Help with leaking tap

caretaker · 7 May 2013

Can anyone tell me how to stop my taps from leaking, when i say leaking its more like one drip every hour.
The taps are on the bathroom sink, they are ones you twist 1/4 of a turn could be called forset taps.
They do have a little cap on the top.
LEVER BASIN PILLARS they are dicribed as.
Now i am no good at plumbing so hopefully will be an easy fix.

gregmcateer · 7 May 2013

First up, isolate them from supply (hopefully small, screwdriver-turned valve under the basin, if not, turn off supply)
Carefully prise off the trimming discs on the top, (if present), using eg very small screwdriver/blunt thin blade.
probably a crosshead screw underneath - undo and then pull off tap top.
Often a circlip will hold down the tap head, so remove this carefully, (They have a tendency to ping off around the room!!)
Undo the head and remove the washer - it will probably be worn/pitted, so replace with new ones.
In the vein of Haynes Manual advice - Reassembly is the reverse of removal.
That should be it, but if not, tap seats may need grinding, (easy, but you need a tap grinder)
HTH
Greg

Chrispy · 7 May 2013

Snap............. here's my version

Look under sink and see if there is a service valve, if there is use a screw driver to turn off the water both hot and cold if its a mixer tap, then it's quite easy to take them apart and have a good look to see how they work give it good clean out and put back together and see if it improves, if not you have not lost anything and you now know how to replace to insides just take the cartridge in side to a plumbers merchants and they should be able to sell you a replacement.

Limey Lurker · 7 May 2013

Put the plug in before carrying out the above.

Lons · 7 May 2013

If 1/4 turn taps then the chances are they are ceramic valve type which apart from cleaning can't be serviced and the valves must be replaced. (Try cleaning first and flushing with water in case of grit between the plates).

If replacement is needed, the safest bet is to take the valve to a nearby plumbers merchant or large B&Q store as there are several types and sizes. Will cost you between around £4 to £10 a valve and often sold in pairs as hot and cold are usually different and the valves are colour coded.

To remove the valve (after isolating the water supplies), hold the tap to stop it turning and use a spanner or parrot nose wrench to turn the brass valve nut anticlockwise. Wrap a cloth around the tap first as there is always residual water. Easy enough to do for anyone with basic DIY skills.

Taps with washers might be a little less convenient but are a damn site cheaper to fix. I replace dozens of ceramic valves every year.

Bob