There are few things worse than a dripping tap. Here’s our guide to solving that head-wrecking problem.
It may appear one of the simpler DIY tasks but, like anything, its only easy when you know how.
What you will need
- New tap
- Correct tap fittings (nuts, bolts, washers)
- Basin or bucket
- Kneepads
- Wrench or vicegrips
Step 1
The first thing you will have to do is to stop the water supply to the tap your replacing, we’ve all made that mistake. There’s a couple of ways you can cut off the supply, turn off the penny valves either at the sink, or the hotpress. The other option is to cut off the water supply to the entire house. Best to cut off the supply locally either at the sink or hotpress.
Step 2
Run the taps until the water supply is empty in the taps and pipes. Trust us, you dont want to make the mistake of having pipes full of water before you go changing taps!
Step 3
Using an adjustable wrench or vice grip, unscrew the connector nuts that attach the tap tail to the water pipe.
Step 4
Find the back nut that holds the tap in place. This is normally found under the sink, directly under the tap.
Step 5
Using the adjustable wrench or vice grips unscrew the nuts. Ensure you keep one hand on the tap itself as when it comes loose it may fall into the basin causing chips to the ceramic.
Step 6.
Unpackage your new tap and place it on the now exposed tap tail.
Step 7
Connect up tap with nuts, bolts and washers. Once tightened. place plumber’s tape around the new joint for added security
Step 8
Turn back on your water supply, reversing the steps you took above. Once your water supply is back on turn back on your tap (step back just in case) and hopefully you wont be dealing with localised flooding in your bathroom. If you followed the steps you should have a brand new tap minus the drip dripping.
Step 9
With your new found mastery of this skill, run yourself a bath. If anyone asks why you’re having a bath tell them it’s all to do with the big job you’ve just completed.
Step 10
And as with all DIY jobs you’ve mastered, ensure everyone knows about your handy work. Randomly slip it into conversations and offer your tap-mending services to all who’ll listen.
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