on, no water comes out before you start.

If you think it is leaking from the back nut, try undoing it, then use PTFE tape or Boss White on the threads and retighten the nut and try again.

If it is leaking from the washer between the tap base and the sink, then you might get away with tightening the larger diameter nut directly under the sink - otherwise you need to inspect and replace this washer.

There is a special sprung spanner that makes it much easier to work on the nuts under the sink.

BobG
June 2004