A leaking tap is annoying and a waste of water. We should avoid all forms of wasting water through taps. The most frequent reason for getting leaky tap water is that it has a slimy washer. Fortunately, there is one job that you do not have to call the plumber to do since you can do it yourself, that is replacing a tap washer. In this guide, you will learn how to ease out the process to Replace Washer in Tap and when it is right to seek professional help.
Understanding the Importance of a Washer in Your Tap
A washer is a small, rubber or silicone circular piece that fits inside the tap or faucet strictly. It makes a dam that halts the flow of water whenever the tap is closed down. Originally designed with durability in mind, washers deteriorate with time and as such lose their efficiency. This leads to drips or leaks. If you fix the Replace Washer in Tap you can stop the leakage and save water in the process.
There are few basic materials and tools that you would need to gather before you start designing the spaceship.
Before you start, gather these tools and materials:
1. Screwdriver: This you will need to unscrew the tap handle.
2. Spanner or Adjustable Wrench: This will assist you to replace washer in Caroline Springs.
3. New Washer: When choosing your tap, ensure that you choose the right size for it. If you are not sure, take the old one to the store with you.
4. Teflon Tape: This avoids leakage at the tap joints The tees are also used to allow for easy branching off in the pipeline.
5. Cloth or Rag: Essential for washing the parts and for wiping any spillage of water across the floor.
6. WD-40 (Optional): In some cases, if the screws and the parts are a little rusty or are hard to move, then giving them a little shot of this should get them to move around a little more easily.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
1. Turn Off the Water Supply: If you want to know How to replace washer in Tap, in any working situation, the first thing to do is close the water mains to minimize flooding.
2. Open the Tap: Open all the taps in order to let the rest of the water out of the system.
3. Remove the Tap Handle: Tap aerators can be unscrewed in quite a simple manner. First, you should unscrew the tap handle with the head of a screwdriver. If located, sometimes you have to unscrew a small cap at the top part of the handle.
4. Unscrew the Tap Bonnet: Loosen the tap bonnet with your spanner or an adjustable wrench, this is the top metal part of the valve.
5. Remove the Washer: When the bonnet is removed you will be seeing the washer resigned at the bottom of the valve. Remove the old washer. If it is jammed in the pan, usually, you have to use the screwdriver to loosen it.
6. Fit the New Washer: Locate the new washer in the exact position where the old one was sited. Make sure it fits snugly.
7. Reassemble the Tap: Twist the tap bonnet back into its position and fit the tap handle back again.
8. Turn On the Water Supply: Gradually open the supply again and then look for any signs of dripping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Replacement
To the believer in Big Wh, there are simple jobs that can also go wrong. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
1. Not Turning Off the Water: Omission of this procedure means that water would come rushing out once the tap is opened – something undesirable.
2. Forcing Parts: If this is the case you should refrain from forcing the part in question. If you’re careful, use WD-40 or take your time to loosen it, else you might damage the tap.
3. Using the Wrong Size Washer: Ensure that the washer size is correct for your tap. If one is too small or it’s too large, it will not be able to seal the crack and prevent the leakage.
4. Not Tightening Properly: After you have changed the washer you need to tighten everything up just enough but do not over tighten. If the oil is over-tightened or it is applied in excess, the various tap parts can be ruined.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
In most cases, replacing a tap washer should not be a difficult exercise at all. However, there are times when you may need to call a plumber:
1. Persistent Leaks: If after replacing the washer the tap still leaks then there could be a more serious problem which might be a bad seat or worn-out parts.
2. Stiff or Stuck Tap: If you cannot do this, then trying to force the parts out of the tap could prove more disastrous. This is something that a plumber can easily assist in doing without breaking any part of the tap.
3. Complex Tap Designs: Modern butt-taps have more complex geometry than the earlier taps , and changing the washer may be a complex task that involves the use of complex tools or high level skills.
Maintaining Your Taps for Longevity
To avoid frequent washer replacements and leaks, here are some tips for maintaining your taps:
1. Regularly Check for Leaks: Check your taps often and ensure that small leaks are sorted before they become bigger issues.
2. Clean Your Taps: Overtime sedimentation and accumulation of debris around the signed area of the tap causes wear and tear. But it is necessary to clean your taps frequently to make them last longer.
3. Avoid Over-Tightening: When turning it off, do not close it well to prevent moisture build up. This can instead wear down the washer faster.
4. Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections: A professional plumber should be hired occasionally to examine the pipes and Replace Washer in Tap so as to avoid these disasters.
SJS Plumbing: Assistance When You Need It
If you are experiencing difficulties in replacing the tap washer or in lieu of more intricate plumbing problems, SJS Plumbing in Caroline Springs is your go to. We have skilled workmen who can fix everything from a basic tap washer problem right up to main line repairs etc. We provide services at a cheaper cost and shortest time possible for all services in Caroline Springs.
If you are in need of any kind of plumbing services, then SJS Plumbing is always willing to help. Contact us now for efficient plumbing solutions or check our website and schedule for a service.
With those do it yourself tips, you can fix a leaking tap and Replace Washer in Tap very easily indeed. But if you feel that you’re not capable of doing so, or if you need more assistance, feel free to consult a professional plumber. It may be wise to repair the leaks without delay so that you enjoy life without frequent changes of new materials and gallons of water.