How to Change a Tap Washer

Here is a video on how to change a tap washer. Below the video are pictures of the tools used and the types of taps that this procedure is suitable for. Then of course you have the option to call me if you do not want to do the job yourself. You can contact Alpha plumbing Wolverhampton for all your Wolverampton plumbing requirements on 01902 212 979 or 07581 008 133

 

 

 

Tools you will need for the job.

Thin Flat Bladed Screwdriver Pozi Screwdriver Adjustable Spanner Reseating Tool
tap washer changing tap washers Wolverhampton plumber plumbing wolverhampton

Isolation/Service Valves & Stopcock

Service/Isolation Valve Push Fit Service Valve Push Fit Service Valve Stopcock
plumbing advice plumbing in wolverhampton plumbing maintenance

 

repair a stopcock

Taps

These taps usually have a small screw at the side securing the tops and the body screws off to reveal the valve On these taps the hot/cold tops screw off to give access to the screw securing the top
changing tap washers plumbing jobs

Ceramic Valve Taps

With taps that have a rubber washer the assemble of the taps is pretty standard and they are all very similar when it comes to repairing them. Washers for these taps are to be found at any DIY store or plumbers merchants.

With modern taps that have ceramic valves fitted it’s a very different story. The head gear (handle/top) can be secured in any number of ways, most usually with a grub screw requiring an allen key to remove it. Because there are hundreds of different designs of ceramic tap there are hundreds of different valves and your best option is to contact the manufacture for a replacement valve. If there is no name on the tap then you could remove the valve and take it along to B&Q, they are the only store I know that carry a couple of types of ceramic valve, and try and match your valve. Failing that there is a very good online store called Lunns where you may be able to find replacements.

How do you know if you have taps with ceramic valves? Ceramic valve taps you only have to turn the tap a quarter to three quarters of a turn to operate the it where as a tap with washers you have to screw down a number of turns to close the tap.

Replacing the valves on ceramic taps can be quite expensive and it can be cheaper to replace the taps. If you do not feel confident in replacing your taps then give your Wolverhampton plumber a call I’m here for all your Wolverhampton plumbing needs.

Wolverhampton Plumbers on Google Places