How To replace a worn tap washer   

Which is normally the cause behind a dripping tap?

Replacing a washer is a simple job so there really is no need to call a plumber in to do the job as long as you have a few basic tools such as adjustable spanner, pipe grips and small screwdriver. 

When you start on the repair work first thing to do is turn off the water supply to the dripping tap, this can be at the main stop cock for the cold tap, or near the hot water cylinder or tank for the hot water tap,  or if separate isolating valves are fitted to the taps you can isolate there also.

 Turn on the tap to remove any water in the system feeding it. Before any dismantling takes place – slot the plug in the outlet of the sink in case you drop any tiny nuts or screws down the plughole. Take the top of the dripping tap.

Most recent modern taps have indication markings in colour on them as in – blue for cold and red for hot, Markings as such are normally a small insert in the middle of the knob. These small inserts usually are a type of camouflage that hides the screw which holds the knob. 

A small screwdriver is needed to lever off the insert to reveal the hidden screw. Take the screw out  then release the tap knob, always have the right tools for the job – it makes sense as well as making the job easier. Using the correct sized spanner above the joint, firmly grasp the dripping tap spout to prevent the body of the tap turning, if necessary use pipe grips and cloth to prevent scratching of the tap body, if the tap moves or dislodges then connection under the sink may have loosened make sure to check before turning the water back on.

Undo the valve and remove. Not all taps you will find have detachable valve jumpers. Most valves have a tiny retaining nut for the washer, where as others may have the washer pushed onto a central lug. You can either undo the nut to release the old washer or prise the withered one over the lug. Replace the old washer with a new replacement and if need be replace the nut.

Before you replace the tap valve check that the tap seat is not damaged, if it is then repair it or replace with a tap conversion kit before refitting the valve. A new washer will not mend a dripping tap if the seat is broken.

On completion turn the water back on and check thoroughly for leaks around and under the repaired tap.

In most cases ceramic taps require you to replace the complete cartridge,

rather than just the tap washer, the following video will explain fully how to do this.

 If you have any problems changing your tap washer or ceramic tap disk, please

give us a call on 0774-779-7110, and we will be pleased to help.

Radiator Problems (Not Enough Heat)

A regular problem with wet central heating systems is radiators which are hot or warm on the bottom, but cold or cool at the top. The problem is usually caused by a build up of air or corrosive gas in the radiator. The most likely reasons for air being trapped in the system are:

• Corrosion and sludge in the system releasing gas.
• Air entering your central heating system when topping up the system with water.
• Water leak on the central heating system

Although this is not normally serious it is clearly not energy efficient and you need to fix it. It can be fixed easily by bleeding or venting the radiator.

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How to Bleed a Radiator

First turn your central heating off to avoid sucking air in to the system,you then need to open the radiator bleed screw usually found at the top or rear of the radiator, you need to use a radiator key for this, also make sure you have a cloth or container ready to catch any excess water whilst bleeding as sometimes the water can be quite dirty, turn the bleed screw no more than half a turn to release the trapped air, after all the air is released close the bleed screw and test the radiator, if the problem reoccurs it may be the system requires power flushing to remove corrosive particles (sludge) from the system.

“A doctor is having some trouble with a blocked kitchen sink. He calls his local plumber, only to be told that it’s his day off. “But I get called out on my days off, too!” says the doctor, somewhat annoyed. The plumber relents and shows up at the doctor’s house he glances over the sink and then hands the doctor a couple of aspirin and walks out, saying, “Put these in the sink. If it doesn’t clear up in 24 hours, call me tomorrow.”

“A good flush beats a full house every time

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We look forward to hearing from you all soon,

Mike.