Essex Orange Fix-a-Tap Tap Fitting Kit for 1/2" Taps - for Ceramic Wash Hand Basin.

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There is a huge amount of different types and sizes of washer and O-ring for all of the various appliances and applications they could be used in and this is no different when it comes to taps.

Step 6 – Replace Washer and Grind Valve Seat: To replace the washer either undo the retaining nut holding it in place or use a flat screwdriver to prise it off. Even if it’s not in bad condition, as the taps apart it’s worth replacing now. Next use a tap valve seat grinding tool to flatten the base of the valve seat and provide a nice flat surface for the washer to close down on to If your leaking tap is really old and stiff or wobbly, you might be better off just replacing the tap to save you from the stress (and money) of going through all that and it still drips. Now that you know all about the different causes of a dripping tap and how to access the tap valve inside it’s time to strip your tap down and find out what’s going on. We have detailed below the full procedure for changing a tap washer and re-grinding the seat if that is also required. Step 1 – Turn off the Water With today’s emphasis on caring for the environment, any form of leak, no matter how small, should be sorted immediately. If you are on a metered water supply then this will also be costing you a small fortune, so save yourself some money and get it sorted!As you can easily mix and adjust the temperature of the water in the actual tap as opposed to the bath or basin you’re filling, they are also much safer to use and avoid the age-old process of dipping a finger or toe to see if you get burnt or frozen! If there are any O-rings present make sure you change all of these also. Simply hook them off using a small screwdriver, measure the exact size of each one and then replace with those of the exact same size.

Some valves have a small retaining nut for the washer, as the one in the image below has. Some have the washer simply pushed on to a centre lug. Either way, now you have got this far, you may as well change the washer weather it’s worn or not. Most washers are symmetrical and turning the old one over will give you a new surface to work with so don’t do this.

With all the different manufacturers, most taps differ slightly in size and due to this often the size of washer that’s needed to ensure an adequate seal and prevent any leaks. He solved the problem by removing and then re-fixing the tap, ensuring that the tap and O-ring were aligned properly around the hole in the sink. One to watch out for – thanks, Lance! Mixer taps have several advantages over traditional individual pillar taps in that the overall temperature of any flowing water is much easier to control and adjust, often just by moving a lever.

Leaks can also be caused by the valve seat in the body of the tap. Over time, due to the pressure of the water it tries to force its way under the washer and little by little it erodes the brass from which the seat is cast. Tiny little canals are formed in the seat which allows water to pass under the washer and out through the tap. They also look contemporary and modern in appearance and due to their popularity, are available in a huge range of styles and designs, with options to suit any and all tastes. Tap body: This is the main body of the tap and houses all of the items required to make it function correctlySome taps will have caps and covers on the knobs to make them look nicer. Prise these off with a flathead screwdriver and put them somewhere safe. Unscrew the tap handle