Essex Plumber

Changing the washer in a tap is a basic DIY plumbing job that anyone could carry out.

Tools needed for the job

How to proceed

Step One

Firstly turn off the water supply to the tap. This can be achieved by turning off the ball valve. See example picture below.

Step Two

Run the water and turn the screw half way until the water stops running.

If there is not a ball valve on the supply pipe then you will need to turn off the mains water that runs into the house/flat.

Step Three

Now with a spanner unscrew the nut on top of the tap as shown below

Step Four

Remove the shaft from the tap. On the bottom of the shaft which has been taken out of the tap will be a rubber washer that looks like this

Step Five

The rubber washer is what needs replacing. To do this you pull the washer off the pin (if washer is to hard to pull off then you will need to cut the rubber washer off) once this is done place a new washer over the pin.

Step Six

Now screw the shaft back into the tap with your hand and tighten with a spanner.

Turn the water supply back on and test for any leaks

To find a recommended plumber to carry out this job please click here.