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How to Change a Tap Washers
How to change a tap washer and stop drips and leaks.
Water tap washers can fail at any time and the result is a constant dripping and loss of water. To replace a washer only takes about 10 minutes if you know what to do and have spare washers and tools readily available. In fact, it's a good idea to always keep a supply of washers, a suitable spanner, pliers and a screwdriver handy in a container and in a handy location, like a kitchen or sink cupboard.
Be sure that you have the correct size of washers and that you have washers that can cope with hot water. Nowadays there are many different types of washers on the market and it's worth studying just what is available. Simple cheap ones do not last long and can make taps tight to turn on and off. More sophisticated washers, like those with springs with rubber balls inside, greatly facilitate turning taps on and off easily. These kind are particularly useful for people suffering from arthritis. They also avoid the need to ream out damaged valve seats.
Repairs on most taps are the same. Washers are used every time taps are used and eventually become worn or chewed, especially if the tap valve is worn.
The procedure for changing a tap washer is as follows:
1. Turn off the water supply, either at the mains or a tap near your fixture. Hot water systems, for example, often have a tap near the hot water tank. If you are changing a hot tap washer you can turn off supply there instead of closing the whole water supply.
2. Open the tap to be treated. Turn it fully on.
3. Unscrew the tap head and lift the top of the tap away. Be careful not to scratch the chrome when using spanner or pliers.
4. On most taps the washer just fits loosely inside. Throw the old washer away and insert a new one.
5. Refit tap head and tighten.
6. Turn water supply back on and when water comes through, turn the tap off.
7. Now inspect for drips and leaks. There should be none. Turn the tap on and off a few times to make sure it is working properly.
If washers need replacing frequently the valve seats of the respective taps may be worn or damaged and may need reaming out. This is done with a special tool that screws into the tap body. It is not expensive and the job is easy to do and does not take long.
When using water taps it is a good idea not to over tighten them when turning them off. This can damage the tap washers. Just turn taps off enough to stop any drips.
Changing washers is a good time to think about other things in your wet areas. Is water draining away well? Maybe you need to clean your drainage plugs and pipes. Sink drainage plugs and pipes, for example, can get clogged with things like hair and soap slime. This can be cleared with a few strokes of a plunger. If this does not work you can unscrew the release plug of the under-sink pipe and scrape it all out.
It not only helps your water drain away quickly but also helps prevent infection from germs.
Teach you how to change a tap washer and stop drips and leaks.
Keywords
Tap Washers
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